Construction is well underway at Cowboys Park in Calgary, but the excitement is tempered by frustration over new noise restrictions imposed by the city. Paul Vickers, president of Penny Lane Entertainment, which operates the Cowboys Dance Hall and Casino, expressed anger over the reduced late-night noise allowances for music festivals during the Calgary Stampede.
New Noise Limits Spark Controversy
The City of Calgary has implemented stricter noise regulations for festival tents after receiving over 200 noise complaints during last year's Stampede. In a letter to venue operators, the city outlined that after midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, noise must not exceed 65 A-weighted decibels. On weeknights, the limit drops to 50 decibels between midnight and 12:30 a.m., with speakers turned off by 12:30 a.m.
Vickers criticized these limits, comparing the allowed noise levels to a busy office party. He argued that compliance is nearly impossible and will hurt businesses and employees, particularly young students who rely on summer work at the festival to pay tuition.
Impact on Workers and Revenues
With reduced revenues, Vickers warned that festival tents may need to lay off hundreds of concert workers, most of whom are students seeking part-time summer employment. He stated, "This bylaw is going to hurt a lot of young people who tell me they work at Cowboys to pay their tuition to go to school."
The regulations apply to venues like Cowboys Music Festival at Cowboys Park, Wildhorse Saloon on 6th Avenue S.W., and Badlands Tent at 725 9 Ave. S.W., all hosting events from July 2 to 12. Failure to comply could lead to enforcement actions, including denial of future permits.
City's Stance and Operator's Concerns
Ryan Pleckaitis, the city's chief bylaw officer, emphasized that sound levels must be actively monitored and managed at all times. The letter states that upon request by law enforcement, sound must be reduced immediately to mitigate concerns.
Vickers argued that the city's approach contradicts its goal of attracting cultural events, noting that other major festivals worldwide allow nearly double the decibel levels. He urged the city to reconsider the limits to support the local music scene and the economy.
