Councillor seeks to ease Stampede tent noise rules
Ward 1 motion would allow weeknight concerts until 1 a.m., down from the new midnight cutoff, ahead of July 2 festival.
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A Calgary city councillor is moving to soften newly tightened noise rules for Stampede outdoor concerts, just days before the festival begins.
Ward 1 Coun. Kim Tyers has drafted a motion to allow weeknight concerts to run until 1 a.m. instead of the new midnight cutoff, and to reduce maximum noise level cuts to 2.5 decibels rather than the current 5-decibel reduction. The changes came after Cowboys Music Festival drew about 125 noise complaints last year at its new home in Cowboys Park.
Tyers' motion argues the stricter rules created operational challenges for organizers and raised concerns about feasibility and reputational impact. It also calls on city administration to work with event organizers and law enforcement to address social disorder and expand temporary sanitation infrastructure like portable washrooms — two other sources of complaints.
Administration would report back early next year with recommendations for the 2027 festival after consulting stakeholders. Calgary's chief of community standards Ryan Pleckaitis defended the original decision, noting the city heard from residents that music was loud enough to shake windows and force items off shelves. He compared the new rules to requirements at other major festivals like Chasing Summer and the Calgary Folk Music Festival, which typically end by midnight.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith weighed in Monday with a letter urging council to reconsider the bylaw changes and consult broadly with businesses, workers, artists and organizers. She asked for a response by June 30 so the province can evaluate whether it can help resolve the issue. Cowboys Music Festival begins July 2.