Chatham-Kent’s backyard chicken pilot program is not proving to be very popular.
The two year pilot program is set to wrap up in November. With the upcoming municipal election, administration recommended extending the end date to May, 2027 to give new councillors time to familiarize themselves with the program.
However, council members voted 9-8 against granting the six month extension. Councillors Brock McGregor, Ryan Doyle, Amy Finn, Rhonda Jubenville, Morena McDonald, Melissa Harrigan, and John Wright were in favour of the extension.
Chatham-Kent’s Backyard Chickens Pilot Program was created in November 2024 allowing residents in the municipality (excluding Erieau) to apply for a permit to have up to ten hens on their property. The program required those interested in having backyard chickens to complete a hen permit application, meet all applicable by-law requirements and pay an initial permit fee of $400.
Councillor Jamie McGrail asked how many people have applied for the permit, which allows residents to raise hens on their property, but Nancy Havens, the municipality’s Manager of Licensing Services says the numbers are negligible.
“There have been a couple that have made applications, however they didn’t meet the zoning so were denied. And there’s been lots of questions asked,” Havens said. “At this point in time we have no permits issued.”
Havens revealed approximately $26,300 has been spent on enforcement of the project and another $4,000 for a coop, which is being used. This money had been set aside for the pilot program.
Staff will present a report to council in November as planned, which will include information on permits issued, complaints received and any recommended by-law amendments. This will allow council to determine if the program should be discontinued, extended, expanded, or become a permanent initiative.
