New rules and changes to look out for in Calgary this fall | Daily Hive

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With fall on the way, Calgary is set to see some new rules and changes take effect. From water restrictions to tree pruning, you may want to stay up to date on anything that could affect you in the city.

Here are some new rules and changes you can expect in Calgary this fall.

Calgary Transit fall service changes

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Calgary Transit will see some changes starting on Aug. 31, 2026. Changes include new and adjusted bus routes in North Central and Saddletowne, along with changes to several express routes as the new 500-series network is phased in.

Other updates include an extension and increased peak service for Route 108, increased evening and weekend service along Route 65, and additional service on Route 15. School express routes will also return for the new school year.

The changes are intended to improve connections, better serve growing communities, and make more efficient use of Calgary Transit.

Fall water restrictions

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In a Facebook post, Mayor Jeromy Farkas says that water restrictions may be in place in Calgary for less than a week in September as the City temporarily shuts down the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant to complete electrical work for a new pumping station.

In addition, Calgary is set to enter Stage 4 water restrictions in October as work continues on the Bearspaw South Feeder Main. The restrictions are set to start in mid-October and last for about four weeks.

Stage 4 water restrictions are the most restrictive level in Calgary’s water restriction system. During Stage 4, residents are asked to stop using outdoor water wherever possible, including watering lawns and gardens, washing outdoor surfaces and cars, as well as filling pools, hot tubs, or decorative features.

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Elm Tree Pruning ban is lifted

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To help prevent the spread of Dutch elm disease, healthy elm trees can only be pruned between Oct. 1 and March 31.

Dutch elm disease is a deadly fungal disease that can affect any elm tree. Since it was introduced from Europe around 1930, it has destroyed millions of American elm trees across North America.

The disease is caused by the fungus Ophiostoma ulmi, which can be carried by elm bark beetles. Pruning is prohibited during the warmer months because the beetles are more active and can spread the disease between trees.

Bill 11

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Changes to how private and government-sponsored health benefit plans work together in Alberta are set to take effect on Sept. 1, 2026.

Bill 11, also known as the Health Statutes Amendment Act, includes several changes to how health coverage is coordinated in the province.

Among the changes is allowing doctors to work in both the publicly funded system and the private-pay market. Physicians designated as “flexibly participating” will be able to provide publicly insured services while also charging patients for non-plan services.

The legislation will also allow private insurance plans to cover medically necessary care and create new categories of non-insured hospital services and enhanced goods and services that patients can be billed for.

Extended Producer Responsibility for multi-family homes

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Alberta’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system is expanding to multi-family homes in Calgary this fall, starting on Oct. 1.

According to the city, EPR is when producers and manufacturers are responsible for managing packaging waste when it’s no longer needed. This includes collecting, sorting, processing, partially funding and recycling packaging waste.

EPR came into effect on April 1, 2025, for single-family residential homes and now multi-family homes are following suit.

Calgarians in multi-family homes can expect reduced recycling costs as producers partially fund parts of the service.