Title
THE KEEPING OF BACKYARD HENS - COMMUNITY SUGGESTION
Tammy Banting, Manager of By-law Services outlined the content of the Memorandum from G. Allison, Director of Building and By-law Services dated April 4, 2016 regarding Keeping of Backyard Hens - Community Suggestion. She explained the Community Suggestion forum process and indicated that if a suggestion received 500 votes, the suggestion is forwarded to staff for a response. Ms. Banting provided the history related to keeping of chickens in the City of Barrie and noted that previous to 2001, up to 20 chickens were permitted on residential property.
Two individuals, Gary Jackson and Naomi Wachowiak of the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit provided comments and concerns regarding the Keeping of Backyard Hens - Community Suggestion; as follows:
• How Chickens attract predators and carry diseases;
• The health concerns regarding the spreading of disease;
• The enforcement associated with backyard chickens;
• The amount of waste created by chickens;
• The noise and smell associated with backyard chickens;
• The impact of house values if backyard chickens were permitted;
• The duty of citizens to be good neighbours and the duty of council to act on the common good;
• The lack of education and training on looking after backyard hens;
• The resources that are available through the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit;
• The role that a municipality has in community food security and creating an environment for more sustainable food systems; and
• How urban farming could be successful if done responsibly.
Pamela McFadden, Web and New Media Co-ordinator explained the Community Suggestion Forum process and operations.
Members of Committee and a Member of Council asked several questions related to the information provided and received responses from City staff.