Orillia’s backyard hen pilot project has almost two years to go, but participation so far indicates it’s been popular.
A two-year pilot was approved by city council in 2017. It was extended by four years in 2019 and is set to expire June 5, 2023.
Council has allowed for a maximum of 12 licences to be issued during the pilot and, currently, they’re all spoken for.
“We actually have a waiting list right now and it’s ranged anywhere from one to 10 individuals who have shown interest in the pilot project,” said Shawn Crawford, the city’s manager of legislative services, noting the number of people on the wait list fluctuates as some decide to opt out. “It certainly shows there is an interest in the community.”
Coops are located in all four wards of the city, he added.
In terms of feedback from participants, “we haven’t had a whole lot,” he said, “but some of them have said they’d like to possibly see council up the number (of hens permitted on a property).”
The pilot project allows for four hens per property. They are allowed only on properties zoned rural (RU), residential (R1, R2, R3, R4), and open space one and two (OS1, OS2). The properties have to be at least 500 square metres (5,382 square feet).
Neighbours of those taking part in the program don’t seem to have any qualms — at least not enough to complain to the city.
When Crawford reported to council in 2019, he noted one person had concerns about odour.
“That is the last complaint that I can recall receiving about any of the hen coops in the city,” he said. “That’s a good sign to reflect they’re taking care of the hen coops and taking it seriously.”
It also shows the regulations the city attached to the project are effective, he said. Coops must be at least eight metres away from any dwelling, three metres from any lot line and three metres from any structure.
“The restrictions reduce the likelihood of negative impacts to neighbours,” Crawford said.
If there are any complaints, bylaw officers will investigate. They also conduct random, proactive inspections of properties where hens are being housed as part of the pilot. So far, there haven’t been any issues, Crawford said.
“It’s been going quite smoothly.”
Staff will report to council in April 2023, providing an update on the progress and popularity of the project. Council will then decide what next steps to take, which could include extending the pilot again, banning backyard hens or making it a permanent program.
Those interested in taking part in the pilot can have their names put on the wait list. More information can be found here or by calling the city’s legislative services division at 705-325-2313.
