Are there specific rules of conduct in public places?

As one of Canada's largest cities, Calgary has a detailed system of municipal bylaws that regulate behavior in public places. These rules were not created to make life difficult for residents, but to ensure safe, clean, and comfortable coexistence in a densely populated urban environment. Understanding these rules is especially important for newcomers, as violations of municipal bylaws can result in significant fines ranging from $50 to $5,000, depending on the type of offense.

The system of regulating public behavior in Calgary is based on the principle of balancing individual rights with collective responsibility. The city recognizes that in a multicultural society, people have different customs and traditions, but at the same time sets clear boundaries for what is acceptable in shared spaces. These rules cover virtually all aspects of public life, from behavior in parks and on streets to using public transportation and visiting shopping centers.

General principles of public behavior

The main bylaw governing behavior in public places in Calgary is the Public Behaviour Bylaw 54M2006. This document sets out basic rules of social behavior intended to ensure that all citizens can enjoy public spaces without hindrance or nuisance. The philosophy behind this bylaw is based on a simple principle: your freedom ends where another person's freedom begins.

The subordinate act prohibits a number of actions that may adversely affect the use of public spaces by other people. Among the main prohibitions are fighting in public places, which is considered to be any confrontation involving physical contact between two or more people. It is also strictly prohibited to relieve oneself (defecation and urination) in public places or on private property if it is visible to the public. This rule is particularly important in the context of homelessness in the city, but applies equally to all citizens regardless of their social status.

Spitting on streets, sidewalks, pedestrian walkways, or paths is also strictly prohibited. This prohibition has both sanitary and aesthetic reasons, as such actions can spread disease and create an unpleasant environment for other users of public spaces. In addition, it is prohibited to block passage in public places—a person may not stand or loiter in such a way as to prevent others from using public space.

An interesting feature of Calgary's rules is the prohibition against putting your feet on tables, benches, flower beds, or sculptures in public areas. This rule reflects the Canadian principle of respect for public property and infrastructure. Violations of these basic rules are punishable by fines ranging from $50 to $300, making compliance economically advantageous compared to non-compliance.

Rules of conduct in parks and green spaces

Calgary parks are regulated by a special Parks and Pathways Bylaw 20M2003, which establishes detailed rules for the use of the city's green spaces. This bylaw recognizes parks as valuable public resources that should be accessible and enjoyable for all citizens and therefore establishes clear boundaries for acceptable behavior.

All parks in Calgary are closed to the public at night, from 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. the following day. There are exceptions: Inglewood Bird Sanctuary closes half an hour after sunset and opens half an hour before sunrise, and Shaw Millennium Park is open 24 hours a day. This access control system helps to ensure the safety of both visitors and parks, and allows for maintenance and restoration of ecosystems without human interference.

Campfires are only allowed in designated areas - fire pits or other permitted locations. Arson is strictly prohibited in parks due to the high risk of forest fires and damage to vegetation. Camping and pitching tents or other temporary structures in parks is also prohibited without special permission, which helps to maintain parks as daytime recreational areas rather than places to live.

Vehicles may only be operated on designated park roads and parked in designated areas. Vehicles may not be left in parks between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. The speed limit in parks is 20 kilometers per hour, unless otherwise indicated. These rules help ensure the safety of pedestrians and cyclists, who are the main users of park spaces.

Alcohol in public places

Following a successful pilot program in 2021, the City of Calgary has expanded alcohol consumption in some public parks. This program was a response to the needs of residents of high-rise buildings and densely populated areas who do not have their own yards for socializing with family and friends. Alcohol consumption is only permitted in clearly marked areas and under certain conditions.

Alcohol may be consumed in four types of locations:

  • Individual picnic tables in over 50 neighborhood parks marked with a sign that reads “Alcohol permitted at tables only”
  • Large picnic areas with multiple tables for larger gatherings
  • Open areas where you can spread a picnic blanket and move around with your drink
  • Winter fire pits for consuming hot alcoholic beverages during the cold season

Alcohol consumption is only permitted between 11:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. daily. This time restriction is in line with the city's general noise regulations and helps to avoid conflicts with neighboring areas. Public intoxication and disruptive behavior, including public urination, are strictly prohibited. Most places where alcohol consumption is permitted have public toilets nearby, so visitors should plan accordingly.

All public places for alcohol consumption are available on a first come, first served basis or by prior reservation. However, permit holders have priority. The Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis Act allows alcohol consumption only in designated areas that are clearly marked with appropriate signs. A person must stop consuming alcohol if a police officer or public safety officer believes they are intoxicated.

Smoking and vaping

Smoking in Calgary is regulated through a combination of the provincial Tobacco Reduction Act and the municipal Smoking and Vaping Bylaw. The provincial law is more restrictive and is typically used when investigating smoking complaints. Under provincial law, smoking is prohibited in public places and workplaces, as well as within 5 meters of doorways, windows, or air vents.

The municipal bylaw on smoking and vaping covers specific city facilities and areas. **Smoking and vaping are prohibited at Olympic Plaza, in the +15 system (covered pedestrian walkways), and within five meters of outdoor swimming pools, outdoor skating rinks, playgrounds, skate parks, and sports fields. These restrictions are intended to protect children and families from secondhand smoke, especially in places where children are typically present.

Interestingly, the city of Calgary considered banning smoking in all parks and on pedestrian walkways, but the city council rejected the proposal in June 2022 by a vote of 10-3. Councillors expressed concerns about the enforceability of such a broad ban and whether it constituted excessive government interference in people's lives. They also noted the contradiction between allowing alcohol consumption in parks while banning smoking.

E-cigarettes and vapes are regulated by the same rules as traditional tobacco. There is only one exception: e-cigarettes may be tested in certain enclosed vape shops where the primary function of the establishment is to sell electronic smoking devices. This exception does not apply to kiosks in shopping malls or other establishments such as restaurants or bars.

Noise pollution and noise violations

Noise bylaw Calgary's Noise Bylaw, contained in the Community Standards Bylaw, sets specific decibel limits for different times of day and types of noise. This bylaw recognizes the right of citizens to peace and quiet, especially at night when people need to rest.

Quiet hours officially begin at 10:00 p.m. every evening and continue until 7:00 a.m. on weekdays and 9:00 a.m. on Sundays and holidays. During this period, stricter noise restrictions apply, and some noisy activities are prohibited altogether. For continuous noise, i.e., constant or prolonged sound measured over a period of one hour, the limits are 65 decibels (dBA) during the day and 50 decibels (dBA) at night. For intermittent noise, defined as sporadic or short bursts of sound measured over a 15-minute period, the limits are 85 dBA during the day and 75 dBA at night.

The bylaw also specifically restricts the use of certain equipment at night in residential areas. Prohibited use:

  • Lawn mowers
  • Motorized garden tools
  • Power tools outdoors
  • Model aircraft with internal combustion engines
  • Snow removal equipment (except for 48 hours after snowfall)

The use of outdoor sound systems within 150 meters of residential buildings is also prohibited, except during the Calgary Stampede.

Residents can use the city's 311 service by phone, mobile app, or online form to report noise complaints. When filing a complaint, you must provide your name, contact information, the address of the noise source, and a description of the problem. Although your identity will remain confidential, anonymous complaints will not be accepted. Fines for noise violations start at $250 for the first offense and can increase to $500 for repeat offenses.

Public Transportation

Calgary Transit has its own set of etiquette and behavior rules, which are detailed in the Transit Bylaw and accompanied by etiquette guidelines. These rules are intended to ensure a safe, comfortable, and efficient travel experience for all passengers on the city's public transportation system.

Basic rules of etiquette include:

  • Allow people to exit before boarding a bus or train
  • Show your pass to the driver when boarding
  • Remove your backpack while standing and keep it at your feet so it does not interfere with other passengers
  • Give priority seats to elderly people, pregnant women, people with disabilities, or injured passengers
  • Keep music at a level that other passengers cannot hear
  • If you eat or drink on public transport, take all your rubbish with you
  • Stand away from the doors so as not to block the exit for other passengers

Personal hygiene is also an important aspect of public transport etiquette. During rush hour, passengers may find themselves in close proximity to one another, so using deodorant can make the journey more pleasant for everyone. However, be careful with perfumes and colognes, as many people suffer from allergies to certain scents.

Do not put your feet on the seats - this is not only a rule of good manners, but also a bylaw, and violations are subject to a significant fine. Passengers must keep their feet on the floor and not on the seats. Smoking is also prohibited on transit property, which is an offense under Transit Bylaw 4M81, section 14.

Street performances (busking)

Calgary has a well-developed program to support street performers (bushers), which allows musicians and other performers to showcase their talents in public places for voluntary donations. The city offers three types of licenses for buskers, each with its own specific rules and opportunities.

License types:

  • Standard Busker ID - free, allows performance in public places such as city parks and streets, but does not include public transportation stations
  • Calgary Transit Busker ID - costs $25, requires a police background check, but allows performance in all locations, including transit stations
  • To perform on Stephen Avenue, a standard busker ID and additional permission from the Calgary Downtown Association are required

Rules and restrictions:

  • Busking is permitted from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on weekdays and from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on weekends
  • The maximum performance time at one location is two hours, after which the artist must move to another location
  • Busking operates on a “first come, first served” basis
  • Performances must not interfere with pedestrian, bicycle, or vehicle traffic
  • Volume must be kept at a level that allows customers to hear announcements at stations and converse in a normal tone

Popular locations for busking include business districts such as Kensington, Fourth Street, Inglewood, Bowness, Montgomery, International Avenue, Chinatown, Victoria Park, and Downtown. Calgary parks are also available for busking, including Olympic Plaza, Tomkins Park, Century Gardens, Harmony Park, and Riverfront Promenade. However, busking is prohibited in Devonian Gardens, and in some specialized parks it is only allowed during park hours.

Littering and cleanliness

The issue of litter in public places is regulated through the Street Bylaw (section 17) and Parks and Pathways Bylaw (section 13). These bylaws establish strict fines for various types of littering, with a particular focus on the improper disposal of cigarette butts, which are one of the most common types of litter in the city.

Fines for littering range from $500 to $1,000, depending on the type of offense. Throwing lit cigarettes or burning materials is punishable by an increased fine due to the risk of fire. If a vehicle is used for littering, the vehicle owner may be held liable even if they did not personally throw the litter.

Cigarette butts are a particular problem for the city because they are not made of cotton or paper, but of synthetic materials that take years to decompose. The chemicals they contain, such as arsenic and lead, can pollute water and harm aquatic ecosystems. Sunlight breaks them down into small particles that pollute the soil and water. For smokers, the city recommends purchasing a pocket ashtray, which can be found at local stores and popular online retailers.

To report litter, residents can:

  • Call 311 from within Calgary or 403-268-CITY (2489) from outside the city
  • Use the 311 app
  • File a complaint online

Shopping centers and private public spaces

Although shopping centers are technically private property, they function as public spaces and have their own rules of conduct. The Core Shopping Centre, the largest shopping complex in downtown Calgary, has its own code of conduct that supplements city bylaws.

The Core, which spans three city blocks and has four levels of retail, restaurants, and services under the largest glass roof in North America, is easily accessible via the +15 network, the C-Train, and street entrances. The center has its own parking facilities and strict rules regarding visitor behavior.

Shopping center rules include:

  • No smoking in the entire building and on the surrounding grounds in accordance with provincial law
  • Food and beverages are permitted only in designated areas, such as the food court
  • Music from personal devices must be kept at a level that does not disturb other shoppers
  • Large bags and backpacks may be subject to security screening

Devonian Gardens, located on the fourth floor of The Core, is a unique urban oasis with botanical gardens, fountains, fish ponds, and a playground. Additional rules of conduct apply in this area, including no running, ball games, or other active games which may damage plants or disturb other visitors.

Downtown and Central District Features

Downtown Calgary has some specific rules that differ from other parts of the city due to its high population density and commercial activity. Stephen Avenue Walk, part of 8th Avenue South, is a pedestrian zone with special rules for buskers, street vendors, and events.

Special safety and access rules are in effect in the city center after the city council passed the Safe and Inclusive Access Bylaw in 2023 following protests at library drag events. This bylaw immediately prohibits protests within 100 meters of the entrance to recreational facilities or libraries. Penalties for violating any of these bylaws can be as high as $10,000 or six months in jail.

The +15 Network, a unique feature of downtown Calgary, is a series of 62 pedestrian bridges 15 feet above street level connecting 130 buildings. Special rules of conduct apply in this network, including no smoking, busking, or certain types of commerce. The system operates 24 hours a day, but individual sections may be closed during non-business hours according to the schedules of private buildings.

Special events and exceptions

Calgary has a complex system of permits and exceptions for special events, allowing the city to maintain its reputation as a cultural and entertainment center. The Calgary Stampede, the city's largest event, has numerous exceptions to the standard rules for noise, alcohol, and public behavior during the festival.

During the Stampede, the following are permitted:

  • Outdoor sound systems within 150 meters of residential properties, which are normally prohibited
  • Relaxation of noise restrictions for official festival events
  • Designation of special alcohol consumption areas outside of standard park locations

Other festivals and special events may also receive temporary exemptions from city bylaws through a special permit system. Event organizers must apply in advance and demonstrate how they will minimize the impact on the community and ensure compliance with basic public safety principles.

For organizations wishing to hold events involving alcohol at city facilities, there is a special application process through the Athletic Park Special Event Application Form with proof of AGLC approval/license. Security is provided for the duration of the event at a rate of $35 per hour per security guard, with volunteer security guards not permitted.

Changes and future developments

Calgary's public behavior regulation system is constantly evolving in response to city challenges and community needs. In 2025, the city administration is reviewing the weapons provisions in the Public Behaviour Bylaw in response to enforcement issues and growing public safety concerns, particularly regarding the use of bear spray in assaults and robberies.

The proposed amendment prohibits the open display of any item that could be used as a weapon or any harmful substance in public places, with exceptions for activities approved by applicable business licenses, permits, or City of Calgary special event requirements. This includes definitions of “weapon” and “harmful substance” to align with Transit Bylaw 4M81.

The city is also considering amendments to the noise bylaw to allow higher noise levels from the new Scotia Place arena. Current standards do not allow sounds above 50 decibels after 10 p.m., but this standard will not be met by the design of the new $926 million sports and entertainment complex. The city is proposing to amend the bylaw to allow sounds up to 64 decibels outside the arena until midnight several times a year.

Conclusion

Calgary's system of public behavior regulation demonstrates a balanced approach between individual freedoms and the collective needs of urban society. Understanding these rules not only helps avoid fines, but also contributes to a more harmonious and pleasant urban environment for all residents and visitors. The key to successful adaptation is realizing that these rules exist not to restrict, but to ensure that Calgary remains a safe, clean, and welcoming city for everyone.