Chatham-Kent residents have the opportunity to give feedback on the idea of backyard chickens.
A survey was launched Friday through the Let’s Talk CK community engagement tool and will remain open until April 11.
The survey is the result of council directing administration to seek feedback on the prospect of backyard chickens being permitted in both urban and rural residential areas of Chatham-Kent.
The survey can be found at www.letstalkchatham-kent.ca.
“This survey is anonymous and you will not be required to give your name or register to take the survey,” said a media release from the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.
A summary of the survey results will be provided to council in May along with recommendations from administration, the release added.
The issue was raised during the Feb. 6 council meeting by South Kent Coun. Anthony Ceccacci, who noted there has been requests from residents the birds be allowed in urban and rural residential areas.
Council has faced this issue in past years, with 2020 being the latest, when municipal politicians voted down a motion to look at the issue further.
“I think what we haven’t done in the past was kind of give the forum to the community to allow their consultation,” said Ceccacci during the Feb. 6 meetings.
He added staff input is also important.
“I just think that we should allow the process to take place,” Ceccacci said.
Several deputations were heard from residents during the Feb. 6 meeting in support of backyard chickens, citing the positive impact on food security through the provision of eggs.