Alberta Premier Slams Calgary Stampede Noise Restrictions as 'Fun Police' Move

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has voiced strong opposition to new noise restrictions for the upcoming Calgary Stampede, labeling the city's decision as the work of "the fun police."

Smith took to social media platform X to criticize Calgary's move to lower music volume thresholds during the popular rodeo and music festival. She contends that these restrictions will adversely affect workers and potentially cause crowd-control issues by prompting festivalgoers to leave earlier. The premier urged Calgary's Mayor Jeromy Farkas and the city council to reconsider the new rules.

Mayor Farkas, in a memo shared on X, explained that venues operating past midnight were notified in February about reduced permissible sound levels. For weeknights, the maximum decibel threshold has been lowered by five decibels. On weekends after midnight, bass levels can now reach up to 80 decibels, a reduction of five decibels from last year.

These new regulations stem from a significant number of noise complaints received by the city last year. According to the memo, residents reported 225 complaints, with some describing vibrating windows and items falling from shelves and tables during the Stampede festivities. The city aims to balance the lively atmosphere of the event with the peace and quiet of its residents.

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the fun police have struck