Despite provincial demand, Calgary mayor says Stampede noise debate is over

CALGARY – Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has given Calgary a Tuesday deadline to change its noise rules or face possible provincial intervention – but Mayor Jeromy Farkas says the issue is done.

Farkas, asked by reporters Thursday about next week’s deadline, reminded them that he and council debated changing the rules earlier this week and voted no.

“Our formal response was provided in advance of the June 30 deadline,” he said.

He said the rules they have on closing times and music shutdowns for off-site outdoor concerts during the Calgary Stampede festival are the same or even more permissive than comparable events in North America.

“We’ve struck the right balance between the needs of the local residents as well as those of industry,” he said.

Farkas added that the party is on, the beer is cheap and nearby residents won’t be kept up all night with noise.

This year, the city has reduced concert hours and decibel levels for outdoor events during the festival out of respect for residents who must live within earshot.

Calgary did decide to allow for an extra half-an-hour of “cool-down” music to be played for longer while patrons exited.

Smith and other cabinet ministers have sent a letter to Calgary council urging they relax the noise and sound rules, saying the vibrancy of the Stampede is at risk.

Their letter, sent Monday, urged council to rethink the issue or face the province getting involved before the Stampede starts on July 3.

So far, the premier’s office hasn’t taken the option of provincial intervention off the table. The provincial legislature can override local bylaws.

On Thursday, Smith spokesperson Sam Blackett declined to comment directly on the latest comments from Farkas. Blackett deferred to a previous statement in which he said the city and stakeholders should come together to find a solution that works for everyone.

The city has said last year’s events drew hundreds of complaints, including from residents who lost sleep and whose windows vibrated for 10 days due to the noise.

Peter Oliver, a 23-year resident of the neighbourhood near the site of a large concert venue, said he’s pleased city council voted to support those who live in and around downtown.

“I think Calgarians have had enough of the provincial interference,” he said.

He added he believes if Smith’s UCP started tinkering with local bylaws, “there would be a political cost to that.”

The issue turned into a public stand-off after a social media spat that began on the weekend.

It started when Smith labelled city council “fun police” for rolling back the hours and noise.

Farkas fired back, saying if anyone was cracking down on fun, it was the province, given that its liquor regulators recently hiked the minimum price for booze of all types sold at bars and restaurants.

On Monday, Service Alberta rolled back that booze price hike. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 25, 2026.