Over a dozen Alberta Sheriffs deploying for Stampede security
Officers will patrol festival tents and monitor venues during the July 3–12 event to address safety and intoxication concerns.
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More than a dozen Alberta Sheriffs officers will deploy to support Calgary police during this year's Calgary Stampede, beginning July 3.
Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis announced Monday that the chiefs of both the Alberta Sheriffs and Calgary Police Service will sign a memorandum of understanding this week establishing a joint security plan. The additional officers are intended to address concerns about property damage, public disorder and excessive intoxication spilling into neighbouring communities.
"Alberta's government will do whatever it takes to support a safe and fun Stampede this year," Ellis said. "This MOU will establish a joint team of Alberta Sheriffs and Calgary police officers to patrol and monitor Stampede tents, such as Cowboys, to ensure patrons are being safe, responsible and respectful both inside and outside the venues."
The deployment comes amid backlash over new city noise regulations for festival tents. A petition titled "Save Music During Stampede" has collected more than 3,000 signatures, claiming city hall is restricting music without adequate consultation. However, Mayor Jeromy Farkas said the rules were communicated to operators months ago and that exemption permits were available to those who could manage noise and safety concerns.
Under the new rules, event noise must not exceed 65 A-weighted decibels after midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. On weeknights, noise must not exceed 50 decibels between midnight and 12:30 a.m., with speakers turned off by 12:30 a.m. The city received more than 200 noise complaints last year, with 125 originating from the Cowboys tent.