Calgary council upholds stricter Stampede noise rules

Calgary city council has voted to uphold stricter noise regulations for music festivals held away from the main Stampede Park during the upcoming Calgary Stampede, rejecting a last-minute motion to scale back the new rules. The 9-6 vote on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, solidifies changes that will require weeknight concerts at downtown festival tents to end at midnight, with a reduced maximum decibel level.

The new regulations were introduced by city administration in response to significant community complaints stemming from last year's event. Chief Bylaw Officer Ryan Pleckaitis told council the city received 225 noise complaints related to downtown music festivals in 2025, with 125 linked specifically to the Cowboys Music Festival. Residents reported windows vibrating and items falling off shelves. Pleckaitis also noted hundreds of calls to police and complaints of social disorder, including public intoxication and urination, in neighborhoods surrounding the venues.

In an effort to forge a compromise, Ward 1 Councillor Kim Tyers introduced an urgent motion at Tuesday's council meeting. Her proposal sought to extend weeknight concert end times to 1 a.m. and reduce the new decibel...