Calgary businesses to be allowed to use river water during crisis
Calgary businesses whose workflow has run dry under the current restrictions related to a water main repair have been given a break by the city.
Officials say Calgary has applied for and been granted two temporary diversion licences (TDLs) to use water from the Bow River for industrial purposes.
This means that commercial users will be able to access supplies of non-potable water at two locations along the river.
- Sign up for breaking news alerts from CTV News, right at your fingertips
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
The TDLs allow the city to draw 200,000 cubic metres or 200 million litres of water in total.
"This temporary diversion of non-potable water will help reduce pressure on the potable water system that is stressed due to the line break," said Ryan Fournier, press secretary to Alberta Environment Minister Rebecca Schulz.
"(It) is up to the City of Calgary to track and manage water withdrawals and access."
There is no information about where on the river the water will be drawn from but, according to the provincial guidelines on TDLs, they must "have minimal impact on the aquatic environment."
"Recommended sources are: surface runoff dugouts, sloughs and non-fish-bearing lakes and creeks. Fish-bearing lakes and creeks are least recommended," the Alberta government's TDL documentation reads.
TDLs are not required for statutory household use, traditional agriculture use, firefighting, wells equipped with hand pumps, operating alternative watering systems for surface water for livestock that are generally grazed, dugouts that collect surface runoff, hydrostatic testing of pipelines for water diversions up to 30,000 cubic metres and other uses exempted under the Water Act.
Anyone who diverts water without a TDL from the provincial government may face a fine of up to $50,000 for an individual and up to $500,000 for a corporation.
(With files from Kevin Green)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6942519.1719441123!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
More victims come forward in Ottawa rental scam
More people in Ottawa have come forward who say they've fallen victim to a real estate scam, with scammers posing as real estate agents trying to rent real properties.
Bill Cobbs, 'Air Bud' and 'The Sopranos' actor, dies at 90
Bill Cobbs, the veteran character actor who became a ubiquitous and sage screen presence as an older man, has died. He was 90.
'Worrying rumours' of planned 'non-consensual sexual acts' at after-prom party prompts Quebec police investigation
Police south of Montreal are investigating, and a school centre has asked parents not to allow their children to attend an after-prom party, after 'worrying rumours that unsavoury events were be planned by certain individuals related to drugs and non-consensual sexual acts.'
Canucks season ticket holder speaks out after membership revoked
Peter Wortman has been a Vancouver Canucks season ticket holder for 33 years, and was planning to sign on again for 2024/2025. But earlier this month, he got an email saying his full-season membership had been revoked, because the team believes he’s a ticket broker.
Military flees Bolivia government palace after coup attempt fails, general taken into custody
Armoured vehicles rammed the doors of Bolivia's government palace Wednesday in an apparent coup attempt, but President Luis Arce vowed to stand firm and named a new army commander who ordered troops to stand down.
Oilers stars McDavid, Draisaitl played through injuries in playoffs: coach
The head coach of the Edmonton Oilers says some of the team's top stars were playing through major injuries during their Stanley Cup playoff run.
Canadian businessman Frank Stronach facing new charges in connection with historical sexual assault investigation
Canadian businessman Frank Stronach is facing eight new charges after police say they've identified additional victims as part of an investigation into historical sexual assault allegations.
What you should know about the tick-borne disease anaplasmosis
Cases of a tick-borne illness called anaplasmosis are on the rise globally, and that includes across Canada. Biology professor Vett Lloyd says it is important to understand the risk factors for contracting anaplasmosis, and recognize symptoms of an infection, as the disease becomes more prevalent.
'I'm sorry, God': Accused at Coutts border blockade cried when protest abandoned
Anthony Olienick, sitting alone in an empty police interrogation room, breaks down in tears when he learns the COVID-19 protest blockade at Coutts, Alta., has disbanded in part because of his arrest.