Why I Love Small Towns

Direct from the Kamloops Daily News…

Chicken project heading to council

by Michele Young

City staff’s recommendation to council against an urban chicken pilot project is likely to ruffle some feathers Tuesday.

In his report to council, City corporate and community affairs director Len Hrycan concluded that the current regulations that allow chickens on lots of 0.4 hectares (one acre) or larger is adequate.

He noted that since the issue was raised by Bonnie Klohn and other chicken supporters, there have been responses for and against the idea.

Regardless of what the City decides, it is unlikely to come up with an option that will satisfy all sides, he said.

Klohn had mapped out a six-month-long pilot project that would see up to three hens per household on lots spanning 465 square metres (5,000 square feet) or more. About 40 willing participants had offered to sign up for the project, which Klohn said would include classes in coop building and chicken husbandry.

She touted the chickens as an inexpensive way for residents to have a regular supply of fresh eggs. Only laying hens, not roosters, would be allowed.

Bonnie Klohn, who has led the chicken charge, said Friday she felt the staff report read as though council was being asked to change the bylaw, not try out a pilot project.

“I feel like they didn’t address the actual pilot project. That’s what they were asked to do by City council,” she said.

“I think a lot of their issues were if we just changed the bylaw. . . . The point of the pilot project is to see how much nuisance there would be, with enforcement, etc.

“A lot of what was said in the report was opinion based more on anecdotal opinion, which is why we asked for the pilot in the first place.”

She will be at council Tuesday.

In the report, City staff surveyed other municipalities to get an idea of what their chicken rules entail.

Saanich allows 10 hens on lots of at least 0.25 hectares. Richmond has no limits as long as the lot is at least half a hectare in size. Kelowna lets residents have 10 chickens per 0.25 hectares while Port Coquitlam’s health bylaw doesn’t permit chickens on any residential properties.

Prince George requires a minimum lot size of half a hectare for up to 25 chickens, while Victoria says any reasonable number of hens is allowed on each property.

 

Chickens…I love it… Front page of the Calgary paper today Federal Budget news…

I’ll be back to actually write something later. I have lots swirling around in my head that I need to get down here…just need some time.