The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is giving residents one more chance to provide feedback on permitting backyard chickens in residential areas of the municipality.
Chatham-Kent will be hosting a public meeting at St. Mary’s Hall in Blenheim on June 29 at 6 p.m., to discuss the results of a recent survey on the topic.
A total of 4,988 local residents took part in the online survey between March 17 and April 12, which gauged community support for backyard chickens in residential areas.
According to the results released by the municipality, 68.4 per cent of the participants were in favour of backyard chickens, however, only 45 per cent were actually interested in having them.
The upcoming public meeting will be the last opportunity for residents to provide comments or ask questions regarding backyard chickens before a report is provided to municipal council.
The report, which will include public consultation and recommendations from the local public health unit, will be presented to council during a meeting on July 10. It will also examine how neighbouring municipalities have addressed residential backyard chickens, as well as any associated costs. Deputations will not be permitted during the council meeting.
Currently, the municipality’s responsible animal ownership bylaw permits chickens on premises zoned agricultural, but doesn’t allow chickens in residential urban and rural areas.
Chatham-Kent council previously voted against allowing urban backyard chickens in 2013 and 2020.
