Stayner resident asks council to legalize backyard chickens

A Stayner resident is asking Clearview council to follow in Meaford’s footsteps and allow people to keep chickens in their backyards.

Brian Baker told council members he is interested in keeping a few laying hens in his backyard so he can have fresh eggs. Meaford amended its zoning bylaw last year to allow for backyard chicken coops.

Baker said he was surprised to learn that backyard chickens were not permitted in town.

Some people have “underground chickens”, he said.

He is asking council to allow them in limited numbers and with proper coops.

In this day and age with diversification of agriculture and wanting to know where our food is coming from, councillor Shawn Davidson said he is in favour of legalizing the underground chickens. “Let’s bring them into the sunlight,” he said.

Council directed staff to bring forward a report on the matter on July 13.