City of Calgary flags infrastructure failure and cybersecurity threats

A year-end City of Calgary report rated capital infrastructure at the most critical level after recent major water main failures and also identified technological disruption and cybersecurity among the top risks; council will discuss the findings this week.

A year-end risk report for the City of Calgary found capital infrastructure at the most critical level and highlighted technological disruption as another extensive risk. The report follows recent major water main failures that affected parts of the city and led to water restrictions. City council members have said the timing could inform planning for the next four-year budget cycle, and the report is set to be discussed by council this week. Key facts: - The report rates capital infrastructure at the highest risk level, describing an "almost certain" likelihood of failure with severe impacts. - The assessment comes after a second major water main failure in 18 months that caused flooding in northwest Calgary and weeks of water restrictions. - The report notes 11 percent of city assets are in poor or very poor condition, citing deferred maintenance, limited investment, climate change and severe weather as contributors. - Technological disruption was also listed as an "extensive" risk; the report said the city's rate of clicking malicious links between May and August 2024 was up to 15 times higher than similar organizations, and a university expert urged broader cybersecurity testing and review. Summary: The report places both infrastructure condition and cybersecurity among the city's leading risks and arrives after recent significant water system problems. Council is scheduled to discuss the findings this week and the report is expected to inform discussions about infrastructure funding over the coming four-year budget cycle.