Subject: Development Application LOC2026-0004 – Request for Reconsideration (Bearspaw Reservoir Source Water Protection)

To: The City of Calgary Planning & Development Department

We, the undersigned residents, respectfully submit this petition to formally express our concerns regarding Development Application LOC2026-0004 (7905 133 ST NW, Haskayne) and to request that this proposal be carefully reconsidered in light of potential impacts to the watershed associated with Bearspaw Reservoir and the surrounding environment.

Bearspaw Reservoir is a critical component of Calgary’s drinking water system. The protection of this source water is an essential responsibility in municipal planning and long-term environmental stewardship.

The proposed development site is located in proximity to this important water body. Developments of this nature may introduce risks that warrant thorough evaluation, including:

•⁠  ⁠Construction-related sediment entering the watershed

•⁠  ⁠Potential chemical contamination from construction materials, fuels, or equipment

•⁠  ⁠Stormwater runoff carrying pollutants such as oils, heavy metals, and debris

•⁠  ⁠Wastewater or drainage system failures

•⁠  ⁠Increased erosion or soil destabilization

While mitigation strategies can reduce these risks, it is important to assess whether they adequately address long-term and cumulative impacts. Potential consequences of contamination could include increased water treatment requirements, environmental degradation, and impacts on public confidence in water safety.

It is also noted that in previous development discussions near Calgary’s other major reservoir, Glenmore Reservoir, concerns were raised regarding proximity to a key drinking water source and associated watershed impacts. While each application is unique, these similarities highlight the importance of applying consistent and precautionary approaches when evaluating development near critical water infrastructure.

Beyond water safety, the environmental role of the existing landscape should also be considered. The area may currently contribute to:

•⁠  ⁠Natural stormwater absorption and filtration

•⁠  ⁠Soil stability and erosion control

•⁠  ⁠Wildlife habitat and biodiversity

•⁠  ⁠Overall watershed health

Changes to this landscape could increase surface runoff and reduce natural resilience, particularly in the context of climate variability and cumulative development pressures.

Additional community considerations include:

•⁠  ⁠Traffic volume and roadway safety given limited capacity of local road system which are intended to handle low volume residential access.

•⁠  ⁠Construction and long-term noise levels

•⁠  ⁠Air quality impacts

•⁠  ⁠Stormwater management capacity

•⁠  ⁠Infrastructure demand on surrounding communities

Given the importance of these issues, we respectfully request clear and transparent responses to the following:

•⁠  ⁠Has an independent environmental impact assessment been conducted, including long-term watershed risk analysis?

•⁠  ⁠What specific source water protection standards apply to this project, and how are they being met?

•⁠  ⁠What enforceable safeguards, monitoring systems, and accountability measures will be implemented?

•⁠  ⁠Were alternative locations considered that may present lower risk to critical water infrastructure?

•⁠  ⁠How has community input been gathered and incorporated into the decision-making process?

At a time when water security, environmental stewardship, and climate resilience are increasingly important, it is essential that development decisions reflect a precautionary and evidence-based approach.

The protection of Bearspaw Reservoir and Calgary’s drinking water supply should remain a central priority. We respectfully urge the City of Calgary to reconsider, or relocate Development Application LOC2026-0004, with careful attention to long-term environmental sustainability and the public interest.

This petition reflects concerns based on publicly available information and is submitted in good faith to support informed, transparent decision-making.