An issue that Chatham-Kent council has pecked away at in previous years took the next step Monday, after a successful motion to investigate backyard chickens.
South Kent County. Anthony Ceccacci, who entered the motion, said while the municipality’s responsible animal ownership bylaw permits chickens on premises zoned agricultural, there is interest from the public requesting the birds be allowed in urban and rural residential areas.
“I recognize that there’s a lot of individuals on either side of this topic,” he said.
Ceccacci’s motion, which passed unanimously, asked administration to conduct a CK Let’s Talk survey to obtain public feedback, with an information report returning to council by May of this year.
This report will include survey results and information on what surrounding municipalities are doing regarding chickens in urban areas. It will also include consultation with public health officials for additional feedback and recommendations.
In 2020, council at the time voted down a motion to look into the issue further. The idea has come up in prior years as well.
“I think what we haven’t done in the past was kind of give the forum to the community to allow their consultation,” Ceccacci said, adding that staff input is also important. “I just think that we should allow the process to take place.”
Residents gave several deputations before the vote in support of chickens, noting the positive impact on food security through their eggs. They added if done properly the measure would benefit the community.
East Kent County. Steve Pinsonneault said he supported seeking feedback, but stressed the municipality should only consider allowing hens.
“I would say no roosters,” he said. “I think we need to go through and see what the public says.”
Chief administrative officer Michael Duben said staff will look at the policies in other municipalities, as well as their bylaw enforcement costs.
“We have some data to look at in terms of what other municipalities saw once they implemented this sort of change,” he said.