YORKTON – A one-year Urban Hen Pilot Project recently came to an end in Yorkton.
Monday at its regular meeting Yorkton Council heard a report on the effort.
“For the pilot project, an initial site inspection was completed to confirm that the site conditions met the requirements,” explained Nicole Baptist – Bylaw & Safety Supervisor with the city.
While noting the hen house placement requirement required an initial adjustment, the project went smoothly, said Baptist.
“Two additional inspections were completed throughout the pilot project. No concerns were noted at either of the site visits,” she said.
However, Baptist said there some potential concerns moving forward.
For example, “Should a hen be at large or should we need to confiscate the hens for non-compliance, we do not have anywhere to take the hens. The SPCA is not currently equipped to handle poultry,” she said.
And a complaint would add staff work.
“Should we permit urban hens, this may create additional nuisance complaints, which will add to the workload of enforcement staff,” suggested Baptist.
That said Baptist also noted there were positives to expanding urban hens.
“Permitting urban hens provides additional opportunities for families to experience where food comes from in an urban setting. It also may be an economical food source,” said Baptist.
Ultimately, Baptist said it was the recommendation of administration to receive and file the report and maintain status quo with the Animal Control Bylaw, and further work with the individuals who completed the pilot project to re-home their hens.
Initially, Councillor Greg Litvanyi moved the recommendation, seconded by Coun. Darcy Zaharia.
But, it was soon obvious Council was OK with the idea of hens.
“I don’t have any issue keeping some hens in a controlled way,” said Coun. Dustin Brears.
“I’m in support of having urban chickens,” added Mayor Aaron Kienle, adding he sees it as an educational opportunity.
The educational aspect was a positive for Zaharia too.
Ultimately, Litvanyi and Zaharia withdrew the initial motion. It would be replaced by one made by Haider to Direct Administration to work on an Animal Control Bylaw amendment, including provisions to allow hens and regulate it. And further that the amendment include provisions for permit fees to be set at $75 and limit the number of available permits to five.
The Haider motion would pass unanimously.
