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Staff Report
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Report To: General Government Committee
Date of Meeting: September 9, 2024 Report Number: LGS-032-24
Submitted By: Rob Maciver, Deputy CAO/Solicitor, Legislative Services
Reviewed By: Mary-Anne Dempster, CAO Resolution#:
Authored by: Jennifer Horne, Animal Shelter Supervisor
File Number: By-law Number:
Report Subject: Exotic Pet By-law – Backyard Chickens
Recommendations:
1. That Report LGS-032-24, and any related delegations or communication items, be
received; and
2. That all interested parties listed in Report LGS-032-24, and any delegations be
advised of Council’s decision.
Municipality of Clarington Page 2
Report LGS-032-24
Report Overview
This report is in response to the direction from Council to prepare a report regarding the
keeping of backyard chickens for the purpose of egg laying.
Due to the significant risks associated with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, as well as
insufficient resources to appropriately regulate chickens in a residential backyard setting,
Legislative Services Staff do not support changes to the Exotic Pet By-law to permit
backyard chickens.
1. Background
General Government Committee Resolution
1.1 At the Council meeting on December 18, 2023, Resolution GG-216-23 was approved as
follows:
Whereas the Exotic Pet By-law 2012-045 does not allow for raising chickens on
non-agriculturally zoned lands;
And W hereas Committee deems it advisable to consider allowing Clarington
residents in rural hamlets, rural clusters, and the Village of Orono, to keep
backyard chickens for the purpose of egg-laying, on non-agriculturally zoned
lands;
Now therefore be it resolved that Staff in the Legislative Services Department be
directed to prepare a report regarding the keeping of backyard chickens for the
purpose of egg laying which would include:
A review of past reports and memos, delegations, stakeholder
consultations, and other municipalities regarding the keeping of backyard
chickens; and
Input from the Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC), Climate Change
Response Coordinator, and Planning and Infrastructure Services
Department; and
Options for general frameworks/approaches to allow for the keeping of
backyard chickens for the purpose of egg laying; and
That the program be rolled out to larger urban lot properties in Clarington
once the program has been successfully launched.
Municipality of Clarington Page 3
Report LGS-032-24
2. Review of Previous Council Reports
March 29, 2010
2.1 In 2010, the General Purpose and Administration Committee (as it was then known)
received a request to allow backyard chickens. The recommendation, at that time, was
that Clarington should not allow urban hens. Report CLD-004-10 details the
recommendations, which were upheld by Committee.
2.2 Concerns were raised about issues of predation, the spread of disease, what would
happen to the chickens after they no longer lay eggs, smell, nuisance to neighbours,
and the size of the lots.
2.3 Research was done, at that time, regarding other municipalities which permit urban
hens. Since then, more municipalities have begun allowing hens with varying degrees of
success.
June 2018
2.4 A resident’s request to revisit the possibility of being permitted to keep backyard
chickens was received for information by Council.
2.5 The request was brought to the Clarington Agricultural Advisory Committee (CAAC), at
which time they maintained their recommendation that properties without agricultural
zoning are not suitable for the raising of chickens.
November 2, 2020
2.6 At the November 2, 2020, Council meeting, Resolution #GG-346-20 was approved. The
resolution was in response to a request brought forward by a delegation of residents
from “Clucks for Clarington” for a by-law amendment to By-law 2012-045, the Exotic
Animal By-law, to allow for backyard hens.
2.7 Two residents spoke in opposition to the amendment, one of whom was an inspector
with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). The CFIA inspector spoke about
concerns with zoonotic disease and the handling of bio-waste. The inspector also spoke
of the need for a registry system (permit or license) to manage any potential outbreaks
of disease. The other resident expressed concerns with transmission of disease as well
as potential bad odours from coops and appropriate space to house the chickens.
2.8 Council declined to permit backyard chickens due to the concerns raised.
Municipality of Clarington Page 4
Report LGS-032-24
3. Input from Concerned Parties
Agricultural Advisory Committees
3.1 In response to the most recent request by Council to review the matter, Staff solicited
updated input from the CAAC regarding the resolution to investigate the feasibility of
backyard chickens.
3.2 The CAAC’s position remains that chickens should not be permitted on any land not
zoned for agriculture. The main concern is the potential spread of disease. Many
diseases could be damaging to the flocks of egg producers and can be spread by wild
birds. Zoonotic diseases such as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) may be
dangerous to humans as well. Standards of care for the birds is also of concern.
3.3 The Durham Region Agricultural Advisory Committee is also opposed to the keeping of
chickens on non-agricultural zoned properties as reflected in the following resolution
(Attachment 1) adopted at their January 16, 2024, meeting:
That as the introduction of chickens within urban and rural settlement areas
(which includes towns, villages, and hamlets) can result in the potential spread of
Avian Influenza and other diseases to livestock in the Region, particularly poultry
farms;
And that backyard chickens attract pests and predators, resulting in conflicts
between predatory animals and chickens, and additional vectors for spreading
disease;
Therefore be it resolved that Durham Regional Council be advised that the
Durham Agricultural Advisory Committee (DAAC) does not support permitting
chickens being kept in urban settlement areas and rural settlement areas (which
includes towns, villages and hamlets); and that a copy of this resolution be
forwarded to the area municipalities for information.
Climate Change Response
3.4 Staff consulted with the Municipality’s Climate Change Response Coordinator. Other
than some anecdotal information available to suggest that backyard chickens contribute
to a reduction in household food waste, there are no significant climate change
mitigation benefits associated with backyard egg production.
Municipality of Clarington Page 5
Report LGS-032-24
Planning and Infrastructure Services Department
3.6 Zoning By-laws are a land use planning instrument that regulate the use of land,
buildings and structures, and associated standards. Livestock operations and other farm
uses are regulated pursuant to the Zoning By-Laws; however, Staff in the Planning and
Infrastructure Department take the view that small-scale backyard chicken keeping is
outside the scope of these zoning regulations. The interpretation provided by our Staff
Planners is that backyard chickens in rural hamlets, rural clusters, and the Village of
Orono would not be a contravention of the Zoning By-Laws, and therefore no zoning by-
law amendments would be required.
3.7 Should a limited number of chickens raised on a residential property be permitted in
rural hamlets, rural clusters, and the Village of Orono, the zoning and primary use of
these properties would not change, and they would remain residential.
3.8 Therefore, should the Exotic Animal By-law 2012-045 be amended to allow a limited
number of chickens in rural hamlets, rural clusters, and the Village of Orono, then
Planning Staff have no concerns, from a land use planning perspective.
3.9 If Council enacts amendments to the Exotic Animal By-law 2012-045 to permit backyard
chickens in rural hamlets, rural clusters, and the Village of Orono, Planning Staff would
take this into consideration whether this would require any zoning clarifications as part
of a future comprehensive zoning by-law review.
4. Other Ontario Municipalities
4.1 An examination by Staff of other municipalities in Ontario was undertaken.
4.2 The City of Toronto and the City of Mississauga both recently ended pilot projects
allowing backyard hens. Toronto’s pilot included registration but no site visits.
Enforcement was complaint based, including noise, unsanitary conditions, and zoning
infractions. The program was halted due to the cost of administration and enforcement,
as well as concerns of the risk of HPAI. Mississauga’s program was also halted due to
safety concerns, as well as low participation amongst residents.
4.3 No Durham Region municipalities permit backyard chickens, with some citing the recent
recommendation of the DAAC as the reason. Neighbouring municipalities also prohibit
backyard chickens, including the Municipality of Port Hope, and the Town of Cobourg.
4.4 Municipalities that permit backyard chickens include: the City of Guelph, the City of
Niagara Falls, the City of Quinte West, the City of Peterborough, the City of Kingston,
the City of Kitchener, the Town of Newmarket, and the Regional Municipality of Halton
Hills.
Municipality of Clarington Page 6
Report LGS-032-24
5. Areas of Concern
Resources
5.1 Legislative Services does not have the resources, nor the expertise needed to create or
enforce comprehensive regulations for the keeping of backyard hens. There appear to
be no standards or best practices that have been published by reputable sources upon
which to base such regulations.
5.2 Protecting the welfare of backyard hens is a responsibility that would fall upon the
Provincial authorities. The Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) Act, 2019, S.O.
2019, c. 13 speaks of standards of care and administrative requirements.
5.3 Basic standards of care for all animals are detailed in the PAWS Act Ontario Standards
of Care and Administrative Requirements 444/19. This legislation is intended to ensure
appropriate care for all animals including chickens.
5.4 PAWS inspectors are responsible for investigating complaints of mistreatment, cruelty,
or substandard care. Inspectors may serve orders for care, or even remove animals if
the animal is in imminent distress. Complaints of mistreatment or substandard care
practices, and any resulting enforcement should be handled by PAWS inspectors.
Resources for the PAWS agency are also minimal - there is only one inspector covering
the area from Pickering to Port Hope.
Health Concerns
5.5 Staff have serious concerns about the health impacts on both animals (including other
flocks of area egg producers) and humans.
5.6 HPAI continues to be of concern among wild and domestic birds, including flocks of
poultry. The disease has also been sporadically detected in mammals such as
raccoons, striped skunks, red foxes, cats, and dogs. The CFIA also reports that one
Canadian dog developed symptoms after chewing on a deceased goose, and
subsequently passed away from the virus.
5.7 Biosecurity practices are extensive and strict for commercial egg producers whose hens
are their livelihoods. HPAI is a significant risk, but not the only one. Their contagion
prevention measures include Controlled and Restricted Access Zones (CAZ and RAZ),
personal protective equipment (PPE), and cleaning and disinfection protocols. In the
cases of the occurrence of infectious disease, farmers must inform their veterinarian
and provincial board. Reportable diseases such as HPAI must be reported to the CFIA,
and strict quarantine protocols implemented. Backyard hen owners are not held to these
standards.
Municipality of Clarington Page 7
Report LGS-032-24
5.8 In August 2019, the University of Guelph published the results of a study (Part 1 & Part
2) in collaboration with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs on the
issue of backyard chickens. They requested that backyard (non-commercial) chicken
owners submit birds that had died under their care for post-mortem study.
5.9 As reflected in the above-mentioned study, the highest number of deaths came from
infectious disease and bacterial infection, leading to the conclusion that many small
flock owners are unaware of proper precautions to control the spread of disease.
5.10 The study concluded that “many Ontario backyard birds are carrying dangerous
pathogens, and a significant number of flock owners are not following proper hygiene
practices.”
Staff Analysis
5.11 Considering these factors, Staff recommend that no amendment be made to the Exotic
Animal By-Law to permit backyard hens. The spread of disease is too great of a risk, for
the safety of the residents of the Municipality of Clarington and to the livelihood of the
local egg farmers within the Municipality.
5.12 With limited resources for enforcement of animal care and related By-Laws such as
noise, and property standards, no framework or regulations will be sufficient to ensure
the appropriate care for the hens and prevent neighbour disputes and complaints.
6. Options for general frameworks/approaches
6.1 Should Council decide to move ahead with permitting backyard hens, a framework
would be required. The effectiveness would be limited as the PAWS Act (for the care
component) and related by-laws (property standards, noise, etc.) would be all that was
enforced.
6.2 Many municipalities that permit backyard hens have general frameworks; but as
indicated above, there are no recognized requirements or standards or a governing
agency for backyard hens. (See Attachment 2 written in May 2023.)
6.3 See following table for potential issues and guidelines:
Criteria Other Municipalities Staff Position Notes
Limit on number of
birds
Two to ten hens, no
roosters.
Minimum of two;
maximum of four
hens. Roosters are
prohibited.
Must be at least
two birds to meet
social
requirements for
hens
Municipality of Clarington Page 8
Report LGS-032-24
Criteria Other Municipalities Staff Position Notes
Minimum Age of
Hens
Four months Four months Old enough to sex
birds
Coop and
Exercise Run
Based on best
practice for chickens
Appropriate space
for number of
birds. No taller
than 2m at its
highest peak.
Maximum size
10m2.
Potential for
neighbour
complaints due to
zoning infractions.
Type of Home Single family home,
no multi-residential
buildings
No multi-residential
buildings
Food Proper food, storage,
disposal
Appropriate food,
must be stored to
avoid attracting
vermin or
predators.
Examples: no food
scraps, proper
chicken feed, etc.
Cleanliness and
Odour
Must keep area
sanitary and odour
free, must store waste
in sealed container
Covered in
Property Standards
By-Law 2007-070.
Odours and dirty
coop/run can
attract vermin or
predators.
Location of Coop Only in back yard Only in back yard Not permitted in
front or side yards
of lot.
Setbacks and Lot
Size
Variable, 1.2m to 4m
from adjoining
property, some
mention distances
from other buildings
(5m to 10m)
Not recommended
for urban areas. At
least 2m set back
from property line,
10m from
neighbouring
buildings.
No practical way to
determine
appropriate lot size
limits because of
set back in relation
to the shape of
yard.
Municipality of Clarington Page 9
Report LGS-032-24
Criteria Other Municipalities Staff Position Notes
Property Criteria Hen owner must live
on property, property
owner must give
permission to tenant,
hen owner must
receive neighbour
consent.
Hen owner must
live on property.
Unable to confirm
permission from
property owner or
neighbour due to
resources.
Eggs Eggs are for personal
use only
Eggs are for
personal use only.
No selling or
gifting of eggs.
Disposal of
chickens and
chicken cadavers
Must happen through
a veterinarian or
through a deadstock
removal company.
Must happen
through a
veterinarian or
through a
deadstock removal
company.
Chickens stop
laying eggs at a
certain stage of life
– must have plan
for that stage
7. Financial Considerations
7.1 The cost to the Municipality of a program of this nature would be measured in
enforcement time ranging from increased call volume for clerks to more investigations
by officers. It should be noted that the Clarington Animal Shelter does not have the
facilities needed to impound any chickens that are stray or abandoned. Currently,
neither the Municipal Law Enforcement team nor the Animal Shelter team have
sufficient staff or training to manage issues associated with backyard hens.
8. Strategic Plan
8.1 This report relates to the Strategic Plan in the Connect section C1.4, dealing with
livability. With the interests of prospective participants and non -participants in mind, the
potential for neighbour conflict outweighs the benefits of chicken keeping.
8.2 It is also relevant to C2.5, supporting the initiative-taking management of community
safety and well-being. With the risk of zoonotic disease, and the potential for greater
numbers of predators and vermin, safety and well-being are protected by maintaining
chickens on the prohibited animal list of the Exotic Animal By-law, and not permitting
them in backyards of urban and residential properties.
Municipality of Clarington Page 10
Report LGS-032-24
8.3 Urban chickens would also pose risks for current local egg producers, going against
G1.2, supporting local business and industry. The flocks of egg producers will face
increased risk of the transmission of disease from backyard flocks to their own due to
the lack of biological controls.
9. Climate Change
Not applicable.
10. Concurrence
Not applicable.
11. Conclusion
Legislative Services Staff respectfully suggest that it is not in the best interests of the
community for the Municipality of Clarington to allow backyard hens, and the keeping of
hens and other livestock should remain restricted to agricultural zoned properties. The
risk of disease, not only to other poultry farmers and wildlife, but to humans, is too great.
Issues with vermin and predators would increase. The cost of implementation and
enforcement falls outside of current budget restrictions.
It is also respectfully recommended that should Council choose not to follow the Staff
advice and proceed with exemptions to the Exotic Animal By-law to permit backyard
hens, staff would advise strongly against the inclusion of any residential lots within the
urban areas. There is no workable solution to determine minimum lot size, due to
setback demands and neighbouring property distance.
Staff Contact: Jennifer Horne, Animal Shelter Supervisor, jhorne@clarington.net.
Attachments:
1. Attachment 1 to LGS-032-24 - CC 02282024 – DAAC – Backyard Chickens
2. Attachment 2 to LGS-032-24 - Backyard Chicken Information from Al Dam
Interested Parties:
The following interested parties will be notified of Council's decision:
1. Durham Region Agricultural Advisory Committee
2. Clarington Agricultural Advisory Committee
3. Rosemary Davies
THIS LETTER HAS BEEN FORWARDED
TO THE EIGHT AREA CLERKS
If you require this information in an accessible format, please contact 1-800-372-1102 ext. 2097.
The Regional
Municipality of
Durham
Corporate Services
Department –
Legislative Services
Division
605 Rossland Rd. E.
Level 1
PO Box 623
Whitby, ON L1N 6A3
Canada
905-668-7711
1-800-372-1102
durham.ca
Alexander Harras
M.P.A.
Director of
Legislative Services
& Regional Clerk
Sent Via Email
February 29, 2024
June Gallagher
Clerk
Municipality of Clarington
40 Temperance Street
Bowmanville, ON L1C 3A6
Dear Ms. Gallagher:
RE: Durham Agricultural Advisory Committee Resolution re:
Backyard Chickens within Urban and Rural Settlement
Areas, Our File: C00
Council of the Region of Durham, at its meeting held on February 28,
2024, adopted the following recommendations of the Planning &
Economic Development Committee:
“That as the introduction of chickens within urban and rural
settlement areas (which includes towns, villages and hamlets)
can result in the potential spread of Avian Influenza and other
diseases to livestock in the Region, particularly poultry farms;
And that backyard chickens attract pests and predators,
resulting in conflicts between predatory animals and chickens,
and additional vectors for spreading disease;
Therefore be it resolved that Durham Regional Council be
advised that the Durham Agricultural Advisory Committee
(DAAC) does not support permitting chickens being kept in
urban settlement areas and rural settlement areas (which
includes towns, villages and hamlets); and
That a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the area
municipalities for information.”
Alexander Harras
Alexander Harras,
Director of Legislative Services & Regional Clerk
AH/vw
c: B. Bridgeman, Commissioner of Planning & Economic
Development
Attachment 1 to Report LGS-032-24
DR. MIKE'S TOP
12 HEN CHORES
A dozen daily jobs to keep backyard hens
healthy and safe in urban settings
l. Feed a commercially produced ration specifically designed for laying
hen s, generally not available at pet stores. It is difficult to make a balanced
diet at home , and should only be done if you are very experienced and
knowl edgeabl e.
2. Do not feed more than a minimum of treats . Mealworms , scratch grains,
table sc rap s and other treats are nutritionally deficient, and if they make up
more than 5-10% of the hen's ration, they can lead to nutritional diseases .
3. Failing to provide sufficient amounts of clean water each day can lead to
infection and illness. This can be challenging in the winter.
4. Hens need shade on hot days and a source of warmth on cold days.
5. Learn how to recognize discomfort or disease in your flock. Chickens are
naturally stoic and the signs of pain and illness are subtle. The majority of
hen s that are described by their owners as dying suddenly have had chronic
issues that had gone unnoticed. Observe all of your chickens daily and look
carefully for changes in activity or behaviour.
6. Keeping your coop and run clean is important for both chicken and human
health. Have a plan to deal with the nearly 1kg of manure that each hen
produce s each week. Composting a significant amount of manure is very
difficult because of the high nitrogen levels and acidity.
7. All livestock, including chickens, can be carriers of diseases which can
be transmitted to humans who are in close contact with them , especially
children. It is important to learn how to handle and care for hens without
accidentally exposing yourself to animal diseases which can have serious
consequences . It is also important to wash your hands every time after
handling your chickens, their eggs, or working in the coop.
8. Hens can live to be 7-10 years old. Older hens need to take a break from egg
production periodically. Going out of production is termed molting, occurs
naturally, and is necessary for older hens to remain healthy. Have a plan for
how you will deal with birds that are transitionally out of production , or are
done the egg laying portion of their lives . This includes having a safe plan
for disposal of any chickens that die under your care.
9. Be aware that many treatments and medications that are given to hens
will end up in your eggs. Understanding and respecting withdrawal times
for medications given by yourself or your vet are necessary to ensure that
contaminated eggs are not eaten.
10 . New birds coming into your flock should be vaccinated if at all possible.
Mo st viral di seases such as Mareks Disease and Infectious Larynotracheitis
(ILT) are not treatable and are devastating to flocks , but can be prevented
through vaccination.
11. Be sure to lock up the chickens at night to keep them safe from skunks, rats ,
raccoons and neighbourhood pets who will eat the hens and their feed.
12. Eggs are porous and can absorb invisible harmful bacteria if not handled
properly.
Avian influenza has become a serious threat to poultry around the world in the
pa st several years. The disea se is devastating to both hobby and commercial
flocks . If you have sudden, unexplained mortality in several birds , call the
Canadian Food Inspection Agency hotline at 226 -217-8022 to get testing for this
catastrophic disease so it cannot spread to other flocks .
Small Flocks Have Risks -A Vet's Perspective
Prospective small flock hen keepers need to worry about protecting hen and
human health.
More munici.palili.es are allowing for the 1,ceeping of backyard hens, and
interest in k~ing chickens for enjoyrp.ent and egg production is growing.
Proper= of hens is more com_plieated than keeping other pets
because poqltry have different biolpgical n~ get several diseases
that can be transmitted to people, and because unlike pets, hens
produce sometlmig that we eat. Chickens are indiscriminate in where
they dm><>sit their droppings. Any area chid<.ens have access to should
be eonsidered to have fecal contamination.
Even health_y hens will lay !!ggs with bacteria on the outside of the shell.
Proper handling of the eggs is crucial in preventing these bacteria
from penetrating into the egg or eontaminating anything they contact.
Contact'your doctor if any disease or infection occurs, and inform
medical professionals that you are in regular contact with chickens.
Animal welfare in small flocks is o~ good if the caregiver is
knowledgeable and conscientious. Providing adequate space,
protecfu,I)., nutrition and environmental conditions are imperative
for the well-bei.Qg of your hens. If you aren't sure of minimum
requirements for hens, oonsult the Canadian Code of Practice
pr-oduced by National Farm Animal Care Council at nfacc.ca/codes-
of-practice/pullets-and-laving-hens. ,Also check out Ontario's small
flock website at smallflockontario.ca.
Protecting your birds from predators is a major consideration for the
well-being of your flock. Developing a safe environment that can
protect from common predators including raccoons, rats, snakes,
skunks, owls, hawks, dogs, cats, weasels and other predators takes
forethou~ht, investment and vigilance.
Veterin;gy care foF your flock is fundamental for both your health
and the health of your birds. Establish a relationship with a vet who
is knowledgeable about poultry before you have a problem. Vets are
a great l'.esource for care, nutrition and prevention as well as disease
control
Chickens are indiscriminate peckers. The most effective way to
prevent your floclc from gett:4tg a disease is to keep it out of the chicken
yard.
Biosecurity is a concept that must be understood and implemented
by all baceyatd chicken keepers. Quarantining incoming birds and
separati.I!g your hens from other birds, other flocks and other pe0ple
associated with chickens are major components of maintaining a
healthy .flock. •
•
•
m a nu re
A hen excretes
approx mately 2 lbs of
manure per week!
h ea lth
A en may appear heal thy,
but c an be layi ng eggs to
the detr i men t of thei r own
health if not properly
cared for .
f eed
Layi ng hens need feed that
is especiall y h,g ' ,n protein
and ca l c,um . The h,g '
calcium l evel that a hen
needs in er d et would be
toxic to on ~produc,ng
an,mols svch cs o cat or
dog.
1his factsheet was prepared by Dr. Mike Petrik, DVM, on behalf ofEgg Farmers of Ontario.
Attachment 2 to Report LGS-032-24
May 2023 -Backyard Chickens
1. Toronto
The City of Toronto has a program that permits residents to have backyard
chickens in specific pilot areas across the City. However, only hens are allowed in
Toronto, the keeping of roosters is prohibited. In addition, hens are to be kept as
pets for egg production only, not as livestock to eat.
A maximum of 4 backyard hens are allowed per eligible residential property
within the City. All hen coops must not be located in the front yard. Furthermore, it
is illegal to have backyard hens outside of the pilot areas or have backyard hens
that are not registered with the City of Toronto.
In April 2023, CBC Canada reported that Toronto could pause its backyard
chicken pilot program in light of avian influenza cases.
2. Ottawa
The City of Ottawa allows the keeping of backyard chickens in areas zoned for
agricultural purposes. Chicken must not be allowed to run at large in the areas
where they are allowed to be kept within the City. The keeping of Pigeons or
Doves is also allowed in the City of Ottawa.
3.Brampton
The City of Brampton in Ontario's Greater Toronto Area allows a maximum of two
backyard hens per property. However, residen t s must obtain a license to keep the
two hens. In addition to 2 hens, Brampton residents may also keep two pigeons
on a lot.
4. Kitchener
In the City of Kitchener. residents are allowed to keep up to four chickens in their
backyards. However, Kitchener residents must obtain a permit for a fee of $52
before keeping any chickens. And the issuance of the permit is subject
to property inspection and neighbors· consent. Chicken coops must be kept 2.5m
away from side lot lines and 1.2m away from rear lot lines.
5. Burlington
It is legal to keep chickens in your backyard if you reside in the rural part of
Burlington, Ontario. According to the City's website. your property must be zoned
as rural or agricultural to keep chickens in addition to other domestic fowl,
including pheasants, grouse, guinea fowls, turkeys, and peafowls. Similar
regulations are in place in the cities of Greater Sudbury, Chatham-Kent, Sarnia,
and Cambridge.
6. Guelph
The City of Guelph allows the keeping of up to 10 backyard chickens, excluding
roosters. Guelph residents are required to register their chickens with the City.
7. Kingston
If you live in the City of Kingston, Ontario, you may have up to 6 backyard hens,
provided you are in compliance with the Backyard Hens Rules .
8. Waterloo
The keeping of up to 4 backyard hens is allowed on residential properties in the
City of Waterloo. The City requires that residents obtain an annual permit for a
fee of $26.27 before keeping any chickens. Waterloo prohibits the keeping of
roosters, only hens are allowed. Hen coops or runs must be fully enclosed and
kept at least 1.5 meters away from property lines.
9. Brantford
The City of Brantford's bylaw requires that residents obtain a $100 permit to keep
backyard chickens within the City. A maximum of 10 chickens, including 1 rooster
is allowed per property in Brantford, Ontario. Chickens must be kept in a clean
and sanitary condition and at least 7.5m away from structures on other lots.
10. Niagara Falls
In Niagara Falls, a maximum of 10 backyard chickens are permitted within the
Urban boundary. Roosters are not permitted in Niagara Falls . All hen coops must
be located at least 25 feet from the rear lot line and 15 feet from any side lot line.
Other Cities That Allow Backyard Chickens
in Ontario, Canada
• Peterborough: Allows 4 hens. Permit required
• Kawartha Lakes : Allows chickens on properties not zoned as residential
• Norfolk County: Allows a maximum of 4 backyard hens
• Township of Alnwick/Haldimand: Allows a maximum of 6 hens
• Ouinte Wes t: Allows four hens per residential property
• Orangeville: Allows a maximum of 3 hens per property