Mayor hopes Calgary's upcoming water restrictions will have 'no impact' on businesses

Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek says the city is hoping upcoming water restrictions will have "no impact" on businesses.

Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek says the city is hoping upcoming water restrictions will have "no impact" on businesses.

The city will see Stage 4 outdoor water restrictions return from Aug. 26 until approximately Sept. 23, as city crews work to repair 16 new sites on a feeder main affected by a major break two months ago.

Speaking during a public update on Friday, Gondek said there have been questions about how the restrictions will impact indoor water usage for businesses like dentist’s offices, dog groomers and hair stylists.

“We want to have no impact on businesses,” she said. "We will continue to watch what we're doing in terms of water consumption, and I would ask you all to please consider ways – whether you are a business or at home – to reduce your indoor water usage."

Gondek said there have also been questions raised about how the upcoming outdoor water restrictions will affect landscaping businesses, window washers and other businesses that rely on outdoor water usage.

"I can tell you that our city teams are in conversations right now with the types of businesses that rely on outdoor water, and they are coming up with solutions so that those businesses can keep running," Gondek said.

Despite Mayor Gondek’s show of support for small business owners, several local companies that rely heavily on water are struggling financially.