Cowboys Fest Fights City's New Noise Laws

Cowboys Music Festival organizers are pushing back against Calgary's recently updated noise ordinances. The new regulations, which include a midnight curfew for weeknight outdoor concerts and a five-decibel reduction in volume and bass limits, are deemed unworkable by Penny Lane Entertainment president Paul Vickers.

Vickers stated that these restrictions make it impossible to operate the festival as usual and could necessitate cutting local opening acts and laying off over 250 staff members. He argues that cities should encourage entertainment for tourism and jobs, which inherently involves noise.

Calgary's administration introduced the stricter rules after receiving 125 noise complaints, along with reports of public intoxication and disorder related to the festival last year. Mayor Jeromy Farkas supports the new limits, aiming to balance urban liveliness with resident expectations for quieter weeknights.

However, some city councilors, like Kim Tyers, believe the music industry was not sufficiently consulted. Ward 7 Coun. Myke Atkinson countered that existing regulations accommodate other festivals, suggesting Cowboys should adapt, though he also acknowledged the need to support businesses.