LAURIE WEIR
The backyard hen pilot project has ruffled some feathers around the horseshoe.
During a committee of the whole meeting on Monday, March 23, Fire Chief Rick Chesebrough presented a revised report to council for further consideration. His recommendation was not to proceed with the project at this time, citing concerns about avian flu as the primary reason.
Council first discussed the program in July 2024 when it decided to explore permitting backyard hens within town limits. The proposal followed several discussions, including a Planning Advisory Committee vote in favour of zoning bylaw amendments in December 2024.
Staff outlined potential challenges, including limited training and resources, veterinary access, carcass disposal, enforcement difficulties, and logistical issues. There were also concerns about increased wildlife presence and the risk of avian influenza.
The program was proposed as a one-year pilot, with budgetary implications to be determined.
Coun. Chris McGuire said the risk level associated with backyard hens did not justify a 24/7 response, as indicated in the proposed bylaw, which was modelled after Carleton Place’s regulations.
“If we’re concerned about staff resources, there are ways to adjust the bylaw to reduce the impact,” he said. “Backyard hen owners shouldn’t be held to the same standard as dog or cat owners. The risk posed by a neglected dog or cat in the community is far greater than that of chickens.”
He added that requiring stringent oversight for an animal that relies on its owners for survival was excessive. He supported moving the bylaw forward under a complaint-driven process and without a licensing requirement.
Coun. Jay Brennan said he had never supported the project and never would.
“The avian flu risk only reinforces my opposition,” he said. “Even without that, I still wouldn’t support it. Livestock like chickens, cows, horses, and pigs belong in rural areas, not in town. Period.”
Coun. Dawn Quinn also opposed the project, citing her experience raising chickens for eggs and meat.
“There isn’t enough room in town for backyard hens without impacting neighbours,” she said. “We don’t have the infrastructure to manage a backyard chicken program. Chickens are meant to be in the country.”
Quinn also noted the town already struggles to manage its feral cat population.
Coun. Peter McKenna agreed with McGuire, suggesting the project move forward as a small pilot without excessive regulation.
“I don’t support hiring new bylaw officers,” he said. “I don’t think that’s necessary. Let’s start small and see how it goes.”
Mayor Shawn Pankow acknowledged the complexity of the issue but said he preferred enabling new initiatives rather than prohibiting them outright.
He noted that the health unit has received 50,000 avian flu vaccines.
“That’s a proactive step,” he said, adding that federal support would be crucial if avian flu became a broader concern.
“I’m undecided on this,” he said. While he acknowledged potential challenges, he pointed out that many municipalities permit backyard hens.
Although Pankow did not see the project as a significant cost-saving measure after the initial investment in chickens, feed, and a coop, he said it provided residents with more control over their food supply.
“It gives people the freedom to choose how they get their eggs and what type of eggs they eat.”
Pankow said he would like to see insights from other municipalities on how they manage backyard hen programs.
Council directed the fire chief to gather feedback from municipalities that allow backyard hens and to revise the bylaw accordingly. Coun. Jennifer Miller, who chaired the meeting, supported moving the project forward.
“We’d like to see the bylaw proposal again before making a final decision on the pilot,” she said.
Miller also requested an operational plan and further feedback from municipalities with similar programs.
