Calgary Stampede noise dispute resolved as Alberta and city reach agreement

A dispute between the Alberta government and the City of Calgary over noise restrictions at this year's Calgary Stampede has been resolved, just days before the annual festival begins.

Premier Danielle Smith and Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas confirmed on Saturday that an agreement had been reached to keep reduced concert hours and lower noise levels for outdoor performances during the 10-day event, which starts on 3 July.

In a post on X, Smith said: "This compromise provides greater certainty for this year’s Stampede."

"I want to thank everyone who came to the table in good faith and worked toward a solution. Happy Stampeding. Yahoo!"

Farkas also announced the agreement on social media, writing: "We have a deal."

“Compared to last year, bass is lower, live music ends every single night at midnight instead of 1: 30 a.m., and weeknight activity wraps up by 1 a.m. instead of 2 a.m,” he said.

According to the Canadian Press, the agreement also includes a memorandum of understanding between the Alberta Sheriffs and the Calgary Police Service to strengthen the provincial agency's presence during the festival.

The dispute began after the city introduced stricter noise limits following hundreds of complaints from residents last year.

Smith had warned Calgary to reconsider the restrictions or face possible provincial intervention before the two sides reached a compromise.