Urban chicken spat could spark bylaw change in Region of Queens

The issue of urban chickens is under discussion in the South Shore's Region of Queens Municipality.

The discussion started last fall when Liverpool resident Edward Whynot was told he had to get rid of three laying hens.

"I decided that I'd like to have some nice fresh eggs every day for my own personal use; never even thought of a bylaw when I got them, but apparently it was in place," Whynot said.

The bylaw, which covers a variety of livestock, requires chicken owners to live on an acre of property. Whynot doesn't, so he was told to get rid of the hens.

He did, but now he has seven- to five-week-old chicks.

"I keep them inside of my shed. There's no noise, no smell. I keep them cleaned out," he said.

Whynot grew up with chickens and enjoys being around them. He says he's not the only one.

"I'm not only doing this for me. There's a lot of people that I've talked to since then that would like to keep a few chickens for their use for eggs and whatever."

The municipality will hold a public meeting on the issue in the coming weeks to gauge community feelings on urban chickens.

The planning advisory committee will then prepare a report and council will vote on the matter, likely in August.

Mayor Christopher Clarke says he thinks a compromise can be reached.

"I know my personal feelings are very strongly in favour of allowing urban chickens and as I've chatted to the other councillors I have a feeling the majority would be supportive, " he said.

The mayor said he expects by law changes will be done sensibly so there are no large flocks of hens and noisy roosters bothering town residents.