WATCH: They visit thousands of tents during Stampede. Building inspectors have to make sure the temporary structures can hold up to whatever Calgary’s weather can throw their way. Doug Vaessen reports.
CALGARY – Calgary Stampede tent owners know all too well that their prized possessions can go south in a hurry when severe weather strikes the city.
“Oh yeah, that’s why I tend to keep my tables in slightly, so when the wind is blowing sideways and the rain is coming in sideways, my product stays dry,” said Pampered Chef owner Stacey Sandulak.
It’s a risk that keeps city inspectors busy during Stampede.
“All those tent poles become spears in a high wind, and especially with children around, so it’s protecting people and equipment—safety first here,” said Randy Reid, a supervisor with the city’s Inspections and Permits department.
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If vendors have 600 square feet or more under a big top, a permit is needed, and inspectors will visit the tent. If there’s cooking inside, the rules and regulations pile up faster than the sausages.
“Cooking is hazardous in itself—the open propane, open flames—so there is a lot of rules around that,” said Reid. “No propane ever inside the tents.
“Tents are flammable. Even the best of them are fire-resistant, not fire-proof.”
Reid said people need to know where tent exits are located so they can get out in case of extreme winds or a fire.
The city says up to 300 permits will be issued, and thousands of tents inspected. It’s a necessary protocol that vendors are happy to oblige.
“You want to have everything safe for everybody, that’s why it’s important that inspectors come around and check it,” said Sandulak.
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