The debate surrounding backyard chickens in urban areas is set to return to Chatham-Kent Council.
Municipal staff will provide a report to council Monday night detailing potential options for a backyard chicken program in the municipality.
The first option is to maintain the status quo, with current bylaws prohibiting livestock, such as chickens, from being kept in any urban area of the municipality.
The second option is to direct staff to undertake a limited backyard chicken pilot project, with the intention of moving toward permanent implementation.
The third option is to direct staff to establish a permanent backyard chicken program.
Moving forward with either option two or three would require council to amend the municipality’s zoning bylaw and the responsible animal ownership bylaw.
A backyard chicken program would also come with significant costs, the report said, as it would allow an additional 31,659 residential households to apply to have backyard chickens.
According to cost estimates in the report provided by Pet and Wildlife Rescue (PAWR), coop inspection costs for all residential properties in CK would cost around $398,250, with another $87,650 needed for enforcement.
The municipality previously conducted a survey in March and April 2023 with 68 per cent of respondents in favour of allowing backyard chickens in urban areas. As well, a public meeting on the issue was held on June 29, 2023, to provide residents the chance to make deputations.
Proponents of an urban backyard chicken program in Chatham-Kent have cited benefits related to food security, sustainable food production, and education for children.
However, concerns have been raised about the potential negative impact on communities by causing an increase in wildlife concerns from the attraction of skunks, raccoons, and predatory wildlife including foxes and coyotes. Chatham-Kent Public Health has also raised concerns about the significant risks of diseases that backyard chickens pose.
In its report, CK administration has recommended that council not move forward with the program.