Chickens in a field

Thank you to everyone who participated in our first round of consultation. Staff has reviewed results of research, consultation with relevant agencies, as well as all of the feedback gathered through public consultation.

Next steps: A proposed new by-law has been drafted and proposed amendments to the animal control by-law (By-law 2023-54) have been made for consideration of specific regulations to limit the number of chickens, identify where backyard chickens are permitted in the Township, stipulate the location of the coop, run and manure storage and disposal of waste. These will be presented at the October 15 Planning / Building / Environmental Committee meeting for consideration.

Get involved in our second round of public consultation. See details below.

Background Summary

As a result of a request presented to the Township's Planning/Building/Environmental Committee on September 11, 2023, Township Staff facilitated preliminary public discussion and collected feedback regarding the appropriateness of permitting chickens on a small scale basis accessory to residential use. This is often referred to as “backyard chickens.”

A variety of scenarios were given consideration, including the appropriateness of backyard chickens on residential lots in Smithville, residential lots in hamlets and residential lots in the agricultural area.

Supporters of backyard chickens have cited benefits related to mental health, sustainability, food quality, ethical animal treatment and alleviation of poverty. Those who oppose backyard chickens have focused on concerns relating to disease, odour, noise and potential for attracting predators.

The first round of public consultation included an online survey, which ran from January 9 to March 15, 2024, and a Public Meeting that was held on February 12, 2024.

Public Consultation

The second and final round of public consultation is a Public Meeting being held at the beginning of the October 15 Planning / Building / Environmental Committee meeting, to allow for additional public feedback about the proposed new by-law and proposed amendments to the Animal Control By-law.

Public Meeting
Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at 6:30 p.m.
Township Administration
318 Canborough Street, Smithville

How to get involved

  1. Written comments: Provide written comments to be included in the Staff report (must be provided to the Township Clerk at jpaylove@westlincoln.ca, referencing file number 1601-002-24 – Backyard Chickens By-law, no later than 4 p.m. on October 7). Written comments submitted after October 7 but before October 15 will not be included in the Staff report but will be read into the public record during the meeting.
  2. Verbal comments: Provide verbal comments in person at the October 15 Public Meeting. No registration is required for those planning to attend the meeting in person. Those wishing to attend the meeting virtually to provide verbal comments must contact the Township Clerk by email at jpaylove@westlincoln.ca to receive the Zoom invitation.

Note: If you would like to watch the meeting online but do not wish to provide comments, you do not need to register with the Township Clerk. Watch the meeting online through the Township's Youtube channel.

Capacity: A maxuimum of 126 people is permitted in Council Chambers. Virtual attendance is encouraged.