Calgary residents and businesses have been asked to restrict their water use for the month, but local pubs are assuring football fans there will be enough beer for the Grey Cup. Geoff Allan, general manager and co-owner of Bottlescrew Bill's Pub, said the bar is trending so that it should not run out of its own product, and that other local venues could supply similar beer if needed.

The city is hosting festival events in the lead-up to the Canadian Football League's championship game on Sunday, when the Edmonton Elks take on the Montreal Alouettes. Organizers expect up to 350,000 fans in Calgary, including about 35,000 visitors from across Canada, and another 6,000 hotel room nights have been booked.S2

The restrictions come as the city completes the final repair stage of a problematic water main, the Bearspaw South Feeder Main, which has ruptured twice in the last two years. People are being asked to take shorter showers, flush the toilet less often and run only full loads in washing machines and dishwashers, and businesses have been asked to limit their use as well. The rules are in place until around the end of the month.S2

Melissa Pawlak, head brewer at Bottlescrew Bill's, said brewing happens weeks in advance, so the restrictions will not affect the quantity or quality of Grey Cup beers. The brewery cut its usual water use of about 2,000 litres in half by halting a system that is less water efficient. Kampus Brewing, a short drive from McMahon Stadium, said it is well stocked for what it expects to be a busy weekend.S2

Calgary has faced similar disruptions before: the same main's breaks prompted restrictions before the Calgary Stampede in 2024, with most rules lifting once the event began, and restrictions were also in place over New Year's Eve in 2025. This time, officials had months to prepare, and the city has been able to plan around the championship weekend.S2