Most of us have better things to do than study the history of pipeline engineering. So, it took a while for the truth to filter through
Responsibility. It’s a simple word, yet one likely to bring convulsions at Calgary City Hall.
That’s because it’s not among those vague, important-sounding words so beloved by our mayor and her supportive cabal of dutiful councillors.
Mention diversity, equity or inclusion and you’re on rock-solid ground, likely finding yourself quickly surrounded by smiling folk that labour at our civic headquarters, nodding their collective heads with enthusiasm.
But slip in that naughty word responsibility and poof — Houdini himself couldn’t engineer such an impressive disappearing act.
Take the farce our civic water delivery system has become. (It isn’t funny but it’s better to laugh because if Calgarians lose their sense of humour, this broken pipeline brouhaha could turn ugly in a hurry.)
When this first broke — so to speak — we were told such a catastrophic event could not have been predicted. It was essentially an act of God and therefore nobody’s fault. As water pipes are underground and invisible to us citizens, we almost bought this explanation.
But then other pipe problems emerged and, as they, too, were below ground, how come they were spotted but not that original break? Maybe we just didn’t bother looking?
The circuitous route ensuring nobody is ever held accountable for anything was just getting into gear.
Most of us have better things to do than study the history of pipeline engineering. So, it took a while for the truth to filter through. See, after worrying if your deodorant will hold up or those expensive bedding plants can cling to life, the design of water pipes in the 1970s — when this massive Calgary feeder line in question was laid — eventually becomes rather intriguing.
We discover the supporting wiring specifications were downgraded around that time — corporate greed, of course — leading to all manner of cities and towns across our continent eventually experiencing the same catastrophic failure we just witnessed.
So, given the head honchos of civic administration love nothing more than a nice ratepayer-funded excursion to some faraway conference, how come this salient point wasn’t mentioned? What do pipeline folk talk about at such gatherings? Is Richard III’s famous soliloquy superior to Hamlet’s?
Even if relevant city staff didn’t attend such events, surely keeping up with pipeline technology should be part of their jobs.
It is inconceivable they didn’t know this was a massive problem, given the current estimate for cities across Canada and the U.S. to replace such dubious piping is $40 billion.
They knew. The question is did they say anything? If so, to whom? Did it reach the ears of the sitting mayor and council? If not, why not? If so, why wasn’t something done? (By now you might gather we’re conducting our own public investigation into this calamity. The city will do one that’ll last 18 months and ask far less cutting questions. Wait for that version if you wish. You already know the result.)
Meanwhile, on the political front, our mayor, in a ludicrous attempt to absolve everyone of any responsibility, performed a complete about-face. Jyoti Gondek proclaimed such pipes were bursting everywhere and previous Calgary city councils did nothing. (Remember, a mere six weeks earlier the break was an unforeseen, one-off, act of God).
Hence, it isn’t our fault, it’s theirs. Though who exactly “they” are isn’t nailed down. Was it Naheed Nenshi, Dave Bronconnier or, pushing the envelope to extremes, Al Duerr?
Actually, according to Gondek, it’s everyone’s fault and therefore no one’s. Yes, nobody is responsible for this horror show. But surely someone should carry the can?
Yes, indeed. Just take a look in the mirror. Sadly, that person staring back understands responsibility only too well. That’s because it will descend with all the thunder of a hammer blow from Thor himself.
It’ll arrive with next year’s rate bill.
Chris Nelson is a regular columnist.