Calgary Declares State of Local Emergency Amid Heavy Snowfall Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek has declared a state of local emergency effective immediately in response to the ongoing heavy snowfall that has affected the city since Tuesday. The declaration allows the city to access additional resources and support to respond to the situation, including deploying emergency crews and heavy equipment, and providing assistance to residents and businesses. As of Wednesday morning, Calgary had received over 50 centimeters of snow, making it one of the heaviest snowfalls in recent history. The snowfall has caused widespread travel disruptions, power outages, and damage to property. The city has urged residents to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel, as many roads are impassable. Emergency services are responding to numerous calls for assistance, including vehicle collisions, stranded motorists, and property damage. The state of local emergency will remain in effect until further notice. The city is monitoring the situation closely and will update the public as conditions change. Impacts of the Snowfall: * Transportation: Many roads are closed or impassable due to heavy snow and drifting. Bus and LRT services are experiencing significant delays and cancellations. Calgary International Airport has suspended operations due to poor visibility and runway conditions. * Utilities: Power outages have been reported in several areas of the city. Utilities crews are working to restore power as quickly as possible. * Property Damage: Heavy snowfall has caused damage to roofs, trees, and other property in the city. * Emergency Services: Emergency services are experiencing high call volumes and may have longer response times. Residents are asked to call 911 only for emergencies. City Response: * The city has deployed hundreds of snowplows and graders to clear roads. * Emergency crews are responding to calls for assistance and providing support to stranded motorists. * The city is operating warming centers for residents who need shelter. * The city is asking residents to shovel snow in front of their homes and businesses to help clear sidewalks and roads. Public Safety: * Residents are advised to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel. * If you must go outside, dress warmly and wear proper footwear. * Be aware of the risk of snow buildup on roofs and structures. * If you experience a power outage, unplug sensitive electronics and turn off appliances to avoid damage when power is restored. * Check in on neighbors, particularly seniors and those with mobility issues.Calgary Declares Local State of Emergency over Major Water Main BreakCalgary Declares Local State of Emergency over Major Water Main Break On Saturday morning, the City of Calgary declared a local state of emergency in response to the ongoing water main break crisis. This follows an assessment revealing five additional hot spots in need of urgent repair. The city has engaged multiple private contractors along with its own crews to undertake simultaneous repairs. Initial estimates suggest these repairs could take three to five weeks. Mayor Jyoti Gondek emphasized that the declaration was made to ensure all necessary resources are available for a swift and safe resolution. She also expressed gratitude for the support from the Government of Alberta. However, Gondek stressed that the declaration solely pertains to the repair process, not the water supply. Residents are cautioned to continue conserving water as the water level in reservoirs remains a concern. Despite the high consumption level reported on Friday, Gondek urged Calgarians to further reduce their water usage. Additionally, she advised them to utilize the forecasted rainfall as an opportunity to collect water. The city’s next update is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, and CTV Calgary will provide live coverage.Due to an ongoing snowstorm causing severe traffic disruptions, power outages, and hazardous road conditions, the Mayor of Calgary has declared a state of local emergency. The storm, which began on Tuesday, has dumped more than 50 centimeters of snow on the city, making it difficult for vehicles to navigate. Many roads have been closed due to snow and ice, and several schools and businesses have canceled classes and operations. The city of Calgary has implemented a snow removal plan, but the large amount of snowfall has made it difficult to clear all roads in a timely manner. The Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) is urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel and be prepared for potential power outages. The state of local emergency will give the city additional resources to respond to the storm, including the ability to request assistance from the province and federal government. The city is also asking residents to help out by clearing snow from their sidewalks and driveways, and to check in on their neighbours. The storm is expected to continue for the next several days, and CEMA is advising residents to be prepared for continued snowfall and cold temperatures.