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Calgary city councillors have voted not to change the rules capping late-night sound levels during the Calgary Stampede, despite encouragement from the provincial government.
Changes to this year’s rules for outdoor events caught the ire of Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who has said they show a “fun police” approach that will harm business and the festival.
But a city council motion Tuesday to roll back some of the curbs on sound levels and closing times for shows, in the name of compromise, was defeated nine votes to six.
Mayor Jeromy Farkas, who has championed keeping the existing rules to show respect for Calgary residents who live within earshot of the noise, says the current rules are more than fair.
He says they reflect the expectation that no business is above the law.
Festival tents during the Stampede will need to end their shows by midnight on weekdays, with a five-decibel cut to noise levels compared with last year.
The premier’s office expressed its thanks to council for taking the time to debate the issue.
“We are encouraged that Calgary Bylaw Services has extended the cooldown period from 12:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., a positive step toward addressing stakeholder concerns about safely moving patrons out of downtown,” said a statement provided to CBC News.
The province also encouraged all parties to continue working together to address any outstanding issues.