JANUARY 2024
The order to rid of my chickens was completed. Gratefully the chickens went to a safe home.
The order to rid of my chickens was completed. Gratefully the chickens went to a safe home.
NOVEMBER 2023
This decision will go one of 3 ways; cancel the order, enforce the order or vary the order.
The pro-chicken crowd in this city are expecting that Lethbridge will follow suit of other cities and towns in Alberta in allowing chickens - possibly by the end of 2024. So while even cancelling the order would be the easy way out for myself it is still not the best outcome for all.
The most ideal outcome would be a variance that includes collective learning, community engagement and sharing of ideas. Many jurisdictions who now allow chickens started with a pilot program. This and a dozen other chicken coops throughout the city could serve as a type of pilot program. Residents could be allowed under a type of exemption to share their experiences with those who do the actual writing of the bylaw. Those citizens who step up to keep chickens and share their experience may need written permission from their neighbours. Any way you serve this up will be a win for all.
By serving the needs of residents Lethbridge could leap ahead and easily lead the province towards being more of an agri-food hub with a wider base of support.
This decision will go one of 3 ways; cancel the order, enforce the order or vary the order.
The pro-chicken crowd in this city are expecting that Lethbridge will follow suit of other cities and towns in Alberta in allowing chickens - possibly by the end of 2024. So while even cancelling the order would be the easy way out for myself it is still not the best outcome for all.
The most ideal outcome would be a variance that includes collective learning, community engagement and sharing of ideas. Many jurisdictions who now allow chickens started with a pilot program. This and a dozen other chicken coops throughout the city could serve as a type of pilot program. Residents could be allowed under a type of exemption to share their experiences with those who do the actual writing of the bylaw. Those citizens who step up to keep chickens and share their experience may need written permission from their neighbours. Any way you serve this up will be a win for all.
By serving the needs of residents Lethbridge could leap ahead and easily lead the province towards being more of an agri-food hub with a wider base of support.
OCTOBER 2023
An order was received from the Animal Bylaw Enforcement Officer to remove my chickens. The order stated "any person who receives a written order, may by written notice request council of the City of Lethbridge to review the order within 14 days after it has been received". This has been done and the city clerk helped set up a public hearing.
OCTOBER 2022
A petition was created with over 500 names which was subsequently handed to city administration. This is on the public record. Thank you to the following local businesses who supported this petition.
Theoretically Brewing
Purple Carrot
Josee's Imports
Atomic Cannabis
Echo Books
Naturistas
Sonders Coffee
Jasmin Tea Room
or just download it at this link.
A petition was created with over 500 names which was subsequently handed to city administration. This is on the public record. Thank you to the following local businesses who supported this petition.
Theoretically Brewing
Purple Carrot
Josee's Imports
Atomic Cannabis
Echo Books
Naturistas
Sonders Coffee
Jasmin Tea Room
or just download it at this link.
There are an increasing number of jurisdictions that are allowing chickens. The reasons are clear - chickens provide protein, incredible fertilizer, pest control and are easy to maintain. But for me, the biggest reason for keeping chickens is to get more control of my food supply.
I told "my chicken story" in a 13 part series on the "Urban Hens YQL" Facebook page between April 26th and May 11th, 2021. Hopefully some perspective will persuade the doubters to be more open to locally sourced food.
The video below was created in August of 2021 prior to the October civic elections.
I told "my chicken story" in a 13 part series on the "Urban Hens YQL" Facebook page between April 26th and May 11th, 2021. Hopefully some perspective will persuade the doubters to be more open to locally sourced food.
The video below was created in August of 2021 prior to the October civic elections.