Calgary Appoints Acting COO – Water Utility

By Trenchless Technology Canada Staff July 14, 2026

Effective June 22, Michael Thompson is the acting chief operating officer (COO) – water utility for the City of Calgary.

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,” says 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.”

As acting COO – water utility, Thompson will focus on improving system reliability and operational performance, strengthening integration across planning, capital delivery and operations. He’ll establish clear, end-to-end accountability for water services and advancing implementation of the Review Panel’s recommendations.

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“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,” says 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.”

The City conducted a comprehensive recruitment process, supported by an external executive search firm, to consider a strong and diverse field of candidates for the role. However, there is a strong need for leadership that can step in immediately, bring deep system knowledge, and drive execution at the unprecedented pace at which we are currently working.

Thompson currently serves as general manager of infrastructure services and will take on the acting role of COO – water utility for 18 months. The City will continue advancing its current priorities and implementing the Bearspaw South Feeder Main Independent Review Panel recommendations.

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SOURCE – City of Calgary