Hub Staff

Following a nearly unanimous vote, chickens in residential areas could be made possible as Saugeen Shores Council has asked Town of Saugeen Shores staff to create a draft report and by-law for council’s consideration. To increase food sustainability, the proposed by-law would allow a limited number of poultry to be raised on a residential lot for the production of eggs for personal use.

Councillor Mike Myatt was the sole vote against the idea, as approximately 10 Saugeen Shores citizens had expressed their concerns to the councillor in the days leading up to the October 24 meeting. “I was the lone councillor opposing it...and that’s fine but I'm just basing [my vote on] what I'm hearing from members of the community saying ‘I don’t support chickens in an urban setting’,” said Myatt following the Council Meeting, October 24.

The councillor said he will see what information the staff report includes and added that Open Forum speaker Katherine Martinko made good points with regard to having chickens in urban areas.

Martinko was the sole speaker during the night’s Open Forum. “I think that it goes in keep with a general movement, where greater food security and greater food sovereignty, which is control over our own food systems,” said Martinko. She said her family had a flock of about 20 chickens when she was growing up, and said that chickens are easy animals to care for, don’t take up much space and are great in helping children learn responsibility.

“They're fairly easy to take care of once you create the coop, buy their feed and learn what you need,” said Martinko, adding that compared to neighbourhood dogs - and admittedly her own children - chickens are fairly quiet.

The motion was put forward through Councillor Jon Rich who said he hadn't seen so many smiles around the council table. “It gives us the opportunity to allow for people to have a little bit more food sustainability,” said the councillor.

Councillor Dave Myette has hens on his property and could attest to the benefits of having chickens around. “They’re great for pest control and they’re great food providers”, said Myette. He later added that the report should take into consideration predator proof cages and restrictions to allow only hens and no roosters in the urban setting.

Vice Deputy Mayor Diane Huber also made comments about roosters not being allowed in the by-law, similar to municipalities who allow chickens in urban areas, such as Kingston.

Councillor Cheryl Grace said she has researched the topic and read studies and looked at the pros and cons. Initially her major concern was about coyotes - who have made appearances in subdivisions around Saugeen Shores - coming into contact with the chickens but through her research she found that urban coyotes’ diets are typically made up of less than six percent of urban type items and are more likely to feast on fruits, berries, rats, mice, etcetera.

Deputy Mayor Luke Charbnneau stated that the poultry in the backyard is already happening in Saugeen Shroes and that this opportunity will give council and town staff an opportunity to regulate where appropriate.