Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas is extending an olive branch to Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and other critics who have accused city hall of being the "fun police" over new noise restrictions for music tents during the Calgary Stampede. Farkas, who has been embroiled in a heated debate over noise levels and quiet times, says it is time to move on.
Farkas Defends Noise Bylaw Changes
Speaking on Friday, Farkas defended the city council's decision to lower noise levels by five decibels and require concerts to end at midnight on weeknights and 1:30 a.m. on weekends. The changes apply to large music tents, including Cowboys and Badlands, which have drawn complaints from downtown residents about excessive bass and late-night noise. "I had to back up the people who live in the downtown," Farkas said, emphasizing that the tents are located near residential areas and have little connection to the Stampede's western heritage.
Critics Accuse City of Woke Conspiracy
The mayor's stance has sparked backlash from conservative figures, including Premier Smith, who earlier slammed the city as the "fun police." Farkas fired back by criticizing the Smith government for hiking minimum drink prices, though the province later nixed the increase. Despite the tension, Farkas now says he is ready for a truce. "If I was a woke mayor of Woketown, my opening salvo wouldn't have been for cheap beer," he quipped.
Culture War Narrative Rejected
Farkas dismissed claims that the noise restrictions are part of a culture war attacking cowboy culture. "The facts never fit the BS culture war narrative. People tried to turn this into some kind of culture war. It never was," he said. He noted that the tents feature artists like Flo Rida and Sean Paul, not traditional western performers like George Strait. The Calgary Stampede itself has not opposed the rules, as the tents are not affiliated with the Stampede.
Residents vs. Lobbyists
The debate intensified after a lobbying campaign by Conservative strategist Jenni Byrne's firm pressured Farkas to relax the rules. However, the mayor held firm, citing the need to protect residents from noise pollution. "I’m the first mayor in 75 years who actually came to city hall from working at a ranch. I’ve shovelled enough BS to know it when I see it," Farkas said. The Badlands tent on 9th Avenue S.W. has been a particular source of complaints, with its electronic music heard blocks away.
Stampede Not Affected
Farkas emphasized that the changes will not harm the Calgary Stampede, which operates under its own responsible noise guidelines. The tents in question are separate events, he noted. As the Stampede approaches, the mayor hopes the controversy will subside. "I’m ready for a truce," he said, urging critics to bury the hatchet and stop playing politics with Stampede tents.
