The new Sundre council elected last night will not be dealing with a request from 42 residents to allow the keeping of backyard hens in town
During the council workshop meeting on Oct. 15 prior to the Oct. 21 municipal election, councillors declined a request from the residents to have the issue debated at a council meeting.
“We, the undersigned citizens of Sundre, Alberta believe that small-scale backyard chicken keeping is a healthy, economic, and sustainable way to feed and enrich our families and our community,” reads a letter to councillors on Oct. 1, with an attached petition signed by 42 Sundreites.
“Hens provide families with fresh, hormone and pesticide-free eggs and encourage local, grassroots sustainable living,” states the letter.
Under the town's Bylaw 325, which was passed in 1975, the keeping of backyard chickens is not permitted. The residents requested to allow up to six hens, and no roosters, in the backyards of residential homes. The letter also states that the keeping of backyard hens provides educational opportunities for children in the community.
“Chickens serve as a natural alternative to pesticides by eating bugs and insects, including fleas and disease-spreading ticks. Chickens also eat weeds, and chicken manure serves as an excellent fertilizer for lawns and gardens.”
During the council workshop meeting, Coun. Tony Jordan said he does not support backyard hens in town. He said they would make a mess and attract wildlife such as coyotes into town.
Coun. Pat Toone said if the bylaw was amended, then residents would start to request keeping goats and sheep in their backyards as well. Doug Wright, the town's chief administrative officer, pointed out that it would affect the solid waste bylaw as well.
The general consensus was that council is not interested in changing the bylaw to allow the keeping of backyard hens and no motion was made to bring the consideration forward to a council meeting for decision.
“No person shall keep any animals within the town if, in the opinion of town council, the keeping of the animals constitute a nuisance,” reads Bylaw 325. “No person shall keep any animal associated with farming except on land classified as farm land, except with the approval of town council.”
The bylaw also states that anyone who breaches the bylaw is subject to a penalty of $25 to $100. If the penalty charge is not paid, the person is subject to imprisonment for a period not exceeding 60 days.
Jessica Bolwyn, Scott Sande, Don McCullough, Dan Wilde, Penny Gunderson, Troy Kyncl, Lynn Hogarts and Wally Kamaleddine are some of the residents who signed the petition.
Stephanie Harvey signed it as well and commented: “Why not? This is a ridiculous law.”
Verna McFadden also signed the petition and said she agrees with the keeping of backyard hens if the property owner uses a chicken tractor.
