The Alberta government is launching a formal inspection into how the City of Calgary has managed the Bearspaw South Feeder Main, following two major watermain failures in less than two years.

Municipal Affairs Minister Dan Williams says the decision wasn't taken lightly, but that the recurring disruptions to residents and businesses across Calgary and surrounding communities made an inspection necessary. The province had already requested materials from the city related to its watermain asset management in January — the city complied.

David Goldie has been appointed to lead the inspection. He brings more than 40 years of experience in technical, operational, and governance roles across Alberta's infrastructure sectors, and previously served as board chair of the Alberta Energy Regulator.

The inspection will examine the city's management, administration, and operational practices related to the feeder main, and determine whether provincial direction or corrective action is needed. Under the Municipal Government Act, the inspector has broad powers to require testimony from city officials and access to relevant documents.

The province is covering the cost. The inspection is expected to wrap up by the end of the year, with findings shared publicly once complete.