Noise Complaints Surge During Calgary Stampede 2024
The City of Calgary has withdrawn a noise bylaw ticket issued to organizers of the Badlands Music Festival tent after conducting a review, even as noise-related complaints during this year’s Calgary Stampede have significantly increased compared to last year.
According to municipal officials, 186 noise complaints had been registered as of Thursday morning, marking a notable jump from the 124 complaints recorded during the same period last year. The Cowboys Music Festival led the complaints with 124 reports, followed by Badlands Music Festival with 37, Whiskey Rose with six, and National Saloon with just one.
Residents Report Mixed Experiences
Despite the rising number of formal complaints, some residents living near the festival venues say conditions have actually improved. Michael Dettner-Owens, who resides close to the Cowboys Music Festival, described this year’s experience as “much, much better” compared to what he called last year’s “10 night nightmare.” He suggested that sound may have been redirected in a different direction this time around.
City peace officers continue monitoring noise levels throughout the Stampede week, conducting measurements in nearby residential areas to ensure compliance with noise exemption permit requirements. Ryan Pleckaitis, the city’s Community Standards chief, acknowledged that while decibel levels have decreased over recent nights, bass levels remain problematic.
Stricter Rules Following Political Debate
This year’s Stampede was preceded by heated discussions between festival organizers, Mayor Jeromy Farkas, Premier Danielle Smith, and federal Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre regarding noise exemption permits. Current rules cap noise at 75 decibels before midnight, with bass levels limited to 82 decibels. All live concerts must conclude by midnight, a measure that residents have welcomed.
Mayor Farkas noted that anecdotal evidence suggests improvement regarding noise issues after midnight. He emphasized that while the Stampede will always bring some noise during its 10-day run, focusing entertainment activities during daytime hours and until midnight has helped strike a better balance for the community.
