Draft Backyard Chicken By-law

Following the community engagement results on Backyard Chickens, Council is now reviewing a draft by-law to manage the Backyard Chicken program. Below is a summary of the proposed by-law.

Definition and Zoning Changes

Definitions: The Zoning By-law has been amended to define key terms such as "Animal Enclosure," "Backyard Poultry," and "Hen."
Zoning Amendments: Backyard poultry are now permitted as an accessory use on residential lots larger than 0.2 hectares in Agricultural, Rural, Residential, and Shoreline Residential zones. A maximum of 6 hens and/or pullets are allowed per lot, with roosters and other domesticated birds like waterfowl being excluded.

Enclosure Specifications

Size and Location: Enclosures for poultry must not exceed 10 square metres and must be at least 10 metres away from neighbouring dwellings.
Construction and Maintenance: Coops must be well-constructed with roofing and secure fencing to protect the poultry from weather and predators. They also need to be kept in a sanitary condition.

Community Feedback and Implementation

The community survey conducted in Fall 2023 influenced these regulations, highlighting the residents' perspectives on backyard poultry. There may be implications for the municipality’s enforcement programs as issues related to the by-law arise.

Current Status

The final reading and passing of the by-law is scheduled to take place on May 15, 2024, signaling the official adoption of these regulations.

This by-law is a step towards accommodating our community members who are interested in small-scale, sustainable food production right in their backyards. For further details or questions about the new backyard poultry regulations, you can see the full Council Report and Draft By-law, or contact the Township Office at 519-376-2729.

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