The City trials extended hours for special function tents during the 10 days of Stampede

The City of Calgary is considering extending operating hours for businesses that have applied to host Special Function tents during Stampede.

“Cultivating a healthy business environment and ensuring Calgary is the best place in Canada to start and grow a business is vital to our work at The City of Calgary and contributes to the city’s economic recovery,” says Richard Hinse, Director, Business and Local Economy Program at The City of Calgary.

In May, The City reviewed and approved the Cowboy’s Music Festival Special Function development permit. The permit was appealed to the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB). On July 2, 2019, the SDAB made an official decision to extend the hours of operation for Cowboy’s Music Festival to allow live music until midnight, DJ and alcohol services until 2 a.m. and the premises vacated by 3 a.m.

The City is approving the noise exemption permit application made by Cowboy’s Music Festival to align with the hours that SDAB approved on July 2.

In the spirit of supporting local businesses and communities to make this Stampede season successful, The City is accepting temporary noise exemption permit applications until Friday, July 5. This is the first year that The City is trialing noise exemptions for Special Function Tents for Stampede. To ensure a measured approach, applications will be accepted from businesses who have already been approved to operate a special function tent within the date range of July 4 – 15, 2019. The location and site context will be considered in the decision of each application, and we will expedite our review to have all decisions made by 5 p.m. on Friday, July 5.

The City’s Community Standards bylaw outlines decibel levels that are acceptable in outdoor spaces. Those rules will still apply.

“We work successfully with bars and restaurants to maintain acceptable noise levels every Stampede, and throughout the year,” says Chief Bylaw Officer, Ryan Pleckaitas. “We will be proactively monitoring noise and activity around these establishments, and can respond to any concerns we receive from citizens.”

Citizens can call 311 or 403.266.1234 to report any concerns with noise or activity during Stampede, and throughout the year.

To apply for a noise exemption permit for an already approved special function, call 311 or apply online.

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