Imagine running a beloved community cafe for nearly three decades, only to be abruptly told you have 30 days to pack up and leave. That’s the harsh reality facing Angel’s Cafe in Calgary’s Edworthy Park, a cherished local spot now caught in the crosshairs of the city’s urgent Bearspaw feeder main replacement project. But here’s where it gets even more complicated: this isn’t just about pipes and construction—it’s about livelihoods, community bonds, and the human cost of infrastructure upgrades.
For 28 years, Angel’s Cafe has been a fixture along the north side of the Bow River, serving as more than just a place to grab a coffee. It’s a community hub, a lifeline for employees like a single dad with four kids, and a cherished gathering spot for locals. Yet, after signing a five-year lease just six months ago, owner Cathy Jacobs received a shocking notice from city officials: the cafe must relocate within 30 days to make way for the accelerated replacement of the Bearspaw feeder main, which has ruptured twice in less than two years.
And this is the part most people miss: Jacobs claims there was no warning, no negotiation, and no compassion from the city. “There was no conversation, no care,” she told Global News. The sudden eviction has left her sleepless, contemplating permanent closure as early as Sunday. “This is his lifeline,” she said of her employee, “and that’s being threatened right now.”
The city’s decision to expedite the project is understandable—the existing feeder main poses a risk of further rupture, and water supply concerns from the Glenmore Reservoir add urgency. Originally slated to begin in spring 2024 with a 2028 completion date, the project is now on a fast-tracked timeline, aiming to finish by December. A new steel pipe will be installed parallel to the existing line, with construction crews already staging in part of Edworthy Park’s parking lot—one of three such locations.
But here’s the controversial part: While the city insists it’s communicating with affected parties, Jacobs feels blindsided. “I don’t know where to go,” she said, facing the daunting task of dismantling her business and finding a new location. The city’s statement emphasizes its commitment to supporting impacted residents and businesses, but for Jacobs, the damage feels irreversible. Ward 7 Coun. Myke Atkinson acknowledges the disruption, calling it “unfortunate” but necessary due to the emergency. Yet, the question remains: Could more have been done to ease this transition for a business deeply rooted in the community?
The project’s first phase will use microtunnelling from the Shaganappi Pump Station to 73 Street N.W., navigating major roadways, the Bow River, and the CPKC rail line. The second phase, from 73 Street N.W. to 89 Street N.W., is still in the design stage, with details expected soon. Contracts have been awarded to Ward & Burke Microtunnelling Ltd. and Graham Construction after the city canceled its competitive bid process to speed up the work.
As Jacobs hopes to meet with city councillors to plead her case, the clock is ticking. By February 22, her cafe must be fully vacated and torn down. “Next week I have to pack the building up, move everything out of here, and put it somewhere,” she said. “I don’t know where.”
Here’s the bigger question for you: In the race to upgrade critical infrastructure, how much responsibility does the city have to protect small businesses and the communities they serve? Is this a fair trade-off, or does Angel’s Cafe deserve more support? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—this is a conversation worth having.
