Public doesn’t baulk at backyard chickens

Clearview Township council is pecking its way through a process that could result in the legalization of backyard chickens.

The municipality first scratched the surface on this issue in June when Stayner resident Brian Baker asked council to consider allowing backyard chickens, after Meaford amended its zoning bylaw last year.

“Thank you for going ahead with this, I know I started it,” said Baker at a public meeting March 21.

The meeting was held to solicit input from residents, a necessary step before the bylaw can be amended. The details of a subsequent licensing bylaw were not discussed by staff.

Most of the people who spoke at the meeting already have chickens.

Baker spoke in favour of the township-wide zoning bylaw amendment and weighed in saying the number of hens should be related to the size of the property and addressed licensing fees.

“Chickens are a lot of work, people have to realize that,” said Baker.

He and several other people, all speaking in favour of the change, said the biggest benefit to having hens, is the fresh eggs.

New Lowell resident Robyn Gignac said she saves money and knows that the eggs from her hens are healthy.

She said the hens are like pets and her children enjoy feeding them and caring for them.

“I am not sure of a negative impact on anyone to have backyard chickens,” said Gignac.

Manfred Leimgardt said his three girls, Susan, Martha and Ann give him three eggs each day, if they are happy.

“I love my chickens and I hope this bylaw is going to get passed,” he said.

Mayor Chris Vanderkruys also admitted he had been a part of the “underground chicken” phenomenon.

“I was a chicken raiser until October 2014 when I didn’t want to break the law anymore,” he said referring to his election, “but I would love to have chickens back. I have had chickens my whole life.”

The feedback can be compiled and brought back to council.