01-40_WC_149_JUL-AUG26_PT - Flipbook - Page 6
FIRST DROPS
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THE CITY OF CALGARY announced the appointment of Michael
Thompson as Acting Chief Operating Officer (COO) – Water
Utility.
The COO role follows the findings and recommendations
of the Bearspaw South Feeder Main Independent Review
Panel, which identified the need for stronger operational
accountability, integration, and oversight across Calgary’s water
system.
“Calgarians expect reliable water service, and we are
accountable for delivering it,” said David Duckworth, Chief
Administrative Officer. “This role is about strengthening
how we operate the system, with clear accountability, better
coordination, and disciplined execution. Michael is the right
leader to take on this role now. He brings deep knowledge of
our water system, and a proven ability to deliver in complex
environments and drive the urgent changes that we are
making.”
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WATER C AN ADA • JULY/AUGUS T 2026
As Acting COO – Water Utility, Thompson will focus on
improving system reliability and operational performance,
strengthening integration across planning, capital delivery, and
operations, establishing clear, end-to-end accountability for
water services and advancing implementation of the Review
Panel’s recommendations.
“This role is a key step in strengthening how the city
delivers safe, reliable water services to Calgarians and managing
risk across critical infrastructure systems,” said Duckworth.
“Michael has a clear mandate to improve performance and
reduce risk, and we will continue to be transparent with
Council and the public on our progress.”
Thompson currently serves as General Manager of
Infrastructure Services and will take on the acting role Of COO –
Water Utility for 18 months, while Calgary continues advancing
its current priorities as well as implementing the Bearspaw South
Feeder Main Independent Review Panel recommendations.
WATERCANADA.NE T
City of Calgary
Calgary appoints COO of newly created Water Utility
