Chickens in a field

Feb 11 update: Committee decision

West Lincoln’s Growth and Sustainability Committee approved amendments to the Township’s Zoning and Animal Care and Control By-laws at its February 10 meeting, which will permit and regulate backyard chickens in residential zones of hamlet settlement areas and in the agricultural area. Backyard chickens will continue to be prohibited within the urban area of Smithville.

These By-law amendments will come into effect immediately following Council ratification, which is expected to occur at the regular Council meeting on Monday, February 24, 2025.

Regulations for backyard chickens in the residential areas that will be permitted include, but are not limited to, a maximum quantity of six hens, stipulations for enclosure size and location, animal care and manure storage and disposal. The slaughter or processing of backyard chickens is prohibited on site. Roosters are also prohibited. Please refer to the amendments to the Zoning By-law and Animal Care and Control By-law for full regulations.

Licensing will not be required for those wishing to keep backyard chickens in residential areas that will be permitted. Enforcement will be carried out on a complaint basis through the Niagara SPCA and Humane Society. Failure to comply with regulations for backyard chickens will result in a $250 fine.

Background

As a result of a request presented to the Township's Planning/Building/Environmental Committee on September 11, 2023, Township Staff facilitated 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.” At that time, the keeping of livestock, including backyard chickens, was not permitted on residential properties anywhere in West Lincoln.

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.

A technical report, including a draft by-law and proposed amendments to the animal control by-law, was presented at the October 15 Planning / Building / Environmental Committee meeting for consideration.

A recommendation report taking all public and agency comments into account was submitted at the February 10 Growth and Sustainability Committee meeting.

Public consultation

In addition to research, consultation with relevant agencies, including the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and an environmental scan and comparison of areas in and outside Niagara, input from the public was also gathered for consideration. 

  1. An online survey was conducted from January 9 to March 15, 2024, (paper copies of which were also available at Township facilities).
  2. A Public Consultation meeting was held on February 12, 2024.
  3. A Public Meeting held on October 15, 2024, to gather public feedback about the technical report, including the draft by-law and proposed amendments to the Animal Control By-law.

Results of an independent public petition, orchestrated by a Smithville resident, were also considered.

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