CALGARY — Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has given Calgary a Tuesday deadline to change its noise rules or face possible provincial intervention – but city Mayor Jeromy Farkas says the issue is done. Farkas, asked by reporters Thursday about the June 30 deadline, reminded them that he and council debated changing the rules earlier this week and voted no. He says the rules they have on closing times and music shutdowns for off-site outdoor concerts during the Calgary Stampede festival are the same or even more permissive than comparable events in North America. He says the party is on, the beer is cheap and nearby residents won’t be kept up all night with noise. Smith and other cabinet ministers have sent a letter to Calgary council urging they relax the noise and sound rules, saying the vibrancy of the Stampede is at risk. Their letter, sent Monday, urged council to rethink the issue by Tuesday or face the province getting involved prior to the Stampede starting on July 3. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 25, 2026. Bill Graveland, The Canadian Press
