West Lincoln holding second public meeting about backyard chickens

The Township is hosting its second round of public consultation regarding backyard chickens in West Lincoln. A Public Meeting is being held at 6:30 p.m. on October 15, prior to the Planning / Building / Environmental Committee meeting, to allow for public comments on a proposed new by-law and proposed amendments to the animal control by-law.

Background

The original request to permit backyard chickens in a residential area of West Lincoln was presented on September 11, 2023. As a result, Township staff facilitated preliminary public discussion and collected feedback regarding the appropriateness of permitting chickens on a small scale basis accessory to residential use.

The first round of public consultation included an online survey, which ran from January 9 to March 15, 2024, and a Public Meeting held on February 12, 2024.

Based on research, consultation with relevant agencies and public consultation, a proposed new by-law has been drafted and proposed amendments to the animal control by-law (By-law 2023-54) have been made for consideration on specific regulations to limit the number of chickens, identify where backyard chickens are permitted in the Township, stipulate the location of the coop, run and manure storage and disposal of waste.

How to get involved

Written comments can be provided to the Township Clerk by 4 p.m. on October 7 to be included in the Staff report. Written comments submitted after October 7 but before October 15 will not be included in the Staff report but will be read into the public record during the meeting.

Verbal comments can be provided in person at the October 15 Public Meeting. No registration is required for those planning to attend the meeting in person. Please note that Council Chambers has a maximum capacity of 126 people. Virtual attendance is encouraged.

Those wishing to attend the meeting virtually to provide verbal comments must contact the Township Clerk to receive the Zoom invitation. Those planning to watch the meeting online but not provide comments do not need to register in advance. The meeting can be viewed online through the Township's YouTube channel.

Find more information about the topic of backyard chickens in West Lincoln, including the proposed draft by-laws, at www.westlincoln.ca/backyardchickens. For notifications and important updates, remember to follow the Township of West Lincoln on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @TWPWestLincoln.

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