The event, which attracted 25,000 concert-goers to Fort Calgary, was also the loudest yet. Inglewood resident Mary Laws says the bass, in particular, was overwhelming at times. “The noise was louder than any other event they’ve had this year (at Fort Calgary),” Laws said. “The bass was especially loud and it’s the first time I’ve heard crowd noise from my house.” City bylaw officers watched the event – the City of Calgary’s noise bylaw sets limits on how loud concerts can be and specifically limits bass, which can’t exceed 80 decibels when measured outside the venue. Ben Brackett, head of festival and event planning for the City of Calgary, says bylaw officers noticed the sound levels were excessive on the first night. “Long story short, the first night, yes, it did (exceed the statute’s limits),” Brackett said. “Calgary bylaw reached out to event organizers and informed them of the concern. The event organizers then reduced the intensity to acceptable levels and maintained that level for the rest of the weekend.” Of greater concern to some living nearby, especially those near the gates, was the behavior of fans leaving the event. Lisa Schrader lives just a few houses from the exit. She says concert-goers continued to party in the streets in front and behind her home, littering and urinating around her property. “I felt uncomfortable,” said Schrader, who eventually sat on her front step to chase the partyers out of her house. “25,000 people leaving a concert venue after partying all day and all night? I’m not saying that there can’t be parties or concerts, but maybe not on this scale and they need to be organized much better.” Brackett says the city received 36 complaints through its 311 lines. He says the level of complaints is not unusual when an event moves into a community. “This level is not unusual for a new event or an event that is new to an area. However, these complaints are something that is absolutely important for us to hear so we can make sure we work with the event organizer to mitigate issues in the future if the event continues to be hosted at the same location.” This is the first year Country Thunder has been held at Fort Calgary. In previous years, it was held at Prairie Winds Park in northeast Calgary. Organizers say the concert needed a bigger venue this year after a three-year hiatus.
‘Glad to be back’
Country Thunder communications director Gerry Krochak admits there have been growing pains in his move downtown, but considers this year’s concert a rousing success. “All in all a great weekend and the fans pulled it off. It was a great crowd and a great, great weekend,” Krochak said. “We realize not everyone will be happy, but we have 25,000 people who thought it was a really great time, so we apologize to anyone who was inconvenienced over the weekend – but we’re delighted to be back after a three-year absence. “ On Twitter, while in New York, district councilor Gian-Carlo Carra responded to several complaints, saying outdoor events like concerts add vibrancy to the city, but says vibrancy should fit as comfortably as possible into everyday life of Calgarians. . Cara says the city will review its event city policy this year and encourages Calgarians concerned about the events to voice their concerns in those discussions.
