Backyard Chicken Pilot Program

The Town is currently reviewing the possibility of a pilot program to permit the keeping of chickens in residential areas, for the personal consumption of eggs.

Several items are being considered with regard to regulating the keeping of egg-laying chickens, including but not limited to:

• Establishing regulations regarding the location and maximum size of the chicken coop,
• Limiting the location of coops to the rear yards of properties with a minimum set back from property lot lines and the dwelling,
• Establishing a registration system for chicken owners
• Regulating the minimum and maximum number of chickens to be kept
• Creating regulations regarding the keeping of the chickens, such as minimum cleaning standards, food storage, chicken excrement storage and disposal, carcass disposal, etc.
• Establishing a minimum age requirement of chickens (4 months) to confirm the sex of the chicken
• Prohibiting the keeping of male chickens (roosters)
• Setting standards to mitigate public nuisance, such as noise, smell, etc
• Establishing requirements to ensure the health and safety of the chickens being kept
• Establishing the ability of Town agents to inspect properties with chickens to ensure compliance with the Legislation
• Ensuring eggs are only used for personal consumption and not for sale

Review the draft by-law and share your comments.

Get Involved

Complete the Survey - To help guide the process, share your opinion and complete the Back Yard Chicken survey linked below, by November 28, 2021.

Attend the Virtual Consultation Session – Meet with By-law Services staff virtually to learn more about the project and share your feedback:

• Virtual Consultation Session, November 25, 2021 7 p.m.

Questions or comments about this project?

Contact the project managers listed on the right sidebar under Who's Listening?