‘Cut through the bulls---‘: Calgary mayor defends noise bylaw against criticism

Stampede officials are set to share security details, but all attention remains on the event's noise issues.

The back and forth continues between Calgary’s mayor and critics of noise restrictions ahead of Calgary Stampede.

In a fired-up post Monday night, Jeromy Farkas took direct aim at the critics of the city’s rules meant to balance Stampede fun with the livelihood of downtown residents.

“It’s time to cut through the bulls--- about the Cowboys tent,” the mayor said on X.

“Stampede succeeds because Calgarians welcome millions of people into our city. That goodwill matters. A few operators do not get to treat neighbours like garbage and damage the reputation of an event that belongs to all of us.”

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Under Calgary’s new restrictions, weekday outdoor concerts and events must end by midnight, with ‘cool-down music’ permissible until 12:30 a.m.

Allowable bass and volume limits are five decibels lower this year than last year.

The political pushback was quick, with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and federal Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre among the politicians to criticize the rule changes.

“Looks like the fun police have struck again in Calgary, this time targeting the Calgary Stampede music scene,” Smith wrote on social media on the weekend.

Poilievre, who was raised in Calgary, also took to social media, calling out “city hall gatekeepers.”

“Millions flock to the Stampede because IT IS FUN to stay up late and listen to loud music. That brings nearly a billion dollars in tourism and excitement for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” Poilievre wrote.

In his post, Farkas called the reactions from both the premier and Poilievre a “co-ordinated smear campaign.”

“They think you’re stupid and want you to believe that we’re somehow cancelling Stampede by asking the big tents to use the same rules in place at Coachella, Lollapolooza and all the other world class festivals,” he said.

Farkas argues this wasn’t a last-minute change, adding, “The big tents knew in February that their exemption was under review. Cowboys was told again in May.

“Their exemption depended on managing noise, safety, and impacts on nearby residents. They did not meet that standard.”

Noise restrictions up for debate

On Tuesday, city council will debate whether to reverse the contentious noise bylaw.

Ward 1 Coun. Kim Tyers is set to introduce a motion to amend the noise exemption rules to again allow Stampede concerts and events to run until 1 a.m. on weeknights with so-called cool-down music for a half an hour beyond that.

“Recent administrative adjustments to noise exemption permits, including reduced allowable decibel levels, have created operational challenges for festival organizers and raised concerns from industry partners regarding feasibility and reputational impact,” the notice of motion reads.

If passed, Tyers’ motion would also require the city work with event organizers to implement measures to address social disorder around festival sites and review the noise exemption rules for events in the future.

Stampede won’t be cancelled: mayor

No matter what happens with the noise bylaw, Farkas said the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth will go on.

“We are not cancelling Stampede. We are protecting it,” he wrote.

“I want you to know that a permit is not a licence to bully a neighbourhood. It is not a profit guarantee. I was elected to stand up for Calgarians, not to take orders from wealthy donors, lobbyists, or politicians protecting their friends.”

He added he is open to a compromise on the issue that values operators who respect all Calgarians.

“I answer to the nurse on an early shift, the parent getting kids ready for school, and the worker who needs sleep,” Farkas said.

“If you want to do business in Calgary, respect the people who live next door.”