Gina

City Hall gatekeepers are making a big mistake killing jobs, smothering country music culture, and cutting back performances at the world-famous Cowboys celebration during the Calgary Stampede. 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. Hopefully, City Hall will let this 30-year-old music event continue as it has in years past and grow.

Michelle, that is false. The City did not change the rules days before Stampede. Operators who ran past midnight last year were told in February that updated conditions would apply. Cowboys was told again in May. The exemption was conditional. It depended on operators managing noise, safety, and impacts on nearby residents. They did not meet that standard. We are taking public safety in our downtown seriously. Last year several hundred people brought complaints. People reported property damage, windows shaking, items falling from shelves, music until 2 a.m., disorder, and excessive intoxication spilling into nearby neighbourhoods. The City still permits concerts until midnight on weeknights, with cool-down music past midnight. Weekend concerts run until 1:30 a.m., with cool-down music until 2 a.m. No gets a free pass to disturb residents or create unsafe conditions. A great city backs major events and holds operators accountable.

“Fifty decibels (the new rule introduced June 15) is often equated to the noise level of a moderate rainfall, home air conditioning or light traffic… Music festivals in other major cities across North America, Vickers said, typically operate at up to 110 or 120 decibels.” Good grief…is this part of the Blue Sky City rebrand or something Calgary?