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Calgary Ends Angels Cafe Lease to Launch Microtunnelling for Bearspaw Feeder Main Replacement

City leaders say microtunnelling from Edworthy Park is the only viable way to replace the failing feeder main on an accelerated timeline.

Calgary mayor Jeromy Farkas said he he stands by the city's decision to terminate the least with the cafe, calling the move "unfortunate," but necessary to allow for microtunneling work to replace the feeder main.
Angel’s Cafe owner Cathy Jacobs (R) shares a chuckle with a passerby as they read a sign in front of the cafe in Montgomery, near Edworthy Park in northwest Calgary, on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026.
Homes near Edworthy Park might have to pack up and leave until construction on the Bearspaw feeder main is complete.
Angel's Cafe owner Cathy Jacobs poses on the rear of the company pick-up truck in front of the cafe in Montgomery, near Edworthy Park in northwest Calgary, on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026.

Overview

  • Officials invoked a 30-day termination clause after realizing the scope of the Edworthy Park launch site, notifying the cafe within 24 hours.
  • Mayor Jeromy Farkas defended the decision, warning a cut-and-cover route along 16 Avenue through Bowness and Montgomery would be far more damaging to businesses and residents.
  • Crews have mobilized, two vertical shafts up to six metres wide are being prepared, and steel pipe deliveries are expected within days.
  • The project is being compressed from a typical four years to roughly one year with completion targeted by year-end to address repeated ruptures.
  • Owner Cathy Jacobs, who renewed a five-year term six months ago, supports the urgency but seeks a path to return as the city works with nearby tenants on options and prepares a council update on the next stage next month.