HomeMy WebLinkAboutAAC 2020-05-28 agenda.pdfCity of Maple Ridge
Agricultural Advisory Committee
AGENDA
Thursday, May 28, 2020 at 7:00 pm
Held via Teleconference
Meeting Access Information
To practice social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic we will be holding the Agricultural
Advisory Committee (AAC) meeting via teleconference. All participants including members of the AAC
and the public are asked to join the meeting from home using the
access information provided below.
Join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/598110405
Or join the meeting using your phone
Dial: 1-888-455-1389 (toll free) or 1-647-497-9391
Enter the Access Code: 598-110-405
1.CALL TO ORDER
2.APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
3.ADOPTION OF MINUTES – March 26, 2020
4.DELEGATIONS
5.QUESTION PERIOD
6.NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
6.1. Staff Liaison - Introductions
6.2. Impacts of COVID-19 on Local Farms/Farmers
6.3. Backyard Hens
6.4. Pollinators Presentations Follow-Up
6.5. Dr. Bee – 2020 Bees & Blueberries Festival – August 8/9, 2020
6.6. Potential Food Shortage Correspondence
7.LIAISON UPDATES
7.1. Staff Liaison
7.2. Council Liaison
8.SUBCOMMITTEE & TASK FORCE UPDATES
8.1. Food Garden Contest 2020 Task Force
8.2. Education
8.3. Promotion of Agriculture
Agricultural Advisory Committee Agenda
May 23, 2019
Page 2 of 2
9.ROUNDTABLE
10.ADJOURNMENT
Next Meeting: June 25, 2020 Agenda Items Submission Deadline: June 11, 2020
QUESTION PERIOD
Question Period provides the public with the opportunity to ask questions or make comments on subjects that are of
concern to them. Each person will be given 2 minutes to speak.
Up to ten minutes in total is allotted for Question Period.
City of Maple Ridge
Agricultural Advisory Committee
MEETING MINUTES
The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Agricultural Advisory Committee,
held via Teleconference on March 26, 2020 at 7:02 pm.
____________________________________________________________________________________
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT
Bill Hardy, Chair Member at Large
Carla Schiller, Vice Chair Member at Large
Melissa Maltais Fraser North Farmers Market Society
Michelle Franklin Member at Large
Pascale Shaw Member at Large
Angela Boss B.C. Ministry of Agriculture (Non-voting member)
Shannon Lambie Agriculture Land Commission (Non-voting member)
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT
Amanda Grochowich Staff Liaison / Planning Department
Erin Mark Committee Clerk
COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT
Councillor Gordy Robson Council Liaison
Andrew Pozsar Member at Large
Lorraine Bates Agricultural Fair Board Representative
1.CALL TO ORDER
2.APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
R/2020-010
It was moved and seconded
That the January 30, 2020 Agricultural Advisory Committee agenda be amended to add:
•Item 6.6 – Agricultural Advisory Committee Membership Structure;
•Item 6.7 – Backyard Chickens;
and be approved as amended.
CARRIED
3.ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES
R/2020-011
It was moved and seconded
That the minutes of the Maple Ridge Agricultural Advisory Committee meeting dated January
30, 2020 be adopted.
CARRIED
4.DELEGATIONS – Nil
3.
__ __... ..... __
mapleridge.ca
Agricultural Advisory Committee Minutes
March 26, 2020
Page 2 of 3
5.QUESTION PERIOD – Nil
6.NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
6.1. Impacts of COVID-19 on Local Farms/Farmers
Angela Boss informed the Committee that the Provincial Ministry of Agriculture was reaching
out to different agriculture sectors/regions asking about the current impacts and
anticipated issues of the COVID-19 pandemic and then asked about their experiences.
Members shared some of the issues they and others in the industry are currently facing and
how they are adapting.
6.2. Pollinators Presentations Follow-Up
The committee clerk shared that the delegation that presented information regarding the
Decline of Pollinators to the AAC on January 30, 2020 also presented to Council on February
11, 2020. Committee members discussed the next steps to try to address the concerns
raised by the Pollinators delegation.
6.3. Dr. Bee – 2020 Bees & Blueberries Festival – August 8/9, 2020
The Chair reviewed an event application package received for the 2020 Bees & Blueberries
Festival. The Committee postponed a decision on this item until more information becomes
available on the future of public events given the current COVID health crisis.
.
6.4. Code of Practice for Agricultural Environmental Management
The staff liaison spoke about The Code of Practice for Agricultural Environmental
Management materials provided in the agenda package and encouraged members to
distribute them to their contacts.
6.5. Golden Harvest 2020
The staff liaison asked the Committee if they would support hosting a Golden Harvest event
in 2020.
R/2020-012
It was moved and seconded
That the AAC consider including Golden Harvest as part of their 2021 Business Plan.
CARRIED
Note: Items 6.6 and 6.7 were moved to after the Task Force Updates due to time constraints.
7.LIAISON UPDATES
7.1. Staff Liaison
The staff liaison provided an update on City operations during the COVID pandemic.
7.2. Council Liaison
An update was not available.
Agricultural Advisory Committee Minutes
March 26, 2020
Page 3 of 3
8.TASK FORCE REPORTS
8.1. Food Garden Contest 2020
Carla Schiller and Pascale Shaw updated the Committee on the preparations for the 2020
Food Garden Contest and discussed categories and prizes.
8.2 Education
The Chair discussed and sought support from the Committee to host a Speaker Series in the
fall.
R/2020-013
It was moved and seconded
That Michelle Franklin and Angela Boss work to examine potential topics for a Speaker
Series that would potentially run Fall 2020/ early Winter 2021.
CARRIED
8.3 Promotion of Agriculture
The Committee discussed the Booth in a Box project currently underway by the task force.
Michelle Franklin and Angela Boss offered assistance with the project.
6.NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS Continued
6.6 Agricultural Advisory Committee Membership Structure
Pascale Shaw raised concerns that the AAC did not have representation from a variety of
agricultural sectors and that valuable experience was lost when members left at the end of
2019. The Committee discussed ways to identify what sectors are missing and how to
involve individuals from those sectors with the AAC.
6.7 Backyard Chickens
This item was moved to a future agenda due to time restraints.
9.ROUNDTABLE
Members provided verbal reports on local agricultural topics and activities.
10.ADJOURNMENT – 9:00 PM
Bill Hardy, Chair
/em
1
City of Maple Ridge
TO: His Worship Mayor Michael Morden MEETING DATE: December 11, 2018
and Members of Council
FROM: Chief Administrative Officer MEETING: Council Workshop
SUBJECT: Backyard Hens: Consultation Summary Report
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
In 2017, Council directed staff, in consultation with the Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC), to
develop a backyard chickens program that would permit the keeping of hens in residential areas.
Through 2018, the Agricultural Advisory Committee researched options to accommodate backyard
hens in residential areas in Maple Ridge. Over the summer of 2018, members of the AAC and City
staff attended community events to talk about backyard hens. Retitled as “Backyard Hens” for the
purpose of community engagement, consultation activities revealed significant community interest in
permitting the keeping of backyard hens in residential areas.
This report summarizes the community consultation activities and feedback for Council and seeks
Council direction on next steps; namely, the development of an Options Report to explore regulatory
measures to permit the keeping of backyard hens in Maple Ridge.
RECOMMENDATION:
That staff, in consultation with the Agricultural Advisory Committee, be directed to prepare an
Options Report to explore regulatory measures to permit the keeping of backyard hens in Maple
Ridge.
BACKGROUND:
a)Keeping chickens in Maple Ridge
Currently, the keeping of chickens is considered an agricultural use and is permitted on agricultural
zoned lots as well as in select circumstances on some residential lots (RS-1 and RS-2 when in the
ALR, and on RS-3 when larger than 0.4 hectares). The current regulations permit the keeping of
chickens on approximately 2,800 lots across the City, as demonstrated in the map of Appendix A.
The keeping of chickens is also currently regulated by the Maple Ridge Animal Control and Licencing
Bylaw No. 6908-2012. The Bylaw requires that every owner of a poultry pen must ensure that the
area is clean, sanitized, free of vermin, and that all excrement is removed at least once a day. In
addition, the Wildlife and Vector Control Bylaw No. 7437 – 2018 regulates the prevention of wildlife
attractants and vector control against the spread of diseases within the municipal boundaries of the
City.
b)Council Direction and Work Done To-date
Based on a Council motion, Council received information on approaches used by other municipalities
to accommodate backyard chickens in residential areas in the summer of 2017, including the pilot
programme implemented by the City of Pitt Meadows in 2014 (which was terminated in 2015 due to
the low number of participants and the numerous complaints received). A summary of the municipal
scan is available below with a detailed version available in Appendix B.
6.3
I ··-~ .. ,.
mapleridge.ca
2
Figure 1 - Summary of the Backyard Chicken Municipal Scan (2017)
Exploring the keeping of chickens in residential areas was then added to the Agricultural Advisory
Committee’s (AAC) 2018 work plan on July 18, 2017, when Council directed:
That staff, in consultation with the Agricultural Advisory Committee, develop a backyard
chickens program to permit the keeping of chickens in residential areas as identified under
the Process section of the report entitled “Backyard Chickens – Discussion Paper” dated July
18, 2017.
Through that Staff report, it was suggested that the issue of permitting backyard chickens in the
City’s residential areas be presented to the community to assess the level of support for a possible
program and following the community conversations, staff would prepare a follow-up report
summarizing the consultation results and potential next steps for Council’s consideration.
Through 2018, the AAC Backyard Chicken Subcommittee looked at options to accommodate
backyard hens in residential areas in Maple Ridge. A number of themes were explored such as the
appropriate range of chickens that could be permitted on residential lots, the suggested age and
gender of such chickens, as well as average property sizes and proper care information for keeping
chickens while minimizing neighbourhood impacts. At the April 5, 2018 AAC Meeting, the Committee
endorsed the consultation program through the following resolution:
That the Agricultural Advisory Committee support the proposed public consultation program
for backyard chickens.
Over the summer of 2018, members of the AAC and City staff attended community events to talk
about backyard hens. This report summarizes what was heard through the community consultation
process.
MUN ICIPALITY PERMITTED NUMBER OF CHICKENS S IZE OF LOT
Abbotsford No
Burnaby No
Chilliwack No
North Vancouver (City) Yes Up to 8 hens, no roosters !357 m2 (6000 ft2)
Coquitlam No
Delta Yes Up to 12 chickens M inimum lot size 4000m2 (1 acre).
North Vancouver (District) No
New Westminster Yes Up to 8 hens Minimum lot size 557m2 (6000ft2)
Upto 5 745 m2 -1 ,858 m2
Oak Bay Yes Upto 8 Up to 4.047 m2
Upto 10 Over 4 ,047 m2
Pitt Meadows No Pilot Program mi n imum lot size was
409m2 (4400 ft2 )
Port Coquitlam No
Port Moody No
Richmond Yes No limit on number :zooo m2 (0.5 acres) or larger.
Township of Langley No
Vancouver Yes Up to 4 hens, no roosters Minimum lot size 279 m2 (3000 ft2)
Victoria Yes No maximum l\lo minimum lot size
Asolluly2017
3
COMMUNITY CONSULTATION
Retitled as “Backyard Hens” for the purpose of community engagement, the AAC Backyard Chicken
Subcommittee was looking for community input on how many backyard hens were felt to be
appropriate for a residential lot, what size of property could be considered appropriate for the
keeping of backyard hens as well as revealing the community’s thoughts on the overall benefits and
concerns of possibly permitting backyard hens in their neighbourhoods.
A copy of the engagement materials and feedback is available in the appendices.
a) Consultation Process
While community engagement is not typically undertaken in the summer months, it was observed
that a number of timely community events were being held throughout the summer that related to
the topic of backyard chickens. Taking place throughout July and August 2018, the consultation
process included:
A booth in the Backyard Farming section of Country Fest, held July 28 & 29 2018 at the
Albion Fair Grounds, and a booth at the regular Saturday Haney Farmers Market on August
25, 2018 at Memorial Peace Park. At both events, information boards were available for
review (available in Appendix C) as well as City staff and members of the AAC were available
to answer questions.
A questionnaire (available in Appendix D) to obtain feedback on the proposed backyard
chicken program was made available on paper at the public events and online from July 27,
2018 to August 31, 2018 on the AAC’s Community Initiatives webpage. The City received
900 community surveys, with 840 completed in full, making this survey one of the most
engaged surveys in recent City history. The complete survey results and verbatim comments
are available in Appendix E.
Advertising and promotion through the City’s social media accounts. The City’s Facebook
posts were very active online with multiple shares, views and resident comments.
Solicited participants (opt-in required) for a new e-newsletter on process and event updates
on agricultural issues for interested residents from the new agriculture@mapleridge.ca email
address. Over 280 e-mails were collected throughout August 2018. The mailing list may be
used to provide further information and updates about the Backyard Hen process to the
public.
b) Consultation Outcomes
Approximately 900 people completed the Backyard Hen Survey, with 90% of respondents identifying
as living in Maple Ridge, making this one of the most successful City surveys to-date. Most
participants responded positively to the possibility of keeping backyard hens in the City’s residential
areas, with many offering potential parameters to be explored should the initiative take place.
Respondents were asked if they had had backyard hens in the past as well as if they were interested
in having backyard hens in the future. Approximately one third indicated that they had kept backyard
hens before, while nearly two-thirds indicated interest in having backyard hens in the future.
i. Number of Hens & Size of Property
Respondents were also asked to indicate how many backyard hens would be appropriate to permit
per household should keeping backyard hens be permitted. Survey responses indicated 36% support
households having 3 – 4 hens, 29% support households with 4 – 5 hens; 28% support having
households with 5 – 6 hens, and 17% support households with more than 6 hens. Approximately
15% indicated that they did not support the keeping of any backyard hens. The survey results are
supported and reflected in conversations many members of the public had with City staff and
attending AAC members.
4
In terms of the size of property that might be appropriate
for the keeping of backyard hens, most respondents
indicated positively that smaller lots in urban areas should
be considered. While responses were inconstant – some
selected one, while others selected many – there was
support for all three of the proposed lot sizes: Small Urban
Properties (600 – 1,000 m2 / 6,500 – 10, 700 ft2/ 0.15 –
0.25 acres), Mid-sized Urban Properties (1,200 – 2,000
m2 / 13,000 – 21,500 ft2 / 0.3 – 0.75 acres), and
Suburban Residential Properties (4,000 – 8,000 m2 /
43,000 – 86,000 ft2 / 1 – 2 acres). Furthermore, many
respondents indicated that they would like to see even
smaller lot sizes considered (e.g. 5,500 ft2, 4, 500 ft2 or
even 3,000ft2, such as in the City of Vancouver) for the
keeping of backyard hens so that more residents would
be able to participate.
Approximately 6% of respondents indicated that no
properties would be appropriate for the keeping of
backyard hens.
ii. Benefits of Backyard Hens
Respondents were asked to indicate their perceived benefits of keeping backyard hens. The results
are as follows: Increases the availability and accessibility of food (78%); Educational opportunity (e.g.
keeping and caring for hens) (76%); Reduces household costs (75%); Creates compost for gardens
(69%); and Companionship (e.g. pets) (53%). Sixteen percent of respondents indicated ‘other’
benefits also exist, and such themes reinforced the benefits listed above as well as key aspects to
sustainable living, understanding where food comes from, and contributing to Maple Ridge’s
agricultural identity,
Approximately 11% indicated that they felt there were no perceived benefits of keeping backyard
hens.
iii. Concerns with Backyard Hens
Respondents were asked to indicate their perceived concerns with keeping backyard hens. The
results are as follows: Potential to attract rodents and pests (45%); Potential to attract wildlife (38%);
Odour (38%); Noise (28%); Concern that a coop will be situated too close to your property (19%); and
Coops may be unsightly (18%). Twelve percent of respondents indicated ‘other’ concerns also exist,
however, many of these entries in this section were respondents providing suggestions on how to
best care for backyard hens, if permitted. For example, a strong theme from respondents was
concern that hens would not be cared for properly with suggestions put forth for good education in
safely keeping backyard hens by prospective owners. Similarly, the existing and potential expansion
of the local rodent population was identified by many. There were also several references to
biosecurity and the importance of reducing disease vectors as well as whether there would be
sufficient City capacity for effective enforcement, should backyard hens be permitted.
Approximately 30% indicated that they felt there were no perceived concerns to keeping backyard
hens. Many respondents noted that the list of potential concerns is not exclusive to the keeping of
backyard hens and that other pets (e.g. dogs and cats) may also negatively impact neighbours.
Figure 2 - Community Consultation Board (2018)
Help Inform the Co•vers tion
-J • • • •• •·
5
WE ARE HERE
iv. General Comments
Over 740 (88 %) respondents provided general comments on the matter of backyard hens possibly
being allowed in their neighbourhoods.
The majority of the comments were positive and in support of keeping backyard hens. Several of the
positive comments were appreciative to see the City, through the Agricultural Advisory Committee,
consider this initiative.
Many suggested that the number of permitted backyard hens be tied to lot size where smaller lots
are permitted fewer hens, and larger suburban properties could be permitted more hens. As well,
there were suggestions for a licenced backyard hen program similar to the dog licence program with
educational requirements provided by a third party. Several respondents reinforced the notion that
roosters should not be permitted. As well, it was noted by several respondents that Albion would not
be an appropriate neighbourhood for such an initiative due to lot size.
The last question of the survey requesting any other thoughts or comments solicited approximately
400 responses (47%). These comments largely reiterated the key themes indicated throughout the
survey. In addition to the above, respondents sought clarity on animal welfare policies – including
where unwanted hens would be accepted – as well as the importance of particular coop formats (i.e.
raised and/or mobile coops).
NEXT STEPS:
Council has previously directed staff and the Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC) to develop a
backyard hen program for Maple Ridge, which included as a first step the bringing forward of the
issue for community discussion. With the feedback generally positive, and in recognition of the
strong levels of public participation, there seems to be a recognized interest in exploring and possibly
developing a backyard hen program for Maple Ridge.
Should Council so direct, staff would create as a next step in the below illustrated process an
Options Report to explore how the keeping of backyard hens could be regulated in Maple Ridge. The
Options Report would be based on the review of other municipalities and other regulatory agencies,
background research, input from the AAC Backyard Chicken Subcommittee as well as the public
engagement activities. The intent would be to outline for Council’s early consideration possible
regulatory options for keeping backyard hens in Maple Ridge prior to proceeding forward with any
amending bylaws.
INTERDEPARMENTAL IMPLICATIONS:
The issues regarding the keeping of chickens in urban residential areas tend to fall into three
categories: noise, odour, and vermin/pests. A discussion with Bylaw and Licencing Services
Department staff about backyard chickens identified that there have been a handful of complaints in
previous years (e.g. 5 in 2015, 6 in 2016, 5 in 2017 and 1 to-date in 2018). Bylaw complaints were
on residential lots, none of which are designated ALR land, and generally the concerns are vermin
and odour. Based on this information, Bylaw staff recommend that a cautious approach be taken,
and anticipates that additional enforcement resources may be required if backyard hens are
permitted in urban residential areas, depending on the level of uptake.
Background
Research
Discuss with
Wider
Community
Council
Update
Develop
Options
Report
Council
Review of
Options
Draft Bylaw
(if directed)
6
AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE:
The Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC) Backyard Chicken Subcommittee is comprised of several
residents with many years of experience with keeping chickens, including those who currently keep
chickens on rural properties in Maple Ridge. Staff met with the Subcommittee several times to
discuss options to accommodate keeping backyard hens in residential areas. In light of the public’s
feedback, the AAC Backyard Chicken Subcommittee is in support of exploring what regulator options
for a Backyard Hen programme could look like in Maple Ridge.
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATION:
Should Council wish to proceed in different manner than the recommendation provided in this
report, an alternative recommendation has been provided below.
That no further exploration of regulatory measures to permit the keeping of backyard hens in
Maple Ridge take place at this time.
CONCLUSION:
In 2017, Council directed staff, in consultation with the Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC), to
develop a backyard chicken program to permit the keeping of hens in residential areas as part of the
2018 AAC Work Program. This report provides an update to Council on the work that has been
completed to-date, including a community engagement process, and seeks Council direction on the
development of an Options Report to explore regulatory measures to permit the keeping of backyard
hens in Maple Ridge.
“Original signed by Amanda Grochowich”
_______________________________________________
Prepared by: Amanda Grochowich, MCIP, RPP
Planner I
“Original signed by Christine Carter”
_______________________________________________
Approved by: Christine Carter, MPL, MCIP, RPP
Director of Planning
“Original signed by Frank Quinn”
_______________________________________________
Approved by: Frank Quinn, MBA, P. Eng.
GM: Public Works & Development Services
“Original signed by Frank Quinn for Paul Gill”
_______________________________________________
Approved by: Paul Gill, BBA, CPA, CGA
Chief Administrative Officer
Appendix A: Map of lots where keeping chickens is currently permitted
Appendix B: Municipal Comparison – Excerpt from July 17, 2017 Report
Appendix C: Public Consultation Information Boards
Appendix D: Public Consultation Questionnaire
Appendix E: Public Consultation Results
APPENDIX A
1
I ..
..
I
The City of Maple Ridge makes no guarantee
regard ing the accuracy or present status of
the information shown on this map.
Legend
---C ity Boundary --Street Centrelines
-+-+ Railway (Generalized)
-Major Rivers & Lakes
-Municipal, Regional and Provincial Parks
cale : 1:55,000 -Forest
-Lots Permitting Backyard Hens Under Existing Regulations Total: 2,747
Agricultural Zones Lots
Lots WithinALR: 146
Lots Outs de ALR: 330
Total: 476
Residential Zoned Lots
RS -3 Lots Wlhln ALR:1,055
RS -1, RS-2 Lots Within ALR : 42
RS-3 Lots OutsideALR:1,174
Total : 2,271
I r
Lots Currently Perrn~ting Backyard Hens
Under Existing Regulations
• mapleridge.ca
FILE: 1811~ockyaro Chlckeos.lTl<d
DATE: No, 30, 2018 BY:AC
Appendix B | 1
Appendix B – Excerpt from July 17, 2017 Report
The table below and on the following pages shows a selection of Lower Mainland and South
Vancouver Island municipalities and their respective positions on keeping chickens in urban areas.
Table 1: Backyard Chicken programs in Urban Areas
Municipality Permitte
d (Y/N)
Additional Information Source(s)
Abbotsford No Zoning Bylaw:
https://abbotsford.civicweb.net/filepr
o/documents/16830
Burnaby No Zoning Bylaw
https://burnaby.civicweb.net/filepro/
documents/5436
Chilliwack No Animal Control Bylaw information:
http://www.chilliwack.ca/main/page.
cfm?id=2044
City of North
Vancouver
Yes Allowed in Single Unit
Residential (OCP-R1) zoned
dwellings that have minimum
lot sizes of 557 m2 (6000 ft2).
Residents are permitted to
keep up to 8 hens, no
roosters.
Link to related documents:
http://www.cnv.org/Your-
Government/Living-City/Local-
Food/Urban-Chicken-Keeping
(Zoning Bylaw, Urban Chicken
Guidelines, Small Creatures Limitation
Bylaw)
Coquitlam No Zoning Bylaw page 10-5
http://www.coquitlam.ca/docs/defaul
t-source/zoning-bylaw/Part_10_-
_One-
family_Residential_Zones.pdf?sfvrsn=
4
Delta Yes Allows for the keeping of 12
poultry in two urban zones,
the RS-2 zone (Single Family
Residential) and RS-3 zone
(Single Family Residential),
that both have a
minimum lot size 4000m2
hectares (1 acre)
Zoning Bylaw
https://delta.civicweb.net/filepro/doc
uments/39447?preview=39452
District of
North
Vancouver
No Zoning Bylaw
https://www.dnv.org/bylaws/zoning
New
Westminster
Yes Poultry (up to 8 hens) are
allowed on RS-1 (Single
Detached Dwelling District)
lots 557m2 (6000ft2) or more,
not less than 50 ft. from the
nearest habitable dwelling.
Public Health Bylaw, 1967, p.3. Link:
http://www.newwestcity.ca/database
/rte/4271phb.pdf
APPENDIX B
Appendix B | 2
Oak Bay Yes A license by the municipality
must be granted, along with
site plan, and limited to five
(5) for a parcel of area greater
than 745 square metres and
less than or equal to 1,858
square metres; eight up to
4047m2 and 10 over
4047m2.
Oak Bay Animal Control Bylaw:
https://www.oakbay.ca/sites/default/
files/municipal-hall/4013%20-
%20%20Animal%20Control%20Bylaw
%20%20Consolidated%20to%20459
1.pdf
Pitt Meadows No During Pilot Program
minimum lot size was 409m2
(4400 ft2) with the exception
that the use was not
permitted for duplexes.
Port
Coquitlam
No Zoning Bylaw:
http://www.portcoquitlam.ca/Assets/
Bylaws/Zoning+Bylaw$!2c+No.+3630
.pdf
Port Moody No Zoning Bylaw:
http://www.portmoody.ca/modules/s
howdocument.aspx?documentid=115
30
Richmond Yes Permitted on half acre Single
Detached Residential zones
RS1/G and RS2/G 2000 m2
(0.5 acres) or larger. No limit
on number.
City of Richmond Animal Control
Bylaw No. 7932, p. 7. Link:
http://www.richmond.ca/__shared/as
sets/Bylaw_7932_0408201328717.
pdf
Township of
Langley
No Residential section of Zoning Bylaw:
http://www.tol.ca/Portals/0/township
%20of%20langley/mayor%20and%20
council/bylaws/2500%20-
%20zoning/Zoning%20Bylaw%20250
0%20-
%20Section%20400%20Residential.p
df?timestamp=1465338282414
Vancouver Yes Single and multi-family
residential zones
(RA-, RS-, RT-, RM-, FM-, FSD-)
A maximum of 4 hens (no
roosters). Smallest lot size is
279.709m2 or 3000 ft2.
Zoning and Development Bylaw
http://vancouver.ca/your-
government/zoning-development-
bylaw.aspx
Victoria Yes It is lawful to keep poultry
(chickens, ducks, geese,
turkey). Roosters are
prohibited. There is no
maximum number of poultry
permitted, but the number
must be consistent with use
Enforcement is undertaken by Victoria
Animal Control Services Ltd.
http://www.vacs.ca/bylaw-
regulations/backyard-
chickens/register-your-chickens
Appendix B | 3
for personal egg consumption.
Animal Control Bylaw defines
farm animal, but specifically
excludes chickens. Response
from the City of Victoria is
there is no minimum lot size
for the keeping of backyard
chickens.
(Updated as of July 2017)
APPENDIX C
ELCOME
To the Agricultural Advisory Committee's
conversation on backyard hens in Maple Ridge
At today's event you can:
• Explore the material: There are several boards here today and we
encourage you to review them all to learn more about the conversation on
backyard hens in Maple Ridge
• Ask questions: City staff and members of the Agricultural Advisory
Committee are here to answer any questions you may have.
• Fill out a survey! Paper surveys are available today. They are also
available online at www.mapleridge.ca/1884.
• Sign-up for the Agricultural E-Newsletter.
WHY ARE WE HERE?
We wantto hear from you! The City of Maple Ridge's Agricultura l Advisory
Committee (AAC ) is looking at options to accommodate backyard hens
in res identia l areas in Maple Ridge and wants to hear what you th i nk.
WHY NOW?
Over the past few years, enthusiasm for backyard chickens has grown
across the country. This is in part d ue to increased community interest
in sustainability, food security and consumption of locally grown food .
During this time, many c ities have enacted or updated by -laws to a ll ow
the keeping of chickens. The AAC is now looking at ways to accommodate
backyard hens in residential areas in Maple Ridge.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS?
Over the summer, City staff and members of the AAC wi ll be popp ing up at
community events to talk about backyard hens in Maple Ridge . Feel free
to join us or you can call the City at any time to share your thoughts on
backyard hens in Maple Ridge:
• country Fest . July 28 & 29, 2 0 18
• Ha ney Farmers Market. August 2018
• Online until August 31. 2018
In the fall , City staff will summarize what was heard and report back to the
AAC and to Council. Based on your comments, Maple Ridge Council will
decide if bylaw updates should be prepared to accommodate backyard
hens in residential areas in Maple Ridge.
WHAT DO WE MEAN BY
"BACKYARD HENS"?
These are not your great-grandparent's
chickens which were kept as livestock.
Today, backyard chickens are kept
primarily as pets and for eggs.
When we say 'backyard hen ' we 're talking
about hens that are older than 4 months
-no roosters -usually housed in coop:s
p laced in the back yard.
DON'T FORGET
TO FILL OUT A SURVEY!
Surveys are availab le today in
µ1 mt m onl!ne at
www.map leridge.ca/1884
1~•-·
CHICKENS IN MAPLE RIDGE
Currently, the keep i ng of chickens is cons idered an agricultural use and
is permitted only on agricultural zoned lots along with rura l and subur ban
residentia l lots in the Agricu lture Land Reserve that are larger than 0.4
hectares (1 acre). This means that today approx imately 1,800 lots across
Maple Ridge are permitted i n the Zon i ng Bylaw to keep chickens of any
age, gender, or breed, subject to the City's regulations (as i llustrated in
the map below).
I
lEGt"l'.0
.._., __ .,.~··---.. -...
Despite being w idely allowed i n many parts of the City, the City of Maple
Ridge's Agricultura l Advisory Comm ittee is looking at options that may
expand the keeping of backyard hens i n residential a reas.
THOUGHTS ABOUT BACKYARD HENS
Some common benefits and concerns heard from residents about the
keeping of backyard hens in residentia l areas i nc l ude:
BENEFITS CONCERNS . Reduces household food costs . Noise and odour (e.g. fresh eggs) . Increases the avai lability and . Potentia l to attract rodents and
accessibil ity of food pests . Creates great compost for gardens . Potentia l to attract wildlife . Educational opportunity (e.g . . coops may be unsightly keeping and cari ng for hens) . Concerns that a coop wi l l be . Compansionsh i p (e .g. pets)
situated too c lose to your property
MUNICIPALITY PERM ITTED
Abbotsford No
Burnaby No
Chi lliwack No
North Vancouver (City) Yes
Coquitlam No
Delta Yes
North Vanco uver (District) No
New Westminster Yes
Oak Bay Yes
Pitt Meadows No
Port Coquitlam No
Po rt Moody No
Richmond Yes
Towns hip of La ngley No
Vancouver Yes
Victoria Yes
LESSONS LEARNED
NUMBER OF CHICKENS
Up to 8 hens. no roost ers
Up to 12 chickens
Upto 8 hens
Up to 5
Up t o 8
Up to 10
No limit on number
Up to 4 hens, no roost ers
No maximum
The table below shows a selection
o f Lower Main land and South
Vancouver Island municipal itie s
and thei r respective regulation on
the keeping of ch ickens in urban
areas.
SIZE OF LOT
557 m2 (6000 ft2)
Minimum lot size 4000m2 (1 acre)_
Minimum lot size 557m2 (6000ft2)
745 m2 -1,858 m2
Up to 4,047 m2
Over 4,047 m2
Pilot Program minim um lot size was
409m2 (4400 ft2 )
2000 m2 (0.5 acres) or larger.
Minimum lot size 279 m2 (3000 f t 2)
No minimum lot s ize
AsofJ411/2017
A number of themes emerged from the seven municipalities that perm it the keeping of chickens in residentia l
areas:
• The number of permitted ch ickens range from a • Sel ling of eggs is not permitted_
m i nimum of 4 to a maximum of 12. with an average
of 6 to 8 chickens per household_ • Slaughteri ng is not permitted on the premises _
• No roosters allowed_ • Maintenance and care i nf ormation is provided by
the City to encourage pro per care. c leanl iness and
• M inimum average property size of 557 m2 (6 ,000 to minimize conflicts
sq_ f t or 0.13 acre).
HOW MANY CHICKENS IS BEST?
How many backyard hens do you feel would be appropriate to permit per household, if a llowed?
None 3-4 4-5 5-6 6+
WHAT SIZE OF PROPERTY FITS BEST?
What size of property do you fee l would be appropriate for backyard hens, if allowed?
Small Urban Properties
• Typically 600 -1,000 m 2 {6,500 ft2 -10. 700 ft2 / 0.15 -0.25 acre)
Mid-sized Urban Properties
• Typically 1,200 -2,000 m 2 (13,000 ft2 -21.500 ft2 / 0.3 -0.75 acre)
Suburban Residential Properties
• Typically 4,000 -8.000 m 2 (43,000 ft2 -86,000 ft2 / 1-2 acres)
_.,... __
THANK YOU
For participating in the conversation about backyard hens in
Maple Ridge.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Please take the opportunity to provide your thoughts and comments
through our survey available today or online at:
WWW.MAPLERIDGE.CA/1884
Online survey closes August 31, 2018
STAY IN TOUCH
P: (604 ) 463 522 1
W: www.mapleridge.ca/1 884
E: agriculture@map l eridge.ca
Introduction
The City of Maple Ridge's Agriculture Advisory Committee (AAC) is looking at options to accommodate
backyard hens in residential areas in Maple Ridge and wants to hear what you think!
The survey takes about 5 minutes. With your feedback. the information gathered t h rough this survey wi ll
inform the AAC and Council if bylaw updates should be prepared.
If you have any questions about the survey, please contact the Planning Department at
agric ulture@mapleridge.ca or call 604-463-5221 ext 5566.
Let's get started!
1. Do you live in Maple Ridge?
□ Yes
□ No
2 . Have you had backyard hens in the past?
□ Yes
□ No
3. Are you interested in having backyard hens in the future?
□ Yes
□ No
4. How many backyard hens do you feel wou ld be appropriate to permit per househo ld. if a llowed?
□ 3-4
□ 4-5
□ 5-6
□ 6+
□ None -Backyard hens are not appropriate.
5. What size of property do you feel would be appropriate for backyard hens. if al lowed?
select all that apply
□ Sma ll Urban Properties 600 -1,000 m2 ; (6,500 -10,700 ft2 / 0.15 -0.25 acre)
□ Mid-sized Urban Properties 1,200 -1.000 m 2 (13,000 -21,500 ft2 / 0.15 -0.25 acre)
□ Suburban Properties 4,000 -8 ,000 m2 ; (43,000-86,000 ft2/ 1-2 acres)
□ None
6. Please indicate what you feel the benefits may be if backyard hens were allowed?
□ Reduces household food costs
□ Increases the avai lability and accessibility of food
□ Creates compost for gardens
□ Educational opportun ity (e.g. keeping and caring for hens)
□ Compansionship (e.g. pets)
□ None
□ Other: -------------------------------
7. Please indicate what concerns you may have if backyard hens were allowed?
□ Noise
□ Odour
□ Potential to attract rodents and pests
□ Potential to attract wi ldlife
□ Coops may be unsightly
□ Concern that a coop will be situated too close to your property
□ None
□ Other: -------------------------------
8. How do you feel about backyard hens possibly being a llowed in your neighbourhood?
9. Do you have any other thoughts, comments or suggestions about backyard hens?
10. Wou ld you be interested in signing-up for the City of Maple Ridge Agriculture Update
E-newsletter to stay informed of this and other agricu ltural projects? If yes, please provide your
email address below.
□ Yes
Email: ________________________ _
Thank you!
If you have any questions abOut the survey, please contact the Planning Department at agriculture@mapJeridge ca or ca ll 604--463--5221 ext 5566.
Appendix E | 1
Appendix E – Survey Results
1. Do you live in Maple Ridge?
Answer Count Percentage
Yes (Y) 761 90.60%
No (N) 79 9.40%
No answer 0 0.00%
Not
completed or
Not
displayed
60
2. Have you had backyard hens in the past?
Answer Count Percentage
Yes (Y) 274 32.62%
No (N) 557 66.31%
No answer 9 1.07%
Not
completed or
Not
displayed
60
3. Are you interested in having backyard hens
in the future?
Answer Count Percentage
Yes (Y) 599 71.31%
No (N) 224 26.67%
No answer 17 2.02%
Not
completed or
Not
displayed
60
APPENDIX E
Appendix E | 2
4. How many backyard hens do you feel would be appropriate to permit per household,
if allowed?
Answer Count Percentage
3 - 4 (SQ001) 302 36.25%
4 - 5 (SQ002) 243 29.17%
5 - 6 (SQ003) 239 28.69%
6 + (SQ004) 141 16.93%
None - backyard hens are
not appropriate. (SQ005)
126 15.13%
Not completed or Not
displayed
67
5. What size of property do you feel would be appropriate for backyard hens, if allowed?
Answer Count Percentage
Small Urban Properties -
600 - 1,000 sq m. (6,500 -
10,700 sq ft / 0.15 - 0.25
acre) (SQ001)
497 59.31%
Mid-sized Urban Properties
- 1,200 - 1,000 sq m (13,000
- 21,500 sq ft / 0.15 - 0.25
acre) (SQ002)
493 58.83%
Suburban Properties - 4,000
- 8,000 sq m (43,000 -
86,000 sq ft / 1 - 2 acres)
(SQ003)
485 57.88%
None (SQ004) 54 6.44%
Not completed or Not
displayed
62
Appendix E | 3
6. Please indicate what you feel the benefits may be if backyard hens were allowed?
Answer Count Percentage
Reduces household food costs
(SQ001)
630 75.00%
Increases the availability and
accessibility of food (SQ002)
658 78.33%
Creates compost for gardens
(SQ003)
577 68.69%
Educational opportunity (e.g.
keeping and caring for hens)
(SQ004)
635 75.60%
Companionship (e.g. pets)
(SQ005)
446 53.10%
None (SQ006) 94 11.19%
Other 134 15.95%
Not completed or Not displayed 60
6. Please indicate what you feel the benefits may be if backyard hens were allowed? [Other]
Encourages communities to learn from and reap from a new hobby and produce outlet
therapy for at many individulals
Teaches people especially children about where food comes from and sustainable agriculture.
Learning experiences for children
I like to know where my food comes from as well as use natural methods.
Use ethical natural methods for my food
More awareness and knowledge of agriculture
reduce compost
Creates food safety in that you know its source
Cruelty free no factory farm eggs
Reduces green waste that would otherwise be taken away by truck
self sufficiency, resiliency, strengthening community
Community connection when people come see the hens
Recycling food scraps, eat bugs and mice
They are better than dogs barking
Decreases food in the trash which will reduce rodent issues and others pests
Appendix E | 4
Food.
INCREASED RAT POPULATION DUE TO NO POLICING FROM “officials” of keeping pens cleans and
grain secured!!!!!
Food-stability and sustainability and an improved connection to where one’s food comes from
recyling of kitchen scraps, cleaning yard of undesired insects and slugs
creates understanding of where our food comes from
Eat insects
increases appreciation for local agriculture and fresh, healthy food
Sustainability, fostering environmental awareness
Good at eliminating leftover food scraps. They are therapeutic - amazing animals with intelligence.
They promote learning and education. Owning chickens is an inclusive hobby/passion - you join
groups and become more connected with people. You learn about food sources, current practices,
biosecurity, welfare of animals in general.
Connects us to our food
Environmental awareness and choice
Pest control
Reduce food miles
Rescued hens are one thing, but contributing to the gruesome she industry is unconscionable. The
make baby chicks are literally GROUND ALIVE in Canada as they are considered a waste product. It's
barbaric, and absolutely due to egg consumption.
More humane way to keep chickens than battery operations
Will eat unwanted insects as well as eat any kitchen scraps (lower the compost pickup amounts)
Allows family access to organic, ethically raised food. The egg quality is superior.
I like to know where my food comes from, and how the animals are treated.
Freedom to use one's land as he and the charter intend.
Chickens often eat kitchen waste( vegetables)
No benefits!
Nice to know where you're eggs come fro
Pest Control
Take ownership of humane treatment of livestock
Teaches kids responsibility
may increase community in neighbourhoods
knowing where your food comes from and how your animals are treated.
Ethical resources for eggs, combat cruelty of large factory farms
Doesn't reduce food costs. Hens are expensive to feed properly.
More nutricious eggs
Smells
decreases vegetable food waste as chickens can it it all
They eat kitchen scraps
A sense of community
Reduces need for commercial battery raised hens
Promotion of home gardening and ethical living
Promotion of home gardening and ethical living
Appendix E | 5
Helps children understand responsibility and where food
Helps children learn about responsibility and where there food comes from
Reduce green waste for city
Increases local food security
All of the above
Organic choice
Hens can eat leftover scraps that you can't compost - bits of fat from meat, etc
Happier hens in my care than in some factory farms
Small business selling eggs. Food scraps can go to chicken instead of the transfer station
It is so good for children.
Insect control
Provide healthy protein source.
Very therapeutic animals.
Farm fresh eggs!
Sustainability, a sense of community, I feel only hens they are very quiet, looking at green initiatives,
such as solar power, urban gardens and electric cars, backyard hens fit There is low upkeep, they are
easy to tend, companionable and easy to clean up after. It’s also an educational opportunity for
children and has been proven to be beneficial in dementia studies.
This could encourage more young people to go into agriculture. We are getting more desperate for
farmers as less people farm, and seeing as it is a necessary field for our survival we should be doing
whatever we can to make people feel that's a direction they can go in life.
Grow your own.
Chickens help keep garden pests, like slugs, down
Egg, reduce organic garbage by using left over food for chicken, pet for kids, etc
Contributes to Maple Ridge's identity as a community that bridges the urban and rural divide
Reduce carbon footprint. re. Consum local food.
No green food waste!
This is important for food security especially for low income people.
Reduces cruelty of factory farming
provides food for + attracts coyotes + bobcats to small urban lots, small childrens c ats + dogs now
more at risk of attack
provides food + attracts coyotes and bobcats
Great for leftover food,
therapy
Cruelty free eggs
fresh local food
healthy food supply
Fresh eggs!
Ethical and sustainable eggs
Great opportunity to educate children
PROMOTES AGRICULTURAL AWARENESS AND THE NEED FOR FUTURE "FARMERS'
No benifit our Neibour got them and we had rats we can’t get rid of rats
The wildlife would be even better fed
Appendix E | 6
But eggs from your neighbors if you’re lucky!
Animal husbandry for kids
Fresh food
4H opertunities for city kids.
They take care of bugs.
Attracts Rodents to neighboring properties.
Crest less compost - feed the chickens
Teaches my children to nurture other animals at a young age. Decrease likely hood of
Cuts back on the mass producing of the egg industry
Encourages appropriate disposal of food waste: chickens eat kitchen scraps and reduce household
waste.
No GMO caused diseases like diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension etc
Entertainment too!
fun to have around
reduce kitchen waste. reduce food waste from restaurants
It's natural
Health of chicken up as allowed to run free & not caged up.
health benefits
Dogs Bark, cats use my garden as a litter box, chickens don't bother anyone
much better eggs
all of these benefits
outlet for food "waste" peelings, veggies, ect
responsibilities for children to engage in learning about food and production farming
connecting with life cycles & the seasons
fresh local food, food sustainability
All of the above
Clean up garden waste
Sustainable & ethical lifestyle
eggs....mmm....eggs
Youth learn how to respect food
Delightful to have & fresh eggs
Good for children to learn where their food comes from
Educating children
Good source of protein (eggs only though)
Teach responsibility for living things, appreciation for agriculture
Healthy eggs for local sonsuption. and meat
Reduces carbon footprint of household
They reducing compost by eating vegies and fruits scraps
Love chickens!
Free range, household cared for hens don't get treated cruelly
Pest/insect control
all of above
Appendix E | 7
chickens are fun
reduce food waste they eat table scraps & veggies
fun for kids - learn about farming
7. Please indicate what concerns you may have if backyard hens were allowed?
Answer Count Percentage
Noise (SQ001) 235 27.98%
Odour (SQ002) 316 37.62%
Potential to attract rodents
and pests (SQ003)
376 44.76%
Potential to attract wildlife
(SQ004)
321 38.21%
Coops may be unsightly
(SQ005)
148 17.62%
Concern that a coop will be
situated too close to your
property (SQ006)
157 18.69%
None (SQ007) 253 30.12%
Other 97 11.55%
Not completed or Not
displayed
60
7. Please indicate what concerns you may have if backyard hens were allowed? [Other]
None of these concerns are specific to chickens. I am more concern about the number of dog owners
who use anywhere they please as "off-leash" and do not clean up after their animals.
That people will not know what to do if their chickens get sick. Not many vets see chickens especially 3
or 4 hens compared to a large facility. I think many of these chickens will be dumped, especially if
people end up with roosters.
People need to be educated before they can start. Preferably for free.
not cleaned properly
Neglect, poor care
Improper care and maintenance from inexperienced people
Lack of education to care for them properly or keep them safe from predators
Appendix E | 8
Not cared for properly because of lack of education. They should apply for a licence and they should
have to pass a test on chicken care and disease control /biosecurity
if not cared for properly they also can get mites which are terrible and can get all over EVERYTHING.
Chickens are messy and rats love then
Fear of birds
Who’s going to police it??? Could you imagine if Albion or in town were filled with chickens... good
grief.
Requirements for keeping hens can address all of these potential issues. We keep a flock of 50-70
hens and we do not have odour, rodent, or wildlife problems because our coop is properly built.
one would assume fulsome education and then bylaw intervention if necessary in any of the above
issues. Properly cared for coops don't create any of these problems
People not looking after them. Also there needs to be a requirement for coops and the design. If built
properly, rodents and pests cant get in. If built properly your burds dont get sick.
Bad management or ownership
Position within the property to minimize impact on neighbours
Very important to make sure feed is stored correctly and the chickens are secured at night. Rodents
and predators can be a problem if not managed properly. I would highly recommend a book on good
practice and husbandry for keeping chickens be available to those who are interested in keeping
backyard flocks. Emphasize biosecurity too.
Proper care for the hens
I fear people will not care for hens properly.
NIMBY people will thwart idea
Using other animals is unnecessary. They have been genetically modified to over produce eggs - their
little bodies can't take it.
Allergens being introduced in residential areas.
All pets, if not cared for properly, can have negative impacts. This is not a chicken -specific problem
Owners not caring properly for the animals, or surrounding space.
Their food and supplies must be properly contained in metal lidded secure containers and feeding
supervised to avoid mice or rats.
That roosters maybe considered at some point
People not providing proper care. Education should be available
Neglect of hens
Illegaly slaughtering for food.
Guide lines not being clear and there for broken
Ppl get hens and don’t know how to care for them
Improper maintenance
We already have rat overrun
Chickens are farm animals - they are not residential or urban.
Birds being set loose or escaping
Spreading of poultry disease and mites to farms. Improper use of medicated feed which anyone can
buy
Welfare of the chickens. They need daily care, cleanliness, fresh water, they are a lot of work
Appendix E | 9
Has there been any thought as to how many people in Maple Ridge are actually using their farmland to
farm, and sell eggs and receive the farm tax on their property? And is the SPCA going to be taking all
the pet chickens in from people that accidentall y get roosters and have to give them up, or realize how
much cleaning a coop requires and decide to surrender their chickens as they don't want to do it
anymore?
Coops too small, negligent hen owners
Improper animal care due to lack of proper education of hen care..
disease vector
welfare of the chickens (i.e.: owners who don't know how to properly care for them)
Animal abuse
Contaminating water supply, we are on well system. Disputes with neighbours who would want
chickens.
People will need education to properly care for chickens
If you have a compost having a backyard henhouse will not 7ncrease the problem if rodents. Because
of so many chemicals in our food consumption, I feel many will grow veggies in raised vess or pots. A
few back yard hens adding to provide eggs will be the way to go.
Lack of education in husbandry
Poorly cared for hens
Poorly cared for hens
Irresponsible owners
Uneducated owners. Mandatory registration and education for anyone applying to have chickens
Mandatory education and registration for anyone who wants them
Well being of hens and proper access to vets.
The lack of proper cleaning of the backyard/ chicken coop
Rodents & predators!!
all can be contained with proper guidelines
The potential to attract pests and Wildlife is no different than a resident having a bird feeder
People would grow tired of taking care of them
Monitor how people maintain/educate
making sure that the hens are treated properly, abuse prevention
Poultry owners need to be properly educated to avoid rodents, pest + wildlife.
People not caring for hens properly
more racoons will be attracted to small urban lots to eat the eggs
Rats are already a big concern in MR. Sorry, don't trust everyone will care for them properly. Already
have a neighbour who does everything he can to antagonize his neighbours ....
wont effect me at all in rural land just thinking of subdivisions
become a fad and people don’t care for them appropriately
some people will not know how to care for them properly
Owners loosing interest and failing to care appropriately for the hens resulting in neglect and abuse.
backyard is not concerning
avian diseases
They attracted rats our Neibour had them and we can’t get rid of the rats
Appendix E | 10
Who polices the no rooster policy? Who di you call when your neighbors dog attacks your hen? Will it
really be the dogs fault?
by law officers can't seem to enforce the leash rule, snow removal, garbage.....now. Let's not add to
their work load until they can keep up. I was bitten on the dyke by a dog off leash. Reported it. Noting
done. Still 99% of dogs are off leash there. Yikes!
It should be good if there are rules to keep the odour down
That the hens are treated properly and fed well
SPCA check to make sure they are properly cared for.
rooster noise. Just like any pet care is to be given dogs barking rooster scaping(sp)
There are good dog owners and bad dog owners. Some people with chickens may not care for them
well, but most family backyard hens are well loved and taken care of.
limit amount per lot size
cats and dogs create the above concerns
no concerns whatsever. The above concerns could apply to any animal already allowed (eg dogs)
proper management required
Teaches a family how to be good stewards of the earth
Most of the problems including rodents and wildlife are present without chickens
No concerns
Not looked after over time
animal care is a responsibility! This is a good way to teach that
We loved it and them!
If chicken keepers are responsible there should be very minimal problems
Hens don't crow
All are manageable concerns
Rats
No worse that dogs barking & never the crap being cleaned up
Don't care if my neighbour has chickens if they share eggs
would share eggs with neighbours
no more than we already have (rats, racoons)
Just roosters crowing too early.
Appendix E | 11
8. How do you feel about backyard hens
possibly being allowed in your neighbourhood?
Answer Count Percentage
Answer 741 88.21%
No answer 99 11.79%
Not
completed or
Not
displayed
60
8. How do you feel about backyard hens possibly being allowed in your neighbourhood?
I am completely for it! Hens only offer good things to families; and the issues of their hygiene are easily
maintained
Fantastic!
I would welcome it. Pets are good for people. The contribution of chickens to biodiversity in the garden
is ultimately good for the neighbourhood. I see this is a real opportunity to build community.
I want to have some too.
For it
My children would love backyard hens as pets. They play with my friends hens who live in Vancouver
and always ever wanted their own. This would be a great educational skill to have. Decrease compost,
have our own eggs, etc.
we will keep chickens if allowed.
I would welcome it. I think we all need to be aware of food security.
Just fine.
Excited! Can't wait.
We recently had a cougar in our yard. We have no garbage or compost and it still passed through. My
concern is that coops will attract more wildlife.
I think it is a great idea! I live in Albion.
I think it would be a great idea!! I would enjoy having 6-8 hens in our backyard.
I would welcome it.
It is a reasonable idea. Deal with unreasonable hen owners on a per -case basis.
I think chickens are an awesome addition to yards and there are so many resources in MR to learn more
about them.
I would LOVE it!!!
Very positive... it should already be allowed
Only on larger properties, not in residential areas
Great.
Appendix E | 12
I would be quite alright with it and would seriously consider getting a few if it were allowed
No do not want
I would love it.
I think it will work great and will have many benefits!
I love the idea, I want backyard chickens
I do not live on a farm or near a farm. I made that choice when we bought our home. I do not want my
neighbors yard turned into a stinky farm yard.
It would be great!
Great idea, many benefits for families
waiting for it
I think having chickens is a great idea. I grew up with them and as long as they are cared for and
cleaned up after properly with a coop raised off of the ground there should be no issues.
I think it’s a good thing
good
Neighbours did have chickens and it was quite noisy
Thankful that we would be able to share the bounty and reach out to educate others in our area.
Do’t want them as our houses are too close together.
I would love it, I always wanted to have my own backyard hens however at this time my property location
doesn’t permit it. For this reason I have wanted to purchase land elsewhere however can not afford such
land.
We love eggs and eat them regularity. To be able to raise our own hens and therefore have access to
fresh eggs like that would cut down on our food cost and add other value as well.
My only concern in small areas such as my own would be attraction of rodents. Maybe haven’t certainly
things in place to help reduce this concern would help with this potential issue.
Backyards hens should never be allowed on city lots . The rat situation is already bad enough in Maple
Ridge . The potential to attract more wild life and result in said wild life ( bears , coyotes , bobcats )
being killed as a result is unacceptable . Backyard chickens is a fad . I lived through it in Port
Coquitlam years ago and the rats because people weren't responsible in taking care of their chickens
were horrendous .
I'd love to have backyard hens in Lower Hammond
Not happy. I moved out of Vancouver to get away from this. Backyard hens and coops would be fine for
farms or large properties where they won't disturb the neighbours.
Not a chance would I want it in my neighbourhood. People on farms have issues with rats, raccoons,
coyotes, I don't want this happening on small lots.
Fun!
I would love to be able to purchase dress eggs from a neighbor
Other municipalitys have tried the backyard chickens and recieved enough complaints to have to
remove them. I know the 4H club out here wants this. If this passes will it be a goat next. I have COPD
and the amonia smell would be hard on people with breathing problems and the use of their outside
space will be limited
Hens may be alright but rosters should not be permitted. As well the disposal of sickly and /dead birds
must be addressed.
I would love it, I would probably get 3 or4
I’m all for it!!????
Appendix E | 13
Great idea but the city does need to do something about the rat problem here.
I would welcome them even though I live in a townhouse and would not be allowed
fine
I would be happy with it as long as there are checks to make sure chickens are cared for properly and
being kept clean.
I think it would be a great addition to backyards
I think the benefits outweigh the risks.
I would be very happy to see this if people were taking proper care of them and if there were clear and
fair rules to follow.
Encourage it. Allow hens. Prohibit roosters though due to excessive early morning noise
I do not support this initiative. There are already rodent concerns.
Excellent idea
Absolutely not in high density areas ( ie Normal neighbourhoods). This should only be on large
properties. I am imagine that my neighbour would pout their pen as far away from their own house ( Ie
as close to my house) as possible.
No
Great. For what is still an agricultural community, it’s surprising that there’s much debate around
backyard chickens at all. If they’re allowed in the City of Vancouver.......................
I would love it!
Our neighbours have hens and it is no problem
I would love it people had backyard chickens in my neighbourhood!
I don't want them
Ridiculous
I would love to see hens and have them myself. I grew up on acreage and miss the convenience and
pleasure of having fresh eggs at my fingertips. Not to mention all of our food waste went to our chickens
and not in the garbage
People are irresponsible with their dogs, backyard hens would be a dissaster, if i want ed to live on a
farm i would! I dont not under any circumstance live next to any hen/chicken or roster
While I do not currently live in Maple Ridge, it is my home town and I plan to move back. I support the
idea of backyard chickens completely. They are no noisier or smellier than any other pet when cared for
properly.
Great idea!
I welcome it if it the owners were responsible
I think a small number is a perfect thing to allow.
Give me a break! Be prepared to start dealing with complaints and conflicts along with all the other
issues I checked. Remember the peacock issue in the news recently?! Abandoned hens as well. We
chose to live in a residential neighbourhood not in agriculture setting.
I would like backyard hens to be allowed.
As long as reasonable rules and boundaries are in place I think it could be a positive option.
Good!
If I could have 2 on the balcony of my apartment, it would be great. But the reality is that they need room
to roam in a backyard to do what hens are meant to do.
Appendix E | 14
That would be awesome! Other municipalities allow backyard hens. Chickens are very nice pets also,
and great companions for elderly / lonely people. having chickens will help to recycle kitchen scraps
instead of throwing them into the garbage. Chickens also help to control some undesirable insects in the
backyards. They can and likely will catch and eat small rodents.
Absolutely love the idea
100% support
Great
Yes!!!
Great!!
I'm perfectly okay with it.
Would be awesome
They would be a welcomed addition!! Vancouver has this option. Maple Ridge, farming central should
have this option too.
A few hens is no big deal. But I do believe that they should be educated first on how to raise chickens,
how to deal with biosecurity, how to reduce problems with pests and wildlife, and how to recognize
illness and treat it etc. I think it is logical to apply for a free or low cost licence and they must pass a free
test before they can have them.
I would be quite happy. I have been following this issue since I moved here 7 years ago and will get
backyard hens once a bylaw is passed.
I would welcome them wholeheartedly and would have some myself!
I’d love it
Love the idea. Has worked well in other cities.
I personally wouldn’t own backyard hens, but wouldn’t mind at all if my neighbours wanted them.
People should be free to do whatever they please in the home they pay for.
I think it can be beneficial for the individuals who own or are wanting to own hens. But there should be
guidelines to be followed regarding housing, cleanliness and noise. For the sake of the neighbors. But
that can also be difficult to enforce when on private property.
I didnt even know they were not allowed, I thought they were, its maple ridge. I do not see why maple
ridge should not allow backyard chickens.
I think this is a great initiative. Certainly there should be limitations and education for people doing this
but overall I think this 8s great that the District is considering this!
I would welcome it. It's a fantastic way to get kids and adults to even seniors out door and into their
yards. Learning to care for and enjoy your labour. Hens are affectionate and great pets!!
I don’t think they should be allowed. Especially in heavy residential areas.
Whonnock is a different story. But I live in Albion where everyone is so close together.
I also have a fear of birds. Pet birds I never see not here and don’t always know they exist. But chickens
can be heard and seen and I’d have constant anxiety knowing someone in my neighbourhood has
chickens.
I believe backyard hens will benefit the community. Children can learn from the experience, we can have
a supply of eggs, add to the compost. And especially considering we already live in a fairly farm
centered suburban community, there will be no harm done by allowing backyard hens. In our case 500ft
away is farmland, but we are not permitted to raise a few hens on our 14000square ft property. Allow the
handful that want chickens to have them. Have a few regulations if you want. I know all of my neigh
ours are hoping to be allowed to have back yard hens. 122st and 216
I think it's a great idea, and would like to see my neighbours hens in their yards
It seems unlikely because we have small yards bug I would welcome it as long as people have to stick
to humane practices.
Appendix E | 15
I like the idea based in the premise that its clean and doesn't impact neighbors negatively
Irritantes. I do no like the idea at sol más i would move if a neighbour has backyard hens
I would be fine with it.
As long as there are no chickens running all over the streets.
I strongly agree.
I hope that it will be allowed.
Farm land ONLY!!!!! 1-2 acres +!
I would love it-we have been wanting hens for four years now
I would welcome them. Good education about property care should deal with most problems. And hens
should cause no more problems than other pets.
Excited
Think it is a great idea. Excellent opportunity to have fresh eggs, the chickens are cared for and you
know exactly what they are eating...
If you want chickens ,go live on a farm
fine as long as no roosters
We moved out of Surrey just when hens were allowed and we would have been happy for our
neighbours to have them.
I am for it. I think it would be a great benefit for many people.
I welcome them in my neighbourhood
Dogs are bad enough!
I believe that if a protocol is created to GUARANTEE the proper care and sanitary practices (especially
in smaller residential yards) of keeping chickens in residential areas, that this idea is absolutely
fabulous! They must be cared for correctly and cleaned up consiststantly. They are wonderful
creatures to keep and the caring of is a perfect way to teach children about life and discipline ... schools
should be allowed to keep them as well if they have weekend and summer care as well. Great idea!!
I think everyone should have the opportunity to raise chickens and have no problem if my neighbors
have some .
I hope my neighbors share their eggs! So much better than store bought
I’d like to see responsible owners being allowed to have 3-4 hens only
All for it!
let's do it!
Great idea
As long as their property is large enough to provide adequate space for the animals to have a coop and
run. There should also be a 10 foot space between the chicken space and property lines to keep
neighbors happy
Great, they are not loud pets. They are educational for our children. They are a food source. (Eggs)
Backyard hens are wonderful and we have them in Kamloops. Some good training for potential urban
farmers as well care and maintenance is very important. Otherwise, we keep a very tidy, rodent free,
smell free coop! It’s been an amazing experience for our children and family.
Finally .... get on board so many large city’s do this.. maple ridge small rural city... do it ...
I'm fine with it.
Love it!!
Appendix E | 16
They have been in vancouver for many years and work well. Everyone used to have a few hens. If you
keep the coop clean and dry, use sand for the floor it won’t smell. Also hens eat mice.
Positive all around, as a community we will have to deal with some people who don’t play nice but that
is always the case.
Chickens will eat anything and as a result we would have virtually no food scraps thrown out in our
garbage.
Chickens will also take care of our compost, eating everything and not having a pile or bin on our
property attracting rodents or crows and so on.
Maple Ridge has many neighbour hoods that are poorly maintained . Why would i want to add to his
problem by having farm birds in my neighourhood.
If i wanted to live on a farm that's here i would be living.
If you want a pet get one that does not interfere with the rights to of other.
I would not be impressed.
I think it is a great idea. If chickens are cared for properly they can offer many benefits. I would not
allow roosters of course. If they are properly cared for and their feed and supplies is properly stored. It
is a great idea.
We need chickens, please allow
I love the idea
I’m all for it. A policy that takes into account numbers of hens, placing of coop to minimize visibility by
neighbours, odour and debris control to limit vermin issues are critical. Timely By-law enforcement is
critical for this to work properly. Fines for infractions are required as are outright bans for repeated
infractions.
Backyard chickens have many benefits and will teach people more about where their food comes from.
Absolutely not. Our houses are already so close together so one has little or no privacy. - let alone the
flies the chicken poop attracts and the noise factor. We have enough dogs barking uncontrolled and
noisy kids on the streets at all hours of the day and night. We pay a lot in property taxes and should be
having a say in what should and should not be allowed.
I would welcome backyard hens into my neighbourhood and hope that lots of people would give it a
try and experience raising your own chickens weather it be for eggs or meat or both
I am for it. The benefits outweigh the costs, and most of the potential concerns I have I believe can be
mitigated with reasonable practice.
I like the idea as long as anyone keeping chickens is educated on husbandry, biosecurity and chickens
themselves (anatomy, nutrition, etc.)
A great opportunity
No problem.
Absolutely fine. Have had them before with no issues
I want them! Chickens are smart birds with unique personalities. Plus humane eggs are super cool too.
Do not want
Appendix E | 17
Nanaimo offered this, I thought everyone would rush out and get chickens - they didn’t. Keeping
chickens is a responsibility and expense that most homeowners will not attempt given the opportunity.
If my immediate neighbour kept chickens I would expect good care and attention to the animals and
their home. There is an eyesore ‘farm’ on my corner whose chickens ran away or were eaten, whose
trees are overrun with brambles and whose garden is never tended... yet I have no communication
with those people and no recourse in complaining to the City - that to me is a far bigger problem.
No problems we are on half acre lots, only concern would be the racoons and coyotes
I think they are a wonderful idea
Supportive
I’d be very upset.
All for it
I am totally opposed. I have lived in residential areas where they have been allowed on acreage, they
ruin the enjoyment of small acreage properties with their noise, smell, and rats that accompany them.
Nobody wants this.
They should not be permitted in residential neighbourhoods at all.
Good idea
I live in an area where properties are smaller than an acre, all are approximately .3 - .4 of an acre and
we are all on septic and well. My concern is that the well water could be contaminated.
They should be allowed on smaller properties than your survey allows.
We have a long 5868 sq ft lot which should be large enough to allow chickens.
Exploiting other animals is repugnant. Folks are far too cavalier and selfish - rescue agencies will be
overwhelmed.
We can live healthy lives without harming other species.
Just no.....
As long as it’s clean and rodents are controlled it would be OK. Chickens would need to be limited in
numbers.
No Roosters though.
I am very opposed to this proposal. I own a home in a residential neighborhood...if I wanted to live
near hens or other farm animals, I would have invested in a more rural neighborhood.
Cannot wait. I think it's absurd that MR doesn't allow some chickens already
We live in a rural area. We and our neighbours enjoy the benefits of having small flocks.
We live in West Maple Ridge on 122 Ave and would love to have our own hens, and would not to be
opposed to our neighbours having their own as well.
I would not be happy AT ALL. Chickens belong in a farm!!!!
I would welcome them. They create no more noise or smell than dogs, cats, or other small animals
that people already keep, plus they provide food and an educational opportunity. They help remove
insects reducing reliance on insecticides and increase natural, organic inputs into gardens. They can
break up organic materials more efficiently than composts and can reduce landfill waste.
As long as no roosters are allowed, I'd be fine with it. I don't think my own property and surrounding
properties are large enough though and wouldn't qualify.
It would be great. I think we need to be able to provide our own food
Appendix E | 18
I think it's a brilliant idea and educational for kuds
Fine
I feel the hens could be a great benefit to neighbourhoods providing that certain guidelines are put out
like how to store feed (metal bins or inside), cleanliness of the coop (keep down any smell),
containment of the hens (i.e. keeping them on your own property).
I would welcome it. The concerns identified are either outweighed by the advantages or phenomena
that occur anyway in urban areas.
I would adore this!! We just moved from Vancouver and I honestly thought we could have hens here
until I researched and then we were so sad it we didn’t research that before moving here!! I
homeschool my kids so we’d be cleaning / taking care of them allday. I think there has to be rules to
having them and you must have a big enclosed yard area for them as we do. But ya we really want
hens!!
1 neighbour already has them without the city knowing, so far no real complaint but there has been a
rat problem.
Would love it. Our property is only 4,000 square feet though....
With proper guidelines and regulations it's a great idea.
Positive move!
I think the properties in my neighborhood are too small. There is already a considerable amount of
noise from traffic, dogs, people etc.
Love it. I have never farmed but I like freedom and I believe it is an infringement of our Charter Rights
not to allow backyard hens.
I am in favour of a small coop with both egg layers and meat chickens. It
Too residential in my area and should not be allowed. Small acreage 1-2 acres as long as coop is close
to the owners house and not by property boundaries. i.e along fence lines.
I believe it would be great. It would be awesome to know how the birds are being feed and treated
since our family would consume the eggs.
I know a lot of families in our neighbourhood would love to get hens.
I have always wanted to opportunity to do this. Would save money for a lot of people and give youths a
good chore.
We have moved into a condo, so chickens not an option but...When we moved to Maple Ridge in 1978
we inherited a chicken coop full of hens from the previous owner. We kept hens until we sold the
house 13 years later. We were on just under an acre on Burnett street and had a couple of sheep as
well. The new house was very much a “subdivision house”, no chickens permitted, although the yard
was very large. I think backyard chickens and a vegetable garden were a great experience for our young
children.
I think its a great idea!
I think it's amazing & should have happened much earlier!
Don't agree with hen's in urban core at all.
I think it would be a great idea. If homeowners ensure their hens have suitable shelter, food and water.
It could be a community effort at educating those interested and perhaps some could share their eggs
I think it’s awesome, and it’s about time! People could raise their own food. And enrich their lives
Appendix E | 19
Concerned about additional noises, already have issues with dogs in our area. Concerned people don’t
know how to maintain for cleanliness and will increase rodent issue. We live in a nice neighbourhood
but struggle with rats and mice constantly. Concerned will be a novelty thing and people will get bored
with the idea, and not care for the hens properly.
No!! Attracts rats! The smell and the extra noise, for what a couple eggs a day it's not worth the cost
even
I am very excited to think that Maple Ridge may permit backyard chickens! I value people's connection
with the food chain and furthermore with the earth in general. I would love for my children to be
involved first hand in caring for chickens and taking ownership and participating in the responsibility of
caring for our food. I have seen Maple Ridge move toward some positive trends of "eating locally"
"farm to table" and minimizing our impact on the environment; yet we are still not permitted to have
backyard chickens. Many cities that have residential plots which are smaller than the average lot in
Maple Ridge permit backyard chickens and haven't had many issues. The cost of housing is so out of
reach for many people today and there are no easy solutions to that problem but the high costs of food
CAN be mitigated in part if people grew their own food gardens and were allowed to keep backyard
chickens. I understand that some people may complain about noise but hens cannot be heard beyond
1-2 metres away and the same cannot be said of dogs (which have been permitted for a long time!)
Totally fine with it.
I love the idea. We should all be able to grow/provide food for our families. It’s just so expensive to
live on the west coast now.
Less expensive. More nutritious
I'm good with it. Gives people choice for organic eggs.
I am against them in my neighborhood as I live close to a creek which already has many many rats.
Due to recent construction the coyotes who helped keep rat population down seem to have moved
away.
I would love it.
Backyard hens should have been allowed a while ago
I would love backyard hens in my neighbourhood.
I would welcome them.
I am against it! I have raised hend in oast (in a 5.45 acre property) and had neighbours who keep
several hens (5-12?) in a property under 1 acre. That. Was. too. Noisy!!!! All neighbours there hated
the constant noise and the ‘fertilizer’ was a bad stink!
I would love it. Dogs are much noisier and messier.
Good idea
If the property owners have the room great
I want to have a few hens myself, however I worry that many people aren’t qualified to provide
adequate care
Awesome.. definitely would add to the neighborhood
I’m great with it as long as there are no roosters allowed.
No issues with it. All our lots are big enough.
I think it would be great
I think it is a great idea! People are far too out of touch with where their food comes from and would
learn and benefit so much from being able to raise chickens themselves!
No. Properties are too small and close together.
Appendix E | 20
I am concerned about the smell and disease. Chickens are also a lot more work than people think. Not
everyone knows how to properly care for animals and I don’t want incompetent caregivers getting
them - it’s not good for the animals or neighbourhood.
They are great. Come and do a sniff test. They don't smell. Do something about noise pollution from
the other two legged residents.
Our yards are too small. We have been told we cannot have bird feeders because of bears. Would
chicken feed not be similar in attracting bears?
I think it's a great idea, and I support it.
We have a rat problem. People (regardless of initial good intentions) quickly lose interest in proper
maintenance. I grew up with chickens, the smell in summer is overpowering and they MUST be mucked
out DAILY. How will people store the stinky poop? Pests chew & dig their way through ANYTHING.
Even buried heavy gauge wire. Foxes, raccoons, coyotes, cougars are VERY attracted to the chickens
themselves. Rats & mice come for eggs, food, (baby chicks). I would never recommend chickens on a
lot size under 1 acre. Leave chickens for farms or hobby farms of 1+ acres. Those who argue that
chickens will eat garden pests are correct. They’ll eat SOME types. But they’d need to be free then and
not caged. Chickens also harbour some pests themselves that can spread to pets. Usually a chicken will
“announce” when she’s laid an egg. That can be quite boisterous and last for several minutes (often
VERY early in the morning). I’ve seen many cute coops for sale, but that’s all they are. In reality,
chickens deserve a large, open space/run and safety from predators and extremely diligent owners.
So, as Simon Cowell says, “It’s a NO from me.”
Totally against.
Totally against it. Vancouver tried this and it failed.
I love it! It would be fun and add some excitement and rural feeling to the Neighbourhood.
Bad idea. The rat population is out of control and until there is a community plan to address this issue
e.g. any developer clearing a building site has to have rodent control (like in other municipalities).
It gives children and the general population who do not otherwise get a chance to experience to see
where their food is from and gives them a sense of responsibility and acceptance to the hard work the
farmers who raises the food they usually buy for as low as $3 per dozen of eggs at the supermarket. If
everyone who wishes to raise chickens take a course such as FOODSAFE in the Food Industry, they can
learn how to properly raise their chickens without resulting in many problems.
Wouldn't mind
I'm ok with it.
Absolutely not...I do not want rats ..noise in a city....they belong in farm or agricultural areas
Fine if they are looked after
Our neighbourhood is totally urban and inappropriate to raise hens.
Main concerns are odours, noise and animal attractants. We already have rats and bears and Cougars
around.
Our lots are 4500-7000 and still too small for hens. The noise, smell etc would carry over the fences. On
acre and larger lots, we feel it would be fine in non residential areas.
Appendix E | 21
Most people that will get hens will be better pet owners than those with loud, untrained dogs.
Chickens are easy pets to keep, and have tons of benefits mentioned in the survey.
We love having our chickens. If everyone knew how easy and fun they are, and getting enough eggs to
feed our family makes them excellent pets.
Roosters? NO.
I would love to see more green initiatives in Maple Ridge. Bee keeping backyard vegetable and fruit
gardening and small flock chicken coops are a great way to lessen our carbon footprint. Hens are lovely
pets and are easy to keep.
I think that it will be a great addition to our community.
I personally think this idea is fantastic and I welcome it with open arms.
Love it
good, I could share my eggs with food bank or others who may not funds
Not interested at all
Okno
I’ve had chickens on a farm in the past and the rat population exploded. The rats eat the poop and they
chew thru wood and you can never get rid of the rats. I have already had the pest control to my house
4 times since the early spring and I think the rats are gone now. If my neighbors had chickens the rats
would be back again and who will pay fo r the ongoing pest control that would be needed. I don’t have
a back yard compost (which I would like to have) because of the rat problem in this
neighbourhood.leave chickens on rural farms where they belong
Absolutely should not be allowed! I would be very angry. I bought a house in a residential area - and
the value of my house would decrease significantly.
It will attract rodents and more wildlife. Should be more concerned about the number of townhouse
developments being built without the infrastructure to support it.
I think it's a wonderful idea
I'm for it
I’m okay with it as long as my neighbours are on board.
They should be allowed. We own our homes, we should be allowed to have chickens if we deem it
appropriate. They offer us a chance to control what we eat and gives our children a better upbringing.
Gives the family more memories and a chance to to learn the process and how to take care of things
we love.
Not in urban areas
Has there been any thought as to how many people in Maple Ridge are actually using their farmland to
farm, and sell eggs and receive the farm tax on their property? And is the SPCA going to be taking all
the pet chickens in from people that accidentally get roosters and have to give them up, or realize how
much cleaning a coop requires and decide to surrender their chickens as they don't want to do it
anymore?
Good. I live in Saanich, in the suburbs.
I am grateful to be allowed to have them.
Do not want hens in my neighbourhood. We have coyotes, bears and cougars already in the area. We
are not considered rural Maple Ridge. 248-106B Avenue
I think they should be, great for kids and eggs are a bonus.
Appendix E | 22
I am in favour of backyard hens in Maple Ridge in my neighborhood.
I like the idea
I would welcome being allowed to keep chickens in our garden.
I would not object to anyone keeping chickens as long as they are prepared to do so, with proper,
care, feeding, and shelter.
It is a great idea.
I'm in favour of it
While they might be unsightly I think this concern is outweighed by the usefulness of having a viable
food source readily available. People should be using the space they have to grow and raise their own
food lessening the impact on our environment.
We don’t want backyard hens in our neighbourhood
I feel ok bout hens in backyards
I think that Maple Ridge has been waiting too long for backyard hens. If people can successfully raise
chickens in Vancouver, a more rural location like Maple Ridge can be very successful. I believe that
allowing backyard hens in Maple Ridge is a very good idea for Maple Ridge citizens.
If Vancouver allows it so should Maple Ridge.
I have hens already, so I don't mind
There probably isn't a neighbourhood in M.R. that would be appropriate. Chickens/hens are just as
much livestock as goats or cattle. The same regulations should govern possession within the city as
apply to owning multiple dogs -- i.e., a hobby kennel. Require licenses, have maximum numbers, SPCA
monitors, etc.
Ok with it
Great idea
They belong on farms not in houses
I think it would be a great idea, eggs/ chickens are good source of food, and knowing how they are
treated, and what they are fed would be a wonderful thing to know, as for the noise, I prefer the noise
of chickens to the noise of loud vehicles, the smell is much preferable to that of pot, and if the was a
program that taught the new people how to raise/care for them I don't think there needs to be any
major issues.
I would love if we could have q small coup with a few hens on our property.
I just recently moved to Pitt Meadow after living approx 40 yrs in MR.... I think there are enough
problems with wildlife and rats now adding more for their potential meals is not really a good idea....
I’d love it
I would be very displeased
It would be a great opportunity with the proper regulations
I'd be fine with it. It's better than industrial farming! And we live in an area with a rural character
already.
This needs to be reserved for larger lots and not in neighbourhoods where homes and lots are in close
proximity to each other.
Appendix E | 23
No thank you. It would be very cool to have my own eggs but it’s not something that is appropriate in a
neighbourhood environment. The noise, smell and unsightlyness of the coop is not considerate of
others. I believe strongly that we need to think of how are actions affect those around us and behave
in a considerate way. I sure don’t like the waft a cigarette smoke into my backyard when I’m enjoying
my space... the neighborly thing to do would be to smoke inside your own home and keep the smell
and poison in your own lungs... I don’t need to inflict that kind of disturbance with hen smells and
noise on my neighbourhood and neither does anyone else...
I think i would be calling bylaw regularly about noise and smell . Many people can't take care of their
current pets and backyards. Why add to this problem.
It’s a stupid idea and will have virtually no benefit. Backyard hens are not going to appreciably offset
food costs and will introduce a host of public health issues and nuisance issues. Coops are noisy,
especially with roosters, and they smell awful. Not to mention the fact that owners will need to be
educated about how to humanely care for and slaughter the animals. The average citizen is too stupid
to do this properly. Terrible idea.
I would be 100% supportive
I completely hate it.
I dont like the idea at all. It's a bad idea and will attract rodents
I wouldn’t mind as long as people take good care of them.
No concerns.
The current ILLEGAL backyard hens are noisy throughout the day and evening. The bylaw officer
refused to uphold the bylaw, asking "if it was really a big deal, they are pets of the really nice man" and
that the hens were in the coop from dusk until dawn so they don't make any noise. That was a lie and
they make noise all day and night. If there are more backyard hens in the neighbourhood, they will
attract predators and pests. The lot sizes are too small in most of Maple Ridge to accommodate
backyard hens,
Not on small properties.
Ok if the property was large enough.
I would love it
I think it’s a great idea. This is how it used to be. It’s another step towards families being self
sustaining.
Negatively. Lived on a half acre lot where the neighbours had chickens and rodents became a huge
problem
Odour, noise etc...next will be ???? pigs and other farm animals
How about who wants to run a farm move out of city and buy a farm?
I feel that the benefits outweigh any downside. Increases food production, decreased food waste as
chickens eat anything. They also eats pests such as insects and slugs.. I had backyard chickens when I
lived in Seattle without any problems at all. There are thousands of backyard chicken operations in that
city. In fact the city encourages people to keep chickens. Please allow chickens in Maple Ridge.
I would love back yard hens
I like the idea greatly
All for it
I think backyard hens will add to our community. I have indicated allowing up to 5 hens, as some can
be banties (small sized) and can be more of a hobby than a food supply. 6 or more full sized birds could
be too much for a small property.
Appendix E | 24
Great Idea, more familys should be able to grow and raise their own food. a small backyard coop isnt
going to harm anyone.
I support this idea, although I personally will not keep them. I would fully support my neighbors in
doing so.
That is a great opportunity to have fresh bilingual eggs and chicken. More natural way of living.
Excited
I love the idea. It would give my neighbour's something to talk about and work together. Hens are a
positive addition rather than other extremely unsightly things in our neighborhoods.
I think it’s great!
Fine, just no roosters
I feel great about it nothing to worry about
Not in favour
Great!
I actually have 4 hens according to our local bylaw rules. I'm very happy with the fact that I am able to
have them with a growing family it helps offset food costs, I am able to reduce garden waste from
going to the land fill as my hens consume a large portion. My child is able to interact with them and has
learned where some of our food comes from as well as learning to help take care of them. It is a bright
spot in our daily routine all year round and keeps us both active outdoors.
A great idea.
Yes! As long as theyre properly cared for
Great. Our lots are 1/4 acre, it’s a good size
it's fine. we'll adapt. it makes sense.
As long as it was regulated well enough to assure proper and ethical care of all hens I think this would
be an amazing opportunity for Maple Ridge homes and the community as a whole.
As long as it was regulated well enough to assure proper and ethical care of all hens I think this would
be an amazing opportunity for Maple Ridge homes and the community as a whole.
I think it’s time for this idea. I should be able to raise my own chickens and feed my family with the
eggs. In turn, I’d be responsible about their keep.
no problem
Great
Upset
I think it's great!
I think everyone should be able to grow their own food! Look at what's going on with factory farming.
Chickens are literally being raped and then fed to us! No thanks. The government should restrict my
access to clean healthy meat.
Great as I live in an area where all the properties are no less than half acre
They should be allowed!!! Yay chickens
I live in Whonnock and I love that people keep chickens out here.
i am rural so i am ok
As long as people are being responsible with the birds I don't have a problem with it.
Good.
I would love the ability to raise backyard hens and have them in my neighbourhood
Appendix E | 25
I fully support
Already here
FANTASTIC!!!
go for it! and vegetable gardens in the front yards and city property instead of grass - perhaps the
unemployed and homeless can do some city work. give them some work and they feel better about
themselves.
We just moved from Albion to Ruskin. In Albion even one chicken would have been great with proper
set up.
I think it’s a great idea. Good to teach our children. We get a little pride of being able to produce our
own eggs
I feel like they would be a good thing and could save on food costs
There already are manny hens in my neighbourhood, I don’t mind it unless there chickens run whild on
the property. The hens should have a fully inclosed fence and shed to have protection from other
wildlife. Free running chickens do attract wildlife.
I love the idea as long as they are properly cared for and concerns are addressed by owners & bylaw
officers if necessary.
I would be delighted!
My family and I have been wanting to have backyard chickens for years.
Sounds like a great idea!
No problem with it
NO WAY!!!
Would like to have backyard hens
I think the Backyard Chicken movement is a great one. No roosters but hens are not very loud and
provide alot to a house hold.
Can't wait
I would welcome the idea.
Fine
Totally support.
I'm all for it.
Only worry would be possible neglect after the initial excitement wears off
I don't want to have them. I moved into the city so as not to hwaenoe small animals such as chickens.
I also don't wish to be woken up by then at 5 am
This city has trouble enough with rats and other bylaw issues.
As long as it’s monitored. maybe something like licences must be issued so “how to”, animal welfare in
regards to chicken (ie breeding, spca, illness, and if you can’t keep them, disposal of birds who have
passed etc) and and rules and regulations can be issued.
I have no issues with it as long as people clean up after them.
I think backyard chickens should be allowed, they are a way of farming for food also they could have an
educational benefit on the community.
I live in rural Maple Ridge, where they're already allowed. I think number of chickens allowed should be
determined by lot size, and I understand concerns about odour and pests, but I think everyone should
be allowed to keep hens and produce their own food.
Appendix E | 26
Fantastic idea.
Feel great as long as they are taken care of in proper manner
I hope my neighbours will sell me some eggs!
Awesome!
I do not agree with this in urban areas, chickens attract rats, racoons, coyotes. Also what happens
when someone decides to get a rooster to go with the hens. Roosters are very noisy. We had an a
neighbor who decided to get chickens and a rooster and it took some time to get bylaws to deal with
the problem.
I think it's really positive.
I don't feel comfortable at all! It will create noise/ dirty and smelly backyards and it will attract
cougars, rodents and other kid of stuff.
I would absolutely live it. There ia som much red tape to do anything within our property in the lower
mainland.
I think it could be a great asset to the community
great
We’d love it !
Acceptable
It's bad news and will create way too many problems.
In favour as long as there are strict guidelines and the number permitted is small. I feel that small
urban properties should not have more than 3-4 hens. Larger properties obviously more hens would be
appropriate. Major concern would be attracting rats and predators.
That would be super amazing, it’ll help with learning responsibility and how to raise new animals that
most people aren’t used to
I think its a wonderful option for families. It teaches children and adults where food comes from and
the responsibility for care of animals. I do not think this process should be without education.
All for it, great for everyone involved.
I would love people to be able to have chickens but they need to be properly educated and set rules
need to be followed. The city needs to put something in place that if there are more than 2 legitimate
complaints that the birds will need to be removed. No roosters for sure. Feed needs to be inside the
coop and stored inside a rat proof container. Coop must be kept clean. Chickens are a wonderful
addition when done right.
Fantastic!
Good
I would encourage and support such a possibility!
It should be allowed just like any other pet or animal would be. Just with those animals, as long as they
are taken care of properly it should pose no issue.
Happy and proud !
If proper public classes were held/standards were set publicly so everyone is aware of what the
requirements are and how to properly raise chickens.
I feel excited about the prospect.
Love it
I'm for it.
Appendix E | 27
I welcome it. It’s important to allow families the opportunity to grow their own foods. Our
neighbourhoods/ community would benefit from this allowance.
great!
That would be one of the greatest thing that would happened to me !!!
I love the idea!
I would love it! I think there should be a rule that the coop can only be so close to a fence so the
neighbours can still have privacy from them, and have check ups on the chicken owners to know they
are in good care.
Must be allowed.
I suggest rolling out a pivot project immediately.
i see no real problem if they are taken care of
I am strongly against that. Chicken in backyards will definitely attract rodents.
In residential areas, people landscape their backyards to enjoy outdoors and breeze fresh air. Farm
odours are not something to enjoy and even to avoid.
It will also cause tension and conflicts between neighbours that may be impossible to resolve.
There is enough stress in our lives, please let us feel home at home.
Ok. Should be restricted to backyards, behind fences and out of sight.
I think they would add a wonderful character to the neighbourhood.
Good
Great idea/needs good Bylaws!
Agree + encourage this. Fix our Agri problem!
Good
We are okay with hens in our neighbourhood.
They are now
No worries
Support it but people should have to be educated on proper chicken care and health
not bothered
I would very much welcome them!
I'd welcome it
No
Great. I look forward to fresh eggs
OK
go for it
fine - but carefully kept
good
All for it.
I would like this.
Good idea on Bowen Island
would be very much against it
-not interested
-they are loud/smelly + attract coyotes + bobcats. In my urban 6000 sq ft lot I frequently see squirrels
killed by coyotes + bobcats
Appendix E | 28
We have four hens & love chicken keeping.
OK
its important for many reasons.
No concerns, good for the community.
Fine, if proper protocols put in place
Good stuff
Not happy
Everyone should know where thier food is from
Also how about a goat (echo lawnmower)
I am concerned about the noise and smell.
Very discouraged by the possibility of this happening. Not appropriate for my area.
Albion.
It would be great in small numbers (hens). Folks that want them will do a good job.
Absolutely fine as long as there are regulations in place to keep the above concerns from happening.
In the rural areas wouldn't be a concern. If allowed, fees to go to the bylaw dept. to monitor them. We
already have a lot of dogs in MR and lots of owners who do not clean up after them so I'm skeptical of
this new initiative.
I welcome them.
Ok
my neighbourhood already has them all over - but we live on acreage so ........... :)
I have no objections to hens
We have someone with hens in her yard (small yard) and we also have a rodent problem in the
neighbourhood. The rats have chewed wires in the neighbouring vehicles. They are a menace to the
neighbourhood. It would be impossible to police the dirty coops so no coops should be allowed in the
urban setting. Having a property that’s is part of alr land would be the only reasonable properties to
have backyard chickens
I’m fine with the idea of backyard hens being allowed. I hope that I would be allowed to have them at
my place. I live in a mobile home park.
i would love some in my yard for fresh eggs
great
No thank you; lots are too small in my residential area. It would be inappropriate.
I think that it's a great idea and is benifical
I feel strongly about this being a good thing.... being that we have many families that could benefit
from extra food on the table makes it a good reason to have these hens. Eggs would be healthier in
the long run.
Hens are fine on a farm but in our opinion should not be allowed within city limits.
We have enough problems with rodents as it is without adding hens (and all they entail) to the
problem.
I don’t have an issue with this unless the coop is not cared for correctly and then rodents and odour
would be a problem. I have kept hens before on acreage so do know that there is work involved to
correctly look after healthy hens.
Feel it would be a great opportunity
It should be allowed. Roosters should be limited to larger yards.
Appendix E | 29
I think it's a wonderful idea.
No problem.. Maple Ridge was a farming community in the past. Let's keep some of the traditions
alive, within reason.
I don’t see any issues with allowing them. More urban cities have made allowance for them and
continue to allow chickens.
Excellent as long as they are tended, clean and no roosters
I am not interested in hens being allowed in my neighborhood.
Supportive
I'm not very happy about this possibility.
I would love to have backyard hens! We have 4 children and having a healthy low cost food option
available would be very helpful.
Our neighbours have laying hens and they are kept clean and they are not noisy except in the morning
when they cackle as they are laying eggs but it is not annoying and the eggs they share are excellent.
Backyard hens is a hard work and people think it's easy to keep them. With backyard beds comes lots
of other problems like ticks, rats and etc
I like the idea.
I'm fine with this. I think it offers and teaches sustainability.
We moved to maple ridge from Vancouver and wondered why we were able to have hens in t. City and
not on our ALR property (under 1 acre) we have been waiting for an opportunity such as this to
readdress the issue and hope we can have hens again!
I don’t want the added noise and filth
I’m good with it if standards are set re: care and keeping
I have no problem if they are cared for and kept appropriately. If the owners don’t keep up with
cleaning and maintenance and they become a rodent / wildlife attractant is where I’d have a problem
That would be good.
I would be really upset to have them in my neighbourhood.
I FEEL IT WOULD BE A TREMENDOUSLY FORWARD THINKING MOVE!!! WE NEED THIS!!!
I have no problem with it.
Totally opposed to this notion, idea or discussion.
I would not like it at all. I feel like it’s completely redneck and would drive done property values. I
didn’t move to the country I moved to a town.
Ok with it.
Awesome then maybe I could enjoy the eggs
I think it is a wonderful idea.
Not at all pleased
I would love it
I see no issue with it as long as hens are housed at night. I feel there are way more positives than
negatives.
I would not appreciate backyard hens in my neighborhood. In order to house hens without imposing on
your neighbors, I believe you should have an acre or larger property.
Would love it
Appendix E | 30
I'm okay with it as long as people comply with the regs.
No problem with it. I think it's a great idea.
No no no it attracts rats ,and more rats we killed 5 in two days ..... no one gives us poison to get rid of
them . You have to teat them ...horrible not heathy at all
I think it’s a great idea
I think it's a good idea
Im in Whonnock and i have chickens . I do not believe they belong in the city. It brings up so many
situations to go wrong. ( Uncleanliness, food outside for predators and/or rats) The challenges and
responsibility involved in keeping birds is more than the average person would even consider . Theres a
reason its not allowed now and nothings changed. If people want fresh eggs then support your local
farmer. Eggs are available $4 a doz on every other street in east ridge . What happens when 4-H pops
up and says well i want fresh milk we should be able to have cows too......
I would welcome them and hope to be able to buy fresh eggs from a neighbor!
Backyard hens are loud and smelly
Don’t like it, we are urban not rural. Hey
It’s about time. You can have them in Vancouver.
I love the sound of freedom in the morning!
Please, no!
There are already illegal grow-ops in the area and the police don't seem interested in shutting them
down. No doubt this would happen with unsightly coops or noisy, smelly hens. There's always
somebody who crosses the line.
Very disappointed . The smell along is enough at times to make you vomit
I do not believe that the city would be able to control the residents to keep it as a clean enviroment.
We already have an issue with rats as our neighbour continues to feed the raccoons. They come to
feed on the food she leaves out. In a 2 week period we have caught over 40 rats. This has become an
extreme infestation.
I do not agree they should be raised in the city limits as it will attract rodents. I already have an issue
with my neighbour leaving food for the racoons. We have killed over 40 rats in a very short amount of
time. It has become an infestation.
I don't mind them in my neighbourhood as there are lots of surrounding properties that are on acreage
which is appropriate for hens.
Love the thought
I would like it to be accepted here and want to have chickens in my back yard
I am completely for it. I always had hens when I was growing up and there isn’t anything better than
fresh eggs. Only roosters are noisy, and as long as people are held accountable for cleaning and
maintaining their coops then they’re not overly smelly
Will welcome them
I would be extremely upset. I think that chickens belong on a farm.
I'm fine with it, as long as people are cleaning up after their hens frequently and being responsible
about owning them.
Don’t want them at all
I am not opposed to this.
Appendix E | 31
Not in favour. The one that is in our neighbourhood now needs to be removed.
If there are general rules as to proper care for hens. This would include cleanliness, care and feeding
and even the use of solar powered electric fence as a deterrent for raccoons and other wildlife. If you
want a hen house you should be willing to pay $50 (or so) and attend a class put on by the city once a
month to teach you the basics. In return you will get (for example) a book on backyard hens with plans
for hen house and hen tractor (look it up up) construction.
I think it's a great idea as longas it is monitored.
I am all for backyard hens. I am completely against commercial egg farms and their treatment of
animals
Im all for it
I think it would be great!!highly support
No thank you
Personally, I feel backyard hen are a fantastic idea and I'm surprised that this has not already been
implemented within our city seeing as we are a farming community.
Worried about smell & noise & also rats. Concerned how it will be ‘policed’ so that people don’t have
10+ or other barn animals.
fine
All good.
I welcome the idea. I think that the benefit of having backyard hens outweighs by far the cons.
I would feel happy for these people, I myself would love to have hens and educate my 3 young
children.
Fresh eggs are the best eggs and the way we eat them would save my family of 5 some dollars over
time.
I am 110% for having pet chickens
Don’t want them ever
Will get a coop when its approved
As long as they are kept in a safe environment where they cant fly out if the yard im fine with the hens
in my area!
I’d live it and want one!
Not supportive of backyard hens in urban area
By all means let’s have them!
I grew up in the city with chickens. I only buy eggs from backyard farmers. You get to know your
neighbours and eggs are fresh
Fantastic opportunity
It's good way to dispose of kitchen scraps, provide fertilizer, teach children about "livestock". They
provide fresh eggs, rather than eggs that are weeks old from the stores.
Against it. 2 friends have chickens ( on 3+ acres each) Can sit on the deck and watch the rats run .
Both try to keep clean coops but rats are everywhere.
We live in a townhouse complex on a green belt width lots of children. I feel it would attract more
wildlife than we currently have. We don’t need more bears roaming around
Great step forward!
Appendix E | 32
I don’t believe it should be in small yards. Limit it to certain types of yards in areas where you don’t
experience an abundance of unintended consequences!
We do NOT have to be like Vancouver. Any reasonable individual will tell you it’s a disaster!
I would be happy about it.
I would be so ecstatic !
Chickens are a way of life and would help me reduce a bit of my food cost - teach my children
For it
I feel like it should not be a problem!
Im all for it. I would love hens in my backyard i just need more knowledge about it first
Wonderful! Would love to have our own or be able to get eggs from a local neighbor
My daughter has 3 hens. Her young children love them. They are learning responsibility in the care for
them. They are pets to the children. Dogs cause more problems than Chickens. They have fresh eggs
every day. Roosters would be a game changer as they will wake the whole neighbourhood up. But
hens are harmless, make little noise, and rats can be controlled with a small number of chickens and
proper handling of their feed. Plus they get eggs everyday for the family... a good source of protein.
not at all happy as we already have a rat problem and are frequented by bears - we can hear the hen
and rooster from 4 blocks away now
Great!!
I have no problem with hens I’m a small amount. The average household should get enough eggs from
3-4 hens, plus some to give to family and friends. Food waste fed to hens is food waste not fed to bears
and rats. Even a rooster crows only a few times per day, which is significantly less nuisance than a dog
that likes to bark.
Totally against hens being allowed in residential neighbourhoods, not appropriate. Should only be in
agriculturally zoned areas.
I would welcome it
Depends on noise
I think this initiative is way overdue. I have friends in other, more densely populated areas of
Vancouver, who have hens in while living in a small residential house. They have had no problems and
no complaints. We sell Maple Ridge as a progressive district but we must catch up with other more
progressive districts on this issue.
Very excited to be able to have afford organic eggs.
Great idea.
Agreed, but needs enforced guidelines
Good I want them myself
Good idea to become self reliant and know where your food comes from
Good start
Not allow to wander
A great addition to the community!
Great idea
I have them in my neighbourhood and it is a great connection for people
I am agree
Good
Appendix E | 33
Good idea. already allowed where I live
would welcome
Awesome!
No problem depending on lot size
I think it is a good idea
Totally in favour
I think it is a great idea. I came from Vancouver and was so disappointed to move to Maple Ridge and
not be able to have them
I think its a great idea. But it should be regulated
Good
Great opportunity to teach my children about animals and where there food comes from
Great, education and food production
I really worry about the rodent problem
Would be all for it
Great!
I want them allowed!!
As long as they're well looked after its fine
Good
It would be okay
Completely fine, hopefully they let me pet them!
OK with it
no problem
fine
I strongly agree about having backyard chickens. It is a human right
I am super happy
We are extremely happy that someone speaks up about this issue. It is about time! Vancouver city has
it why not Maple Ridge.
I feel great abouit it! I would gladly welcome backyard hens into my neighbourhood.
I would welcome it
As long as the city acts on any issues that come with . We still live in the country.
Great- why not
more nature is better (healthier living)
This would be great.
I strongly agree that people in Maple Ridge should be allowed to have chickens for the reasons listed in
#6.
I'm all for it if they are contained
neighbors had no problem last time we had them. All our neighbors ere good with it.
fine - if there are issues, I think the district should deal with it case by case. Most owners are
responsible
too dense in my neighbourhood
fine with it
Appendix E | 34
no problem if well cared for
love it! Ys
good
would be great
this would be fantastic
small crop if feel would be OK
would love it, long overdue
OK if done properly
Positive
I would love it - I want some
Indifferent. Support people who would want them, and those that choose not to
I am fine with it - with restricitons
I think it would be fun and exiting
I think it would be fun and cool to have them but they would get eaten
Great!
Love the idea!
As long as it doesn't look ugly!
Alright to me
Welcome them. So many grow up thinking food only comes from the grocery store
I have no problems. I think it would be a great idea
It would be very fun
Good
I would love it
Fine
No
I would love it, but no Roosters please
If properly maintained, good
Sure
Love idea
No problem
Great
Great
Great
Not overly thrilled
Super excited! I've wanted them for so long
Fantastic idea! I feel like this would really enrich my neighbourhood
Excited
Good idea
Very much in favour!
yes
good
Appendix E | 35
if people want them they should be allowed.
I would like it
Positive
neutral
We live in an area with lots 1/4 acre so it would be awesom
Would love to see this happen.
great
It would be awesome
I fully support it
good
positive
I would welcome it
i am okay with that
I would like to keep some
I think its awesome
I feel it should be available to whom ever wants them.
I'm all for it!
great idea
its awesome!
I live in Sechelt BC. Lots of people have chickens, no problem.
Positive step towards sustainability
would welcome them
would welcome them
Fine, if there are guidelines
I am not opposed
Not good
I hope they are alloud
I would welcome the hens
I feel it is right to keep them in properties. Hens are part of human's life & bring us to nature
Yes!
Bullish. Rooster uh
Very supportive
Okay
OK
All for it (grew up on a farm)
I would be OK
Excellent idea
I would fully support backyard chickens in my neighbourhood
I think it's great
Fine with me
Appendix E | 36
Ok
Good
Great except that we have bears & coyotes that visit us regularly so I don't want to attract more
No opinion
Great
Very happy and positive and educational & savings for our maple ridge families
Support the initiative - must be managed responsibly
OK
Ya - bring on the hens
Fine. Let them in. I would buy eggs if offered
Positive = want chickens
Very positive
OK
No problem
Don't mind as long as kept clean and taken care of
I am pro backyard chickens
Just fine
Great!
Kept in control, regulations, noise
Looking forward to it!
Everyone should be free too choose having hens.
I would love it
I am fine with it
Good
Yes
No problems
Ecstatic, local food is worth the work
Would love it
That will be great!
Perfect for families
Would be a positive move
Positively
Awesome idea
Great
Excellent idea
Great
Really good
If that's what you want I don't mind
It would be a good thing
Yes
We can't - we are in an adult gated area
Appendix E | 37
No problem
Fine
Love it! Makes us become closer to our food source, connected to where our food comes from
I am okay with it
Would love it
Great
Yay! Great idea
Fine
fine
Vancouver allows, why not Maple Ridge
agree
I think its benefits out weigh negatives
I would LOVE to have a small chicken coop
I would be very supportive of my neighbors raising hens
Small amount of chickens in a residential neighborhood,. ok 5-6
okay if it was small 3-4 hens
ok
good idea
agree
all for it
Might be noisy
awesome idea
I have no problem with my neighbors having backyard hens
good idea
good
great!!!
fine
I would love to see people who don't live on a farm to have the option to have hens.
fine
awesome
fine
unsure need more education
I would be great
great
I think its a great idea
Great just get on with the By-Law. We need to be more self sufficient.
Fine - They are stress relievers, good pets and they produce organic eggs/
It's about time!
They have many benefits
fine with it.
Bylaw long over due.
Appendix E | 38
9. Do you have any other thoughts, comments
or suggestions about backyard hens?
Answer Count Percentage
Answer 393 46.79%
No answer 447 53.21%
Not
completed or
Not
displayed
60
9. Do you have any other thoughts, comments or suggestions about backyard hens?
I feel that noise could be issue
But perhaps only two hens then
They aren’t that loud unless there is a bunch
I’m looking forward to have some
Fresh eggs and the experience for my kids would be beneficial
I would love to see Maple Ridge embrace its agricultural roots and promote our yards being a source of
food. Backyard hens would be a vital part of that.
As development continues to take over once rural areas, I urge the city to provide education and initiatives
to this end. Suburban pristine lawns destroy biodiversity and are a signifi cant source of pollution. As
development pushes further east, this lawn-worshiping mentality will be a serious threat to the delicate and
rich ecosystem. In this time of rapid growth for Maple Ridge, its an ideal opportunity to embrace the
area's roots and lead the way for sustainable, diverse yards. The Fraser Valley does not need more land
lost to soulless, cookie-cutter developments. It's entirely possible to provide housing while doing better
than that. Maple Ridge could be an innovative leader on that front.
I hope maple ridge allows hens VERY SOON
No.
This is an election issue for our family. Please support this idea.
I don't think people realize how dirty chickens are. Even having 3-4 birds equals a lot of manure and where
are people going to put this? in the yard waste bags? I am sure some people will be great owners, but I
think there will be a large amount of birds dumped and or killed because people will grow tired/get
roosters/ill birds. I used to have backyard hens in Langley, but had a large covered coop and average to
take care of manure. They are wonderful animals but are a big responsibility.
No
They should have been permitted 5 years ago.
I personally would love to have backyard hens because I think it would be a great experience for my two
daughters to grow up with a little more literal view of where their food comes from
Every family that it's capable of having chickens should have them. They eat all kinds of food scraps,
insects, slugs and turn them into food we can eat, plus we could cut down on factory farms!
Do not allow them!!!
By keeping them it aloud our kids to be involved more in agricultural and promoting it.
no
Appendix E | 39
Raised coops help prevent rodents from finding a place to live near the area, as well as removing the food
source at night.
This by-law is long over due and thankful the city is taking another look at this.
It would be great to create a community of like minded owners. But I'd love for my child to have the 4 -H
type experiences I had growing up even though we cannot afford farmlands.
With the expense, noise and nuisance factor, there is no gain to having chickens, other than knowing how
they are treated.
Any feed for the hens must be kept in rodent resistant bins.
I think it's a good idea for the community
No
City should work on solutions for ridding community of rodents.
I would advise proper courses be provided regarding the housing, feed, cleaning and overall care of the
birds. Also an annual check to be sure care is ongoing.
If people are not educated, it could turn into a problem quickly.
There should be an approval process to assess the suitability of the owner (similar to SPCA dog
applications) that takes into consideration animal welfare, odour, cleanliness, noise, location, etc. Perha ps
owners would have to obtain a permit prior to being able to have chickens on their property.
Also, the number of hens should be partly contingent on the size of the property (smaller = less hens).
This would negatively affect the ability to enjoy my own property, and would create noise, odour, and many
problems between otherwise good neighbours.
No
Let me know when I can start building a coop without the threat of it being taken down :)
I think allowing backyard chickens in Maple Ridge is a wonderful idea and a great learning opportunity for
children.
Stupid idea
Better than a compost bin as food is eaten before it rots and creates odors to attract some wildlife
Simply a big NO
I think food security is important and citizens should be able to provide or supplement their food needs
with gardens and animals.
Who would take unwanted hens and the odd rooster? The spca?
No roosters be allowed. Coop must be kept clean to reduce the smell and rodents.
Dumb idea.
When I did have my 8 girls they all had names and would come when called. I was able to have them at
the place where I boarded my horse. They were locked up at dusk and let out at dawn. They were never
very far from human contact. Any little children that came to visit the barn to see the horses also enjoyed
seeing and being able to hold, pet and interact with the hens. They were fascinated to watch the hens
laying eggs in their nest boxes. My lats little hen passed away from natural causes late last year at the age
of 8, which is old for a hen.
no
Smaller lots, 5500-6500 sq ft should be included
Vancouver allows chickens on 3000 square foot lots. The smallest option here was 6500 sq feet. This will
exclude the majority of people interested in backyard chickens. If the bylaw excluded most people, it will
not be successful.
Do it! If the City of Vancouver can have them, then so should we. We are community with farms already. If
someone can have birds in their kitchens as pets, then we should be allowed to have chickens for food
sources and education
They do not attract rodents, only open grain bins do. Chickens will hunt and kill mice
Appendix E | 40
This will create a LOT of jobs if it goes through.
Would there be a license you would need to qualify? I worry about people not taken the proper care and
Hens possibly being abused etc
No roosters please. :)
If this is approved- coops should have regulations and must be checked and approved before allowing
chickens. The size is important as well at the sturdiness.
We also have tons of coyotes and they’d be attracted to the chickens so there needs to be some
protection so that we don’t hear a chicken being dragged away and killed every night!
Please consider also making a framework around care of the chickens.
Hens are for farms not backyards
I think it is an educational opportunity for all community members to help them understand food security.
Just that people who are allowed to have backyard chickens should be given a pamphlet or access to
information on the care of the birds and how to properly keep them clean, healthy and happy!
No backyard chickens. No one will police it, it’ll get out of hand, the complaints won’t stop.
Numbers are messed up in question 5.
I support backyard hens. With good education, there are many benefits. Not everyone will want to do it,
but those who do should be allowed.
Please!
We have enough issues with predatory animals ,and people can't seem to take care of the things and
animals they already have ...the last thing we need is chickens in our neighbors yard
inspections would be a good thing to see the conditions the chickens are kept in are good.
Quantity of hens allowable should be denoted by size/scale of the property. Too many hens will eat down
the vegetation and this can become unsightly and smelly with too many hens on too small a space or with
a coop not designed to allow pasture rotation.
A protocol shoukd be signed by anyone wanting to add chickens to their world ... no roosters in resudential
yards, only on larger properties. If $ allows, random check ups of registered chicken owners should be
done. Only serious chicken keepers neec apply????
Chickens are very entertaining to watch. In close quarters roosters should not be allowed.
Many major cities, including Vancouver, allows backyard chicken coops, why not Maple Ridge? This is
an opportunity for us to be part of the food revolution that is making it easier for homeowners to be more
food independent. We need this.
I think people confuse hens with roosters. Hens are really quite quiet. I think there should be some
provision to fund the SPCA for the chickens they will likely have to take in as they move past laying age or
as people real;ize the full responsibility of having backyard hens. Again fulsome education should be
available.
Home insurance may be an issue. 1st exclusion on most policies is "no coverage if any farming activities"
I work for the cooperators insurance and under our policy it allows for a max of 12 chickens (must follow
city bylaw requirements) without voiding your home insurance but other companies may feel differently.
There will always be opposition to backyard hens from uninformed citizens and counsel. Start off your
decision making by bringing in a properly informed panel - a farmer and also someone who owns backyard
chickens...as caring for them in an urban setting is different from a rural one.
No
This needs to be allowed for residents to have food security.
There needs to be standard space alloted for coops with the quantity of chickens. There needs to be build
requirements for coops to keep Bobcats and bears out.
A small license fee would provide funds to check on things or complaints and deal with those.
Absolutely a ridiculous idea ! This is a city folks. If you are a would be farmer move!
Appendix E | 41
I say yes. It is a great idea.
There have to be rules put in place to ensure the health of the birds and the health of the neighbors.
Perhaps a training guideline to make sure people know what they are getting into
Hens in urban environments should be registered with municipal authorities. Periodic health checks should
be required to ensure disease and conditions are adhered too (perhaps could be integrated with by-law
enforcement). Costing could be done through fees and fines realized with an aim to a cost neutral regime.
Nope - said it all above.
I feel the lot size could reflect Vancouver’s restrictions and bring it even lower than the 6500sqft suggested
here and make it even as low as 3000sqft
They are a wonderful hobby and like most pets can promote empathy and kindness. They are calming
and they have fun personalities. They are educational as you become aware of where your food sources
come from and give you pause to think about supporting local businesses and c ommunity.
I believe having hens in Maple Ridge is finally keeping up with the times. We need to use all land to
increase food production and decrease food transportation.
Communities are healthier when more autonomy, self sufficiency and independence is allowed.
I would say that maybe the city put together an info package for hen ownership so coops are properly
constructed, animals are properly cared for, and pests are adequately deterred. Maybe they buy a one
time hen license much like a dog license and then people can be sure to know about the regulations.
Offering a licence with nominal kid-friendly fee (e.g.$5 per property) along with minimal education
requirement/quiz would be helpful, also consider a ‘code of chicken ownership’ suggestions on
responsibility for their care and medical attention, perhaps top 10 chicken illnesses and their treatments
would be enough to inform curious laypeople. How will people find reputable local farmers to purchase
their chickens from? Will our local hardware stores sell chicken coop kits next to the sheds? This can’t be
like dog licences where I receive no value from the City for my voluntary expense because the un-licenced
irresponsible dog owners are a tax burden.
If allowed they should be monitored from time to time to make sure they meet the city requirements
I think it’s a very good idea as our children can learn how to grow our food and care for them
Nope
Do NOT allow
Keep the hens on the farms where they belong.
Great idea
See 8 above.
Well planned and we'll monitored, this could be a positive.
Backyard hens have been successfully introduced in neighbouring urban areas. The introduction has been
well documented. I would recommend that Maple Ridge, a traditionally rural area, study the experience
and follow suit to introduce backyard chicken flocks to our community.
I understand the concerns some may have, and I feel that if people are not vigilant than backyard hens
could pose a problem. And how would the city enforce certain rules and make sure everyone follows
them? It could be quite the undertaking for the city, but it could also be super beneficial for the residents of
the city.
Dirty, messy, stinking, noisy. They do not belong in the city. Keep them on a farm that has farm status
I think it's a great idea!
Just that people should have proper pens if they have them and proper feed area so as not to attract rats
Appendix E | 42
Have differing amounts of hens allowed depending on the property sizes including smaller properties (like
4000-6000sq ft can have 2, 6001 - 10700 can have 4, 10701-21500 can have 6, 1 acre+ can have 10)
Possibly also add in QUAIL hens as well as chicken hens since they have less smell, a lot less noise, no
worries of them wondering to neighbours yards, take up a lot less space (tin y lots could even have them
as even 1sqft per bird is a lot of space for them - with a minimum size of 6sqft), and a lot easier to take
care of. This would also allow for many people to start with something very easy to take care of, and then
possibly move up to chickens in the future. It seems when guidelines are made up, quails are always left
out as they are not a popular bird, but are way more suited for residential properties than chickens are.
It is long overdue.
My property is 300m2. If the number of hens was low (3-4), noise or smell wouldn't be an issue if kept
according to a standard (perhaps a renewable annual permit). On the plus side, there would be no
"unsightly" complaints since in our neighbourhood we can't see into each others' yards reall y, due to
proximity.
Again, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms should cover this. It is the right of any person to live
and produce what is necessary to maintain life which includes raising livestock. Allow backyard chickens
and respect every Canadian's choice to do so is a right.
It is a great learning opportunity for younger kids and kids at heart
Don't understand why this is under review in small municipal lots.
The number of hens should be determined by the number of people they are to provide for. Regulating the
number of hens would also curb small home businesses
See sbove, probably should have put thise comments here.
I really hope this gets approved! Backyard hens would be so awesome!
N/A
Those homeowners who are interested should be registered in some manner and made to understand
how to properly and humanely care for their hens
Maple Ridge is a farming community at its roots. Laying hens at the very least should be permitted
Needs to be regulated or licensed. Coops should require permits and be evaluated to ensure they meet
certain requirements. People need proper training on how to keep it clean and store food. And no roosters.
I would love to see more public education about the benefits of Backyard chickens (through soc ial media
or posters in public municipal spaces)
Make this happen!
Education available to public for designing a coop as well as proper care and feeding
No
No roosters
I feel that it is a good idea to allow backyard hens in all of Maple Ridge.
Please do not allow hens on any properties under 2.0 acres (and ensure they are well centered on that
property, to ensure we can enjoy peaceful use of our own property. Do NOT allow hens on properties
not already zoned as “farming/agricultural”!
Please do not change the zoning of our home, merely to accomodate a few who want to keep farm
animals in the city! I chose my purcchased hime VERY CAREFULLY, which included researching the
zoning of this, and if surrounding neighbourhoods.
Ifyou ever lived within less than a mile from a chicken farm, you would understand the stench can be quite
unbearable in warm weather.
Appendix E | 43
We are a city with a beautiful reputation for current and historic farming/ agriculture. Open access to small
city lot farming/ agriculture are cutting age trends for a progrsssive municipality agenda. Maple Ridge’s
reluctance to embrace modern municipal small lot agriculture seems backwards thinking in the 21st
century push for sustainability. I really hope we allow progress while at the same time embracing our
historic emphasis on food and agriculture.
Big enough lot to accommodate hens without interfering with neighbours quality of life
I believe it should be limited to house hold usage or need
I would love to see this.
Coops should be situated closer to your own building than any neighbouring building.
People should have to take an online course and get a permit.
They are a great source of quality eggs. No need for roosters unless you are breeding. My coop is mobile
and has an electric poultry fence to keep predators out. I have zero rodents!
Only on land of 1 acre or more.
I hope that the city will allow it for those who want them.
Only on 1 or more acres, not on the edge of the property.
Dumb idea to have backyard hens in residential areas.
Please pass the law.
Get rid of the rats first.
Suggestions from a long time chicken egg production farmer in East MR
1.No Roosters in Urban areas
2. Have a Bylaw where Backyard Breeding is NOT ALLOWED otherwise license is provoked until further
notice
3. Keep their feed in airtight sealed containers
4. Remove feed trays into pest preventive area in the night as chickens can NOT see well in the night so
they do not eat
5. Have a coop that is not easy to open by animals
6. Maintain a regular schedule to clean the coop
7. Build a specific cozy area the chickens like for them to get used to so they are normally laying their eggs
in the same area and not all over the property thus attracting wildlife
8. Remember to lock up chickens before bed especially if free running ones
a) City Hall: Set a time like 7 pm where chickens have to be inside coop
b) If going out and unable to return home at 7 pm to put chickens into coop, get them into a smaller
secured fenced area like vegetable gardens or put them into coop before leaving.
9. Keep track of number of chickens you have each day
10. Use EXETREMELY shallow trays for water (Birds except waterfowl easily drown even in 1 cm of
water)
11. Repair holes and other damages in fences before having chic kens and check fence regularly for
damages and fix as soon as possible
CHICKENS ARE QUITE EASY TO HAVE IF YOU ARE COMMITTED JUST LIKE WHEN YOU HAVE A
DOG, CAT OR WHAT ELSE! Plus they have you eggs for a good 1-3 years.
I would like to have hens and a rooster. His name would be Foghorn LegHorn.
Licensing if they sell eggs
Keep them on farmland.
Backyard hens in farming areas, or large private lot areas only. In town doesn’t make too much sense.
2-6 hens is more than enough for any family. By laws s hould be similar to dog and cat ownership. Chicken
owners/coops should be required to buy an annual licence and follow noise & cleanliness by laws.
I think the city of Maple Ridge council will be surprised how little complaints they will receive compared to
dog complaints.
Appendix E | 44
The proposed lot size is limited to quite large lots which eliminates to option for many. A smaller lot size
requirement similar to the city of Vancouver would be beneficial.
With proper education chicken can be included in residence areas with ease.
No
Leave chickens on rural farms where they belong
Chickens should only be allowed on farms. If people want to have them in urban areas they should keep
them inside.
As long as they're properly care for and maintained there should be no issue
I think it enhances a sense of community
No
Backyard hens, while enjoying their relative freedom. They keep the garden pest free, while augmenting
their diet, getting exercise, and adding their lovely chatter to the calm and beauty of our outdoor spaces.
We live in a townhouse and would love to have this apply to us as well. The number of chicken a
household keeps should be dependent upon the available space. Looking forward to this!
They stink and make noise, attract rodents, and are not healthy to keep in a civilized neighbourhood
The hen cops must be a good size
Should be permitted in every single family neighbourhood. Subject to stricter location guidelines than
accessrory bldg though. Ie not as close to neighbour property
Please go ahead
A permit could be issued to own hens once a property owner passes an course or an online quiz for
chicken husbandry. Animals need to be cared for properly and ethically and not be kept as a novelty.
Don’t allow them in my neighbourhood
Please do not allow.
Why not a quiet bird like Quails, like Europe allows. Only requires a small cage and very quiet. People
aren't going to be harvesting thier filthy chickens. They will just be noisy, smelly outdoor pets that will
spread allergens to those adjacent that may be allergic.
This should only be considered for acreage properties.
There should be a min distance from neighbours (like 100 ft or more like septic) and must need their (all
neighbours that it would affect) approval before hand. Look how many cougars are sited this year, adding
an attractant to suburbs and not feeling safe to let my kid play outside doesn't make me happy. Let alone
more rats and raccoons. We know people with chickens and they are loud, dirty and it's more work than
expected and costs more than just buying eggs at store. Please don't allow this!!
Dont allow backyard hens. You dont live in a farm area you live in a city environment.
Great for the kids to learn where eggs come from instead of the store!
People will not take care of these animals the way they should and we will have a huge problem in the
communities. The educational background is not there for the "city folks" and once the novelty wears off,
these hens will be abandoned.
Would like to see them allowed.
We need it!
Chickens belong on acreage, not on city lots.
The modern day lot size is not large enough to accommodate animal enclosures.
There should be an online course or test to educate the public in the proper care and procedures of having
hens. To prevent rodents and odour.
Proper care
Appendix E | 45
I would suggest there be an application process that includes mandatory education about the care of
chickens for those who want to keep them. This is no longer a farming community where animal
husbandry skills are common, and chickens stand to suffer much abuse at the hands of the ignorant. That
in fact would be my biggest concern.
No
I think we should encourage and support people that want to have hens and other animals.
Its a great idea!
I believe a person should due their research. Chickens are a lot of work as well as alot of reward. The
most important thing in my mind is to be a good neighbor. By that I mean doing your best to be aware that
there are alot of things to consider, roosters are loud so make sure your getting hens, keep chicken area
clean as it can get smelly, keep food shut away from wild life, make sure that your not attracting wild life to
you chickens by have a secure fence and your chickens contained within in a secure area inside that as
well.
See previous.
Provide education sessions prior to handing out "backyard hen licenses". For biosecurity these need
tracking in the event of another avian flu and education prevents illness, improper care/housing and
ensures a success
Should have been allowed a long time ago.
Having strict minimum quality of life restrictions for the care of the hens right from the get go will be the
most effective tool for successful integration of this wonderful program.
Having strict minimum quality of life restrictions for the care of the hens right from the get go will be the
most effective tool for successful integration of this wonderful program.
No
I feel it should be allowed
Each chicken needs 545 sq ft to handle the manure load produced by one chicken. In order for chickens to
"smell" it takes owning hundreds to thousands of afults chickens.
If people take good care of them they are a great addition to a home
It's sad that this even needs to be debated. We're so out of touch with where our food comes from.
A lot of families have one or more family members that have alergies to the more common household
pets. Hens will give them the opportunity to still learn the important life skills that are formed when taking
care of an animal.
Only concern would be people not taking care of them properly.
I'd love to have the ability to grow more of my own food. We moved here from Coquitlam and our
neighbours had a coop there, there were no concerns. Please let us be able to do the same here.
To be regulated
I already did the survey and am in favor of being able to raise chickens in our backyards and wanted to
add that my lot size is 6000 sq ft
Make a generic chicken coop specs..
No
I would like the minimum plot size to be smaller than 6500 sqft. People in the city don't have that kind of
space. I think it should be more around 3000sqft.
Bylaws need to be enforced. Dogs off leash and dog frces in our parks is ridiculous. Enforcement of
regulations for backyard chickens shoukd be monitored closely
Not at this time
If cared for properly, there should be no concerns
Appendix E | 46
Education, education, education
This would be beneficial to all neighbours. No roosters though!
Not at the moment.
Not at this time
Nope
I don't think any property under 2 acres should be aloud hens, and even at that if hens are allowed on
bigger properties there needs to be strict rules about housing them and making sure that they don't
become an attractant to rodents.
I don't want backyard hens in my neighborhood
we are not leaving in down town Vancouver , maple ridge is rural area , let feel it
Perhaps not allowing roosters In areas of small yards.
Allow backyard hens.
Nope. Keep them in the ALR.
please let it happen
I would love to see a permit/license process for allowing backyard hens. There should be at least a
mandatory test if not a short 2 hour course that residents must take prior to allowing hens in an urban
area. I don't think there should be a fee attached or if there was a fee make it as minimal as poss ible. I
strongly believe that residents need to understand the responsibility of owning hens, their care and
expenses before they embark on backyard hens. If they take a course write a test they can be allowed
hens. It would be great to have amount of hens to square feet of area for them to roam to make sure the
raising of hens is humane. The SPCA has wonderful guidelines for laying hens
Should be allowed as any pets are, a lot people have too many dogs not controlled. Chickens are not a
problem but will help a lot with food, eat all your food scraps.
See above.
Appropriate education for those who have never raised farm animals on how to care for them, protect
them from wildlife and produce eggs.
Hens only lay for a few years, then what will people do with them?
Public education for both backyard chicken owners and for their neighbours could be key to success!
Other municipalities and cities have allowed them without issue. Maple Ridge, while recently named a city,
is still very much a farming community. I have been living in a regular sized suburban house with a decent
yard, right next to a farm. Yet I haven't been allowed chickens simply from the different in our plot sizes.
They are already all around us, one way or another. I just want to be able to do the same thing my
neighbors can.
It is about time!!! Did you know it is allowed in Vancouver on much smaller house lots??!! It is in fact
outrageous at the amount of time it takes council to decide/debate on this.
Also, the "standard" of house lots is no longer 6,000+sq ft. ..as everyone is aware the new house lots start
at just over 3,000sq ft now days, so this must be taken in consideration!
Thank you
Very good visual charts when releasing info about backyard chickens
We need chickens
no
Yay! Fresh eggs and lovely pets.
i want nothing else but chickens in my back yard!
Please allow them!
I support it if city does random inspections to ensure people are following the rules.
Appendix E | 47
no
Farm animals do not belong within residential areas - that's why we have areas that are specifically
designated for specific purposes - residential, agricultural, industrial etc.
Allowing farm animals in residential areas is allowing jinn out of the bottle. In urban residential areas it
should be interests of general population that prevail.
Another question - what about bird flu? Some time ago poultry from Washington state was banned from
importing to BC. How are you going to control conditions how these chicken are kept? Will the be any
health and sanitary control over how the animals are kept? Who will pay for that - taxpayers?
Same as answer 8.
Please allow for smaller lot sizes, ie 3000sq ft, as is the case in Vancouver.
Cont with 4H helping with educational component
We lost 55 hens to bears last fall.
# depends on size of property
No
education and program before giving permission
keeping hen runs clean, looking after hens - good care
I hope this is succesful
get it happen!
No idea
I'd be interested in incorporating information on Quail.
Chickens must be looked after. no overcrowding, clean conditions
keep them in rural, ALR, large acreages only
Keep them on large/rural/ALR land.
If we want to encourage food independency, we need backyard chickens.
Should be allowed. Restrictions are silly.
Need to have rules re: care of chickens for small to mid size urban properties to ensure no complaints
The spca still needs to set out guidelines to help whth the care for these animals
My sister's family had a chicken coop years ago so I'm familiar with what having a backyard coop entails.
While I see the benefits, I don't think a small city lot is the place for them, especially now that lots are
getting smaller and houses are getting bigger.
I think it's a great idea -BUT only if get responsible people - they will attract raccoons, rats, coyotes and
bears. Chickens can be smelly (but ok if limited #s) so you'd have to make sure they are looked after
and the chicken poop is thrown away properly ( can be a bit dangerous if dries up , hazard to some)
chickens can get out easy so pens have to be well closed up but room to run in the day time. People
have to know what to feed and what to give them to roost and nest (just worry some with throw them in
back yard and neglect them) It would be awesome for people to get their own eggs, teach children
responsibility , retired seniors can keep busy and may fight loneliness. Not sure how can be monitored -
but if it gets approved a course that people would have to take first would be great AND have to visit an
already established back yard chicken house to actually see what it entails. We live on a farm so I know
- but many "city folk" have NO IDEA. Thu I think if you limit it to 3-4 chickens for small yards it would be
fine??
My only concern is people not keepung up their maintenance and proper storage of food in order not to
attract the mice and rats that do appear if chickens are bot maintained properly
They can be filthy if not properly attended to which could result in health concerns
There is a lot to learn about raising hens. Our next door neighbour had chickens. This was in Burkeville.
We would need to be educated on the care and feeding of hens.
Appendix E | 48
great idea
i think it's a great idea and long overdue. as long as people do their research and provide adequate care
of the chickens, its a win win.
i have a 6000 sqft yard and would hope that size would be considered for this
Not a fan. We have lots of agricultural land where this can be done; I don't really see the need for
individual residents to be keeping chickens.
Confused on the wording of your question regarding property size! I think properties used for chickens
should be land size +8000 sq ft. No one wants a coop close to neighbors fence lines..... coops also
should be mobile !
No. Just let people have their chickens for heaven's sake, especially in the slightly rural areas.
Downtown, not so much, but 228 and east....no problem.
3-4 hens only.
I cannot build right next to the yard line between property lines, there should be a law about how far it is
from your neighbour. Noise and smell are way too much. If you want chickens, go buy a farm. It's way
harder than it looks and now the city will have to have people out checking the coops?
I think the size of the property should indicate the number of chickens allowed.
There must be a rule about how close to other neighbors fence is the chicken coop. Especially where
townhomes backyard faces house backyard.
I would like to see education and guidelines put in place regarding having chickens and the responisbilites
and onus of the owners to ensure a clean and safe environment for their hens and neighbours. I would
hate to see someone neglecting to care properly for the hens resulting in neglect or abuse. I would like to
see easy and fair avenues for neighbours to express concerns should the smell or noise become intrusive.
Please allow a process where residents can apply to have them!!
This is a horrible idea. They should be in farms not in a back yard. Stratas better ban these.
I think it’s the right direction to go.
Please do not allow on non-farmland.
IF PROPERLY THOUGH OUT, WITH REASONABLE BYLAWS, BACK YARD CHICKENS WILL
CONTRIBUTE GREATLY TO THE COMMUNITY.
Size of coops and numbers of chickens should me managed and enforced by bylaws.
Not appropriate for Maple Ridge.
I think there should be a vote as to whether or not it’s allowed. Especially since we don’t have garbage
pick up where is all their waste going?
Do it.
Why are we not allowed to raise or own food?
I would love it.
I notice the wording is hens but some of the breeds are sold unsexed, it’s a 50/50 game. I can see issues
arising when a child has to give up it’s Henrietta because it turned out to be a Henry.
While there are sanitary, humane and considerate methods to house hens in a backyard, I do not believe
that this we have the funds or staffing to have bylaw officers in place to enforce any methods that may be
written in to the City’s agreement.
None
No hens in be
Ack yard go buy acreage if you want a farm
No
As a seasoned bird owner I vote NO to back yard hens.
No
Appendix E | 49
No other comments - just please don't allow it.
OK for larger lots but not in subdivisions.
Please do not allow our city to become a farmyard. An urban area is no place for chickens or hens. What
are you going to allow next, pigs and cows??
I do not believe they belong in the city limits.
I strongly agree not to be within city limits.
Not a good idea. I have lived in the same subdivision in Maple Ridge for 24 years and feel that it would be
totally unfair to allow chickens now. I think it would cause a lot of friction between neighbors.
Move forward if they work in Vancouver they can work here.
I think it’s a marvellous idea IF people were to take care of their chickens humanely.
Fantastic learning opportunity for kids.
Yards should be kept in good order to prevent rodents and odour
We have enough of a rodent problem here
There should be a minimum property size .5 acres+
Maximum 3 hens
Size limit on coops
Coops must be x amount from property border
no
The question about the number of hens allowed should really depend on the lot size. The bigger the lot the
more hens allowed. Obviously if you have a smaller lot the less chickens you ca n have.
For us to not be allowed hens now is unreal. We are out in the tri-city’s / Fraser valley. We should be
allowed. Just having a limit to how many would do. Just keep a tidy coop and all should be fine.
Chickens are our pets to. They help with composting and are a way of life.
Don’t allow it. There are enough rodent problems in Maple Ridge as it is.
Not at all
It would be nice to have eggs available and also would like to have the option to have quails!
I think it’s great!
No
We need this!
$3 a dozen at grocery store is cheaper
Maybe on a more rural areas, down Abernathy or toward rolley but not in town
Please do NOT allow backyard hens. They need to be properly cared for. Not just a trendy item/animal
that will be discarded.
The proper care for these animals should also be considered. Most people can barely afford vet costs for
their cats and dogs- let alone adequate and humane care for hens.
We are in maple ridge - known as a rural area - there is no reason why we should not be allowed
My lot size is 8000sq ft it’s perfect to home a 3-4 or 5 chickens
My moms property is 5 acres and they have tones of chickens goats pigs - and love on 272 ! Never a
problem the past 20 years and there should never be one.
This is so important as a community moving forward to reduce our need for large egg factory farms.
As with any other pet... the owner needs to care properly for them.
it's an issue that will cause conflict issues in neighbourhoods
No
Appendix E | 50
Rules about proper storage of feed (even keeping feed in the house) will prevent pests like rats. Also, for
those that don’t garden or compost, it should be stipulated that chicken manure be disposed of as garden
waste. I don’t own chickens but I work on a farm with a flock. A small coop (shed sized) with a flock of 3 -4
chickens should produce relatively little waste that only needs to be removed every month, at most.
Living on a green belt we already have significant wildlife incursions (bears, racoons, coyotes, small
mammals). I fear that the introduction of backyard hens will attract more wildlife to their detriment
No
We should encourage more and more people to grow their own food by granting the permission and
educating them through seminars etc.
Keeps down insect population.
Allow them
Vancouver & New WEst allow chickens on smaller lots whey not in Maple Ridge that have large lot sizes
Just cleanliness
No
Small scale food production should be a right if we can have dogs, why not hens?
Good but requires diligence and good hygeine
People need to be trained in setting rat traps.
love to see in small lots too.
Yes needing organic fresh eggs
I want to eat fresh farm eggs only
Would advocate for the smaller lot size to be considered in permit application
Yes - smaller lot size - like Vancouver 3000sqft
A neighbor of ours had them & though he was 1/2 acre away, they were noisy
We love them
Reduce the lot size. Vancouver is a great case study!
Backyards 3000 sqft and up should be included
Reduce lot sizes to 4000 sq ft
No
Hope its allowed in Pitt Meadows
think its a great idea
Vancouver is known all over the world and has chickens. We live in the boonies and no chickens. Shame
on city counselors
We need chickens!
Smaller lots must be considered since the new building lots are getting smaller than 6,500!!!
Size of property for qualifing should be reduced to 3000 sq feet
Minimum lot size of 3000 sq feet
Reduce to 3000 sq ft so everyone qualifies
Should be allowed on any single family dwelling property
City must give back our freedom
I am surprised Maple Ridge does not allow this already
Please change the bylaw to allow chickens! We had them for a short amount of time (we th ought it was
allowed) and missed having 4 free-range eggs/day and 4 quiet pets weeding our flower beds.
We need permits for small yards as most people dont have average or even much yard at all ie yards near
Bruces Market
Appendix E | 51
They are excellent for young children to learn from and look after. Life skills
make lot size smaller like 3000 sq ft
Such a great way for families to have very healthy food easily accesable.
how would it be regulated
need smaller lot size closer to vancouvers 3000 ft sq
match Vancouver 3000 sq ft
would like to see 3000 sq feet like Vancouver
make them available on a reg sized city lot like Vancouver
No
No
We appreciate learning about chickens and where our food comes from
Owners shouldn't have dogs to harass the chickens
Has to be bylaw inforcement
No
Time to permit people more opportunity to produced own food
It's a wonderful concept - if your neighbours respect the rules
Lot size. If you make 6000 sq feet few will qualify and therefore it will be for nothing. Make it more
available than 6000 sq
No
No
N/A
raising hens can provide food and learning experience and they should be allowed.
no
It would be very beneficial for families in our community and supports responsible agriculture!
no
chickens rock
With proper education, care and equipment, having backyard hens would be extremely beneficial and
absolutely fantastic for the community
Treat them good, treat them right
Lot size needs to be reduced
No
More the better
Chickens should be allowed on 3000 sq ft lots
No
At the very lease, approve some pilot projects for assessment
Moved from Surrey. M.R. City is behind the times
No
Not fond of roosters in the morning but would support backyard chicens
No
We have always been a farming community, so it is logical we would encourage & promote chickens.
Especially when people have food shortages
We would appreciate to be allowed backyard chickens (hens)
Appendix E | 52
Do it!
as above
Monitor cleanliness by owners
They are beneficial in so many ways, please allow! Other cities have had much success with this program,
we should too!
No
No
Be sure people have good advice about poultry (ie consult with 4H, Min of Ag)
Chickens are fantastic and should be permitted to live among us
Maple Ridge needs to grow more farmland instead of taking it away
We need more back to earth reality and having backyard chickens is a good start
We are grateful the council is considering this opportunity
I was raised on a chicken farm
I have lived next to chickens before and it was fine
With proper regulations & by-laws regarding backyard hens, it's a good idea for urban areas
No
no
If this can b successful in vancouver & other urban areas, I see no reason it couldn't be successful here
regulation on secure coops and limit amounts
size of property allowed should be roughly 3000 sq feet
n/a
I think as a community we should encourage sustainability and having backyard hens is a step in the right
direction.
no
I think that overall that people can have backyard chickens
limit the number
Make a limit # of chickens
They are less noisy, smelly than a large dog
People who are against it are the ones who aren't well educated and don't have any experience with
animals or agriculture.
Yard sizes should be closer to Vancouvers.
Appendix E | 53
Would you be interested in signing-up for the
City of Maple Ridge Agriculture Update E-
Newsletter to stay informed of this and other
agricultural projects? If yes, please provide
your email address below.
Answer Count Percentage
Yes 309 41.76%
No 385 52.03%
Not
completed or
Not
displayed
160
TO:
FROM:
City of Maple Ridge
His Worship Mayor Michael Morden
and Members of Council
Chief Administrative Officer
MEETING DATE: June 11, 2019
MEETING: Council Workshop
SUBJECT: Backyard Hens: Options Report
EXECUTIVE SUMM ARY:
In 2017, Council directed staff, in consultation with the Agricultural Advisory Committee (MC), to
develop a backyard chickens program that would permit the keeping of hens in residential areas.
Through 2018, the Agricultural Advisory Committee researched options to accommodate backyard
hens in residential areas in Maple Ridge. Over the summer of 2018, members of the MC and City staff
attended community events to talk about backyard hens. Retitled as "Backyard Hens" for the purpose
of community engagement, consultation activities revealed significant community interest in
permitting the keeping of backyard hens in residential areas. Such outcomes were summarized in the
report titled Backyard Hen Consultation Outcomes which was presented at the December 11, 2018
Council Workshop meeting.
Based on Council direction, this report outlines possible regulatory options, including a proposed pilot
program, for incrementally permitting the keeping of backyard hens in Maple Ridge.
RECO MMENDATION:
That staff be directed to prepare a report with the Pilot Program process which would permit
the keeping of backyard hens in residential areas of Maple Ridge as outlined in the report
titled "Backyard Hens: Options Report", dated June 11, 2019, and that once prepared the Pilot
Program be placed on an available Committee of the Whole Agenda.
BACKGROUND:
a)Council Direction and Work Done Tex.late
Based on a Council motion, Council received information on approaches used by other municip alities
to accommodate backyard chickens in residential areas in the summer of 2017.
Exploring the keeping of chickens in residential areas was then added to the Agricultural Advisory
Com mittee's (MC) 2018 work plan on July 18, 2017, when Council directed:
That staff, in consultation with the Agricultural Advisory Committee, develop a backyard
chickens program to permit the keeping of chickens in residential areas as identified under
the Process section of the report entitled "Backyard Chickens -Discussion Paper" dated July
18, 2017.
Through that Staff report, it was suggested that the issue of permitting backyard chickens in the City's
residential areas be presented to the community to assess the level of support for a possible program.
Following the community conversations, staff would prepare a follow-up report summarizing the
consultation results and potential next steps for Council's consideration. 6.3
Page 1 of 11
.~ ■
mapleridge.ca
Over the summer of 2018, members of the AAC and City staff attended community events to talk about
backyard hens. Approximately 900 people completed the Backyard Hen Survey, with 90% of
respondents identifying as Maple Ridge residents, making this one of the most successful City surveys
to-date. With the feedback generally positive, and in recognition of the strong levels of public
participation, there seems to be a recognized interest in exploring and possibly developing a backyard
hen program for Maple Ridge. Such outcomes were summarized in the report titled Backyard Hen
Consultation Outcomes which was presented at the December 11, 2018 Council Workshop meeting.
At the December 11, 2018 Council Workshop meeting, Council directed:
That staff, in consultation with the Agricultural Advisory Committee, be directed to prepare an
Options Report to explore regulatory measures to permit the keeping of backyard hens in Maple
Ridge.
DISCUSSION:
Based on Council direction, this report outlines possible regulatory options for permitting the keeping
of backyard hens in Maple Ridge.
a) Keeping chickens in Maple Ridge
Currently, the keeping of chickens is considered an agricultural use and is permitted on agricultural
zoned lots as well as in select circumstances on some residential lots (RS -1 and RS -2 when in the ALR,
and on RS-3 when larger than 0.4 hectares). The current regulations permit the keeping of chickens
on approximately 2,554 lots across the City, as demonstrated in the map of Appendi x A.
The keeping of chickens is also currently regulated by the Maple Ridge Animal Control and Licencing
Bylaw ['Jo. 6908-2012. The By!aw requires that every owner of a poultry pen must ensure that the area
is clean, sanitized, free of vermin, and that all excrement is removed at least once a day. In addition,
the Wildlife and Vector Control Bylaw No. 7 437 -2018 regulates the prevention of wildlife attractants
and vector control against the spread of diseases within the municipal boundaries of the City.
The issues regarding the keeping of chickens in urban residential areas tend to fall into three
categories: noise, odour, and vermin/pests. A discussion with Bylaw and Licencing Services
Department staff about backyard chickens identified that there have been a handful of complaints in
previous years (e.g. 5 in 2015, 6 in 2016, 5 in 2017 and 1 in 2018). Bylaw complaints were on
residential lots, none of which are designated ALR land, and generally the concerns are vermin and
odour.
b) Updated municipal scan
As shown in Appendix B, at the outset of researching the keeping of backyard hens in the Metro
Vancouver area in 2017, seven of the sixteen municipalities reviewed permitted backyard hens or
chickens. Staff have since updated the municipal scan for 2019 and have found that twelve of the
now twenty reviewed municipalities permit backyard hens or chickens. Changes were noted for the
Districts of North Vancouver, West Vancouver and the City of Surrey. Staff have also had the
opportunity to review the District's of Squamish and Saanich , who while not included in the 2017
review, adopted a backyard hen programme in 2014 and 2012, respectively.
A table summarizing the scan is available on the following page (Figure 1 -Summary of the Backyard
Chicken Municipal Scan 2019).
Page 2 of 11
Figure 1 -Summary of the Backyard Chicken Municipal Scan 2019 .
Abbotsford
Burnaby
Chilliwack
Coquitlam
Delta
City of North
Vancouver
North Vancouver
(District)
New Westminster
Pitt Meadows
Port Coquitlam
Port Moody
Richmond
Surrey
Township of
Langley
West Vancouver
(District)
Vancouver
Oak Bay
District of
Squamish
District of Saanich
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes (2016)
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
Yes (2016)
No
Yes (2016)
Yes
Yes
Yes (2014)
Yes(2012)
Up to 12 chickens
Up to 8 hens, no roosters
Minimum of 2 chickens
and a maximum of 6
chickens
Up to 8 hens, no roosters
No limit on number
Up to 4 hens
Up to 12 chickens/ acre
Up to 6 chickens with 1
hen enclosure per lot
Up to 4 hens, no roosters
Upto 5
Up to 8
Up to 10
Up to 5 hens
Up to 5 chickens
Up to 10 chickens
-....,....--==-~ Size of t:ot -~-_._.
Minimum lot size 4000m 2 (1 acre)
Minimum lot sizes of 557m 2 (6000 ft2)
Any of the single family residential
(RS) zones
Minimum lot sizes of 557m 2 (6000 ft2 )
The 2014 Pilot Programme had a
minimum lot size of 409 m2 (4400 ft2)
Minimum lot size 2000m 2 (0.5 acres)
669m 2 (7,200ft 2) -1 acre
1 acre -5 acres
All single family zones
Minimum lot size 279m 2 (3000ft2 )
745 -1,858m2
Up to 4,047m 2 (1 acre)
Over 4,047m 2 (1 acre)
All zones
Minimum lot size 557m 2 (6,000ft2)
Minimum lot size 1,114m2 (12,000 ft2)
Victoria Yes No maximum, no roosters No minimum lot size
Yellow highlights are municipalities that permit backyard hens but may not have been included in
the 2017 Municipal Scan.
Page 3 of 11
c) Possible Directions for keeping backyard hens
With the above context, a number of possible parameters have been identified to help frame any new
regulations to permit the keeping of backyard hens in residential areas in Maple Ridge.
Number of Hens
It is intended that only a small number of hens (i.e. no roosters) would be permitted. Other Lower
Mainland municipalities permit an average of 6 to 8 hens per household. Staff suggest a maximum
of 4 hens and a minimum of 2 hens for Maple Ridge.
Only hens at least 4 months old would be permitted in order to eliminate regulatory requirements
for incubation/hatching areas which would pose enforcement challenges as well as significantly
limit or reduce erroneous chicken sexing as roosters are not proposed to be permitted.
Siting Requirements
The shape and siting of the hen enclosure is to be regulated. Hen enclosures are envisioned to
include both the 'coop' and the 'runs' required for the keeping of hens.
Hen enclosures are proposed to be a maximum of 2 m (6.5 ft) in height. The coop should provide
at least 0.4 m2 (4ft2 ) per hen, providing that the floor area of the coop does not exceed 5 m2 (54
ft2), while the run should provide at least 1 m2 (10 ft2 ) per hen. The total maximum area for the
hen enclosure is proposed to be 9.2 m2 (100ft2 ).
The coop should provide the animals with a safe
roosting area and should be able to be closed for
the night and be built so as to exclude small
predators. It is proposed that the coop would have
an elevated wooden floor at least 0.3 m above
grade or a concrete floor as well as at least one
perch per hen that is at least 0.25 m in length and
at least one nest box.
Flgure 2 -City of Surrey Hen Enclosure Example
In addition, it is proposed that the hen enclosure
could be enclosed by electric fencing, providing it
2.0 m
Max
l -......
is designed and maintained in accordance with the electric fencing guidelines of the WildSafeBC
program developed by the BC Conservation Foundations. The District of North Vancouver
implements a similar regulation.
The hen enclosure is to be located at grade level and constructed so as to prevent the escape of
any hens as well as access by other animals. The enclosure should be built in such a way as to
exclude larger wildlife such as fox, coyote, and cougar even without the application of electric
fencing.
Lastly, the hen enclosure should be located in the rear yard of the subject property, in an area that
provides shade, direct sunlight, good drainage and protection from wind. The hen enclosure must
also comply with a new set of setback regulations that would need to be developed as part of
permitting the keeping of backyard hens in residential areas in Maple Ridge. The new setbacks
are currently proposed as follows:
• Minimum 3.0 m (9.8 feet) from the rear lot line;
• Minimum 3.0 m (9.8 feet) from an interior side lot line;
• Minimum 3.0 m (9.8 feet) from an exterior side lot line;
• Minimum 3.0 m (9.8 feet) from a building.
These siting requirements are similar across many municipalities but tailored for the minimum lot
sizes proposed for Maple Ridge (discussed below). An illustrated example of a hen enclosure from
the City of Surrey is provided above (Figure 2).
Page 4 of 11
Care Guidelines
It is recommended that participants understand and comply with the biosecurity procedures
recommended by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). In addition, hen keeping must
comply with all relevant City Bylaws, including the regulations of the City's Animal Control and
Licencing Bylaw No. 6908-2012 and Wildlife and Vector Control Bylaw No. 7 437-2018. As hens
must be provided adequate food, water, shelter, adequate light and ventilation, veterinary care,
and opportunities to scratch, dust-bathe, and roost, the National Farm Animal Care Council Code
of Practice as well as the SPCA Standards for the raising and handling of egg-laying hens would be
considered as the standard of practices for the care and handling of backyard hens.
Manure Disposal & End of Life Considerations
Manure may not be deposited in the municipal sewage or storm drain system, or compost manure
in such a way as to allow manure to enter the municipal sewage or storm drain system. Rather, it
is recommended that manure be kept for on-site compost or disposed of according to the
resident's disposal company's regulation, a responsibility of the resident.
It is proposed that participants may not leave a deceased hen on a property that they own or
occupy. Similarly, participants may not slaughter or euthanize a hen on the property as it is
proposed that no slaughtering or euthanasia of the hens on the property would be allowed.
Disposal can occur by delivering to a farm, abattoir, veterinarian or other facility that has the ability
to dispose of hens lawfully. Bylaw Staff have indicated that the City would enforce these
parameters, should complaints be received.
Permits & Fines
It is proposed that participants would need to permit their hens and hen enclosure through the
Bylav✓ & Licencing Department. In addition, it vvould be required for interested participants to
register for a Premises ID under the provincial Ministry of Agriculture. This program is an important
part of a full animal traceability system. Collected information assists both industry and the
government in the planning and management of animal disease outbreaks or other emergencies
threatening animal or human health.
The City may also choose to implement a 'Good Neighbour' policy. Such an agreement would be a
commitment to the City permit, in that they understand all of the best practices and care
requirements by the resident permitted to keep hens in Maple Ridge and that they understand all
of the best practices and care requirements. As local governments exercise powers delegated to
them by the Province, a local government cannot re-delegate these powers. As such, the Good
Neighbour policy or agreement is unable to include policy soliciting neighbour consent as a
condition of approval.
Under Section 264 of the Community Charter, a local government is authorized to issue a
municipal ticket on a number of enforcement items. Figure 3 (following page) illustrates the range
of contraventions that the District of North Vancouver has chosen to enforce. In discussions with
the Bylaw & Licencing Department, staff have indicated that the City could also adopt and enforce
a similar list should complaints be received.
Figure 3 -District of North Vancouver Ticket Enforcement Example
SKtSon DI. .... Nttd bprtss1 on
number (Short-Form Dtsuipdonl
ude othe< arilm
--··-
rs .·· • S(OIS
---uvenlle chic/cons
• lha n six chlckOIIS
r lha n two chickens
one chicl<on Ol!closure
on In ca e except for l ransii<,,t -
r.="-=',',.cko"i-=-n =----
c/Jicken
dispose of dead chicken wilhlli on•
r dfspoaal or dead chlckon
chickons or conslnJcl -•nclosura In lroni
rside ard _ --·
or pcrmil man ure In sewar or slotm
drain _____ _
Page 5 of 11
Education & Awareness
Acknowledging the impacts that hen keeping may have on the neighbourhood, it is recommended
that in-depth guidelines be distributed and available to those interested in keeping backyard hens.
Guidelines would provide additional details on hen enclosure management, predator protections,
as well as prevention and treatment of general illnesses and ailments. Other Lower Mainland
municipalities that allow the keeping of hens in residential areas have developed guidelines for
construction, and compiled resources presenting best practices. Guidelines would be compiled
and made available prior to permitting the keeping of hens in residential areas.
Other Considerations
In addition to the proposed directions above, staff recommend prohibiting the sale of eggs, manure
or other products. It is also proposed that the participant must reside on the lot with the proposed
hen enclosure. Should the participant not be the registered owner of the property, written
authorization from the owner would be required.
The table below (Figure 4) offers a summary of the proposed possible directions for the keeping of
backyard hens in Maple Ridge as discussed above.
Figure 4 -Summary of Proposed Di rec ti ons for the Keeping of Backyard Hens in Maple Ridge
Subject Recommended Direction
Number and type of hens allowed • Maximum 4 hens per lot, at least 4 months
old
• No fewer than 2 hens
• No roosters
Housing Requirements • Elevated
• Treated Flooring
• Entire structure must be roofed
• Hens must remain enclosed at all times
Siting restrictions for hen enclosures • Maximum height 2.0 m (6.5 ft)
• Maximum area 9.2 m2 (100 ft2)
Basic Care • SPCA Standards for the raising and handling
of egg-laying hens
• National Farm Animal Care Council Code of
Practice
• City's Animal Control and Licencing Bylaw
No. 6908-2012
• City's Wildlife and Vector Control Bylaw No .
7437-2018
Pest Control • Enclosures must be kept in good repair,
sanitary condition, and constructed to
prevent access by other animals.
• Food and water kept in coop at night
• Manure/ waste must be removed in a
timely manner
• Enclosures could have a properly installed
and maintained electric fence set up around
its perimeter according to WildSafe BC's
Electric Fence Guidelines
Page 6 of 11
Biosecurity • Understand and comply with biosecurity
procedures recommended by the Canadian
Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
Permitting • City Permit Process
• Obtain a Premises ID from the provincial
Ministry of Agriculture
Other Regulations • No slaughtering permitted
• No sale of eggs, manure, or other products
• Registrants must reside on lot with hen
enclosure
d) Minimum Lot Size
During the summer of 2018, a community survey was available to obtain feedback on the proposed
backyard hen program. The City received 900 responses, with 840 surveys completed in full. In the
survey, respondents were asked to indicate what size of property might be most appropriate for the
keeping of backyard hens (complete consultation summary results are available in the December 11,
2019 Council Workshop Report titled Backyard Hens: Consultation Summary Report). While responses
were inconstant -some selected one, while others selected many -there was support for all three of
the proposed lot sizes:
• Suburban Residential Properties (4,000 -8,000 m 2 / 43,000 -86,000 ft2 / 1 -2 acres).
• Large Urban Properties (1,200 -2,000 m2 / 13,000 -21,500 ft2 / 0.3 -0.75 acres), and
• Mid-sized Urban Properties (600 -1,000 m2 / 6,500 -10, 700 ft2/ 0 .15 -0 .25 acres),
Many respondents also indicated that they would like to see even smaller lot sizes considered (e.g.
5,500 ft2, 4, 500 ft2 or even 3,000ft2, such as in the City of Vancouver) for the keeping of backyard
hens so that more residents would be able to participate.
Hearing this, staff conducted a lot size analysis. Under the current regulations permitted today, and
as shown in Appendix A, approximately 2,554 lots are permitted chickens as an agricultural use.
Using the lot size ranges of the survey, the results are as follows:
• Suburban Residential Properties (i.e. minimum lot size of 1 ac or 4,000m 2 or 43,000 ft2)
would permit an additional 700 properties to keep backyard hens over and above the lots
that currently permit the keeping of chickens as an agricultural use.
• Large Urban Properties (i.e. minimum lot size of 0.3 ac or 1,200 m2 or 13,000 ft2) would
permit an additional 2,300 properties from what is currently permitted today to keep
backyard hens.
• Mid-sized Urban Properties (i.e. minimum lot size of 0.15 ac or 600m 2 or 6,500 ft2 ) would
permit an additional 10,600 properties from what is currently permitted today to keep
backyard hens.
Appendix C provides a copy of the three scenarios listed above for Council's consideration.
With the results of the lot size analysis, staff recommend an incremental approach and suggest at the
outset that the keeping of backyard hens on residential property be permitted on lots with a minimum
lot size of approximately 1,200 -2,000 m2 / 13,000 -21,500 ft2 / 0.3 -0.75 acres (Large Urban
Properties). Areas with smaller lot sizes -such as Albion, Silver Valley, and Hammond, would not be
permitted backyard hens atthis threshold. Should Council move to permit backyard hens in residential
areas, the minimum lot size would be reviewed on a regular basis. This review process would permit
future Council consideration to lower the minimum lot size, if deemed appropriate.
Page 7 of 11
e) Regulatory Options for Keeping chickens in Maple Ridge
To implement the discussed regulations that support the keeping of hens in residential areas in Maple
Ridge, staff have identified two options for Council's consideration. Both are premised on an
incremental approach that would allow Council to phase in the proposed regulatory changes.
Option 1: Bylaw Amendments
As the keeping of backyard hens in residential areas is a use regulated through the Zoning Bylaw,
new definitions and regulations would need to be developed and adopted into the City's existing
bylaws. These new regulations, as a Zone Amending Bylaw, would be required to go through three
readings of Council, Public Hearing, and final adoption. Other complementary existing City bylaws
would also need to be amended in order to align with the Zoning Bylaw (e.g. bylaws overseeing
animal control). Following the amendment process, the use would be permitted outright on all
conforming lots, subject to the requirements discussed above.
By permitting backyard hens outright through the bylaw amendment option, the City would be
afforded an opportunity to test community demand. As an outright permitted use, any residents
interested in keeping backyard hens on conforming properties and complying with the regulations
would be able to pursue the use by working with the Bylaw & Licencing Department through the
proposed permitting process.
As discussed above, such bylaw amendments are part of a regular review process. Typically set at
one year, staff review any impacts that the bylaw amendments may be having on the community
and would offer recommendations at that time. A key aspect of this monitoring phase would be to
track the number of community complaints received. Should there be many complaints prior to
the annual review, staff would report back to Council as quickly as possible.
By initially permitting the use on Large Urban Properties (approximately 1,200 -2,000 m2 /
13,000 -21,500 ft2 / 0.3 -0.75 acres), it affords the City an opportunity to consider a phased
approach -if the use is successful on larger lots, the Council can consider permitting the use on
Mid-sized or smaller lots at a later date.
Should a future Council remove backyard hens as a permitted use (through a zone amending
bylaw) in residential areas, existing backyard hens would remain lawfully non-conforming until
such time that the use is discontinued for a continuous period of six months. Change of ownership
also does not end lawful non-conforming status as the identity of the user of land is not a matter
that can be regulated through zoning.
Table 1 provides a summary of the positive and negative considerations of an outright bylaw
amendment for the keeping of backyard hens in residential areas of Maple Ridge
Table 1 -Pros & Cons of Option 1: Bylaw Amendments
Outright Bylaw Amendments
Pros Cons
• Opportunity to test community demand • Permitted backyard hens would remain
• All residents on permitted lots afforded lawfully non-conforming
the opportunity to keep backyard hens
(subject to City permit and associated
regulations)
• Permits the City the possibility of a
phased approach over time
Page 8 of 11
Option 2: Pilot Program
Another option before Council, still recognizing that the keeping of backyard hens in residential
areas is a use regulated through the Zoning Bylaw, would be to pursue a pilot program to permit
the keeping of backyard hens for a limited number of properties in Maple Ridge. Through a pilot
program, each interested resident would be required to go through a text amendment process on
a case by case basis. Each property would be required to go through three readings of Council,
public hearing, and final adoption.
Based on prior pilot programs undertaken by the City, staff acknowledge that such an approach
can be time consuming and labour intensive for staff, noting the promotion, evaluation and
selection process required to identify the program participants. That said, these text amendment
bylaws would be brought to Council in batches so as to lighten the administrative burden of a pilot
program.
A pilot program would permit an opportunity for the City to proof the concept prior to determining
if an outright bylaw amendment is appropriate for the community. A pilot program would not
necessarily test community demand, but could afford the City an opportunity to ensure City-side
operations and procedures as well as inter-governmental communications are structured for
effective delivery of a backyard hen programme.
At this time, should Council pursue the pilot program option, staff suggest a two-year pilot program
that would be open to twenty households at the agreed upon minimum lot size. The minimum lot
size is currently proposed at approximately 1,200 -2,000 m2 / 13,000 -21,500 ft2 / 0.3 -0.75
acres (Large Urban Properties). Up to twenty households would work with Planning staff through
the text amendment process and Bylaw & Licencingstaffthrough the proposed permitting process.
Following the duration of the pilot program, Council could consider amending City bylaws to permit
the keeping of backyard hens as an outright use. As well, should the backyard hen programme be
successful, Council could consider lowering the minimum lot size permitted to keep backyard hens.
Alternatively, should Council not wish to continue permitting backyard hens, staff would again
complete a text amendment process (i.e. three readings of Council, Public Hearing, and final
adoption) for each participating property in order to remove the use. Similar to the outright bylaw
amendment process, existing backyard hens would remain lawfully non-conforming until such time
that the use is discontinued for a continuous period of six months.
At this time, staff recommend pursing the pilot program option, noting the staff time and resources
required to implement this option, to permit the keeping of backyard hens in residential areas of
Maple Ridge.
Table 2 provides a summary of the positive and negative considerations of a pilot program for the
keeping of backyard hens in residential areas of Maple Ridge.
Table 2 -Pros & Cons of Option 2 Pilot Program
Pilot program
Pros Cons
• Opportunity to test proof of concept • No opportunity to test community demand;
before permitting as an outright use. limited to 20 households (subject to City
• Permits the City the possibility of a permit and associated regulations).
phased approach over time. • Time consuming and labour intensive for
staff.
• Permitted backyard hens would remain
lawfully non-conforming.
Page 9 of 11
Both options, outright bylaw amendments and a pilot program, can form a part of a phased roll-out of
a backyard hen programme in Maple Ridge.
STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT:
The development of an options report for the keeping of backyard hens in residential areas of Maple
Ridge has been identified in the 2019-2022 Strategic Plan under the Environment priority.
AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE:
The Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC) is comprised of several residents with many years of
experience with keeping chickens, including those who currently keep chickens on rural properties in
Maple Ridge. Through 2018 and 2019, members of the AAC looked at options to accommodate
backyard hens in residential areas of Maple Ridge.
The AAC is in support of the proposed directions for a Backyard Hen programme for residential areas
in Maple Ridge. At the May 23, 2019 AAC Meeting, the AAC endorsed the proposed directions for the
keeping of backyard hens in Maple Ridge through the following resolution:
That the Agricultural Advisory Committee support the proposed direction of the backyard hen
program for residential areas in Maple Ridge, ideally incorporating a smaller lot size similar to
the City of North Vancouver and City of Surrey.
While the exploration of regulatory measures to permit the keeping of backyard hens is identified in
the AAC's work plan, it is noted at a recent Council meeting, Council has opted to undertake a review
of Select Committees of Council. The outcomes of this review are pending.
INTERDEPARMENTAL IMPLICATIONS:
Bylaw & Licencing Services
Bylaw staff recommend that a cautious approach be taken, and anticipates that additional
enforcement resources may be required if backyard hens are permitted in urban residential areas,
depending on the level of uptake. Bylaw staff support the proposed detailed municipal ticket
enforcement scheme. At this time and with the information available, Bylaw & Licencing staff support
the pilot program option.
NEXT STEPS:
Council has previously directed staff and the Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC) to prepare an
options report to explore regulatory measures to permit the keeping of backyard hens in Maple Ridge.
Should Council so direct, staff would prepare the draft regulations and programs for Council
consideration at a future Council meeting.
Background
Research
Discuss with
Wider
Community
Council
Update
Develop
Options
Report
..
Council
Review of
Options
Page 10 of 11
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATION:
Should Council wish to proceed in a different manner than the recommendation provided in this report,
alternative recommendations have been provided below.
Should Council wish to incrementally permit outright the keeping of hens in residential areas:
That staff be directed to prepare amendments to the Zoning Bylaw to permit the keeping of
backyard hens in residential areas of Maple Ridge as outlined in the report titled "Backyard Hens:
Options Report", dated June 11, 2019, and that once prepared the Amending Bylaw be placed on
an available Committee of the Whole Agenda.
OR
Should Council wish not to pursue further the matter of keeping hens in residential areas:
That no further exploration of keeping of backyard hens in Maple Ridge take place at this time.
CONCLUSION:
In December 2018, Council directed staff, in consultation with the Agricultural Advisory Committee
(MC), to prepare an options report to explore regulatory measures to permit the keeping of backyard
hens in Maple Ridge. This report outlines possible regulatory options for permitting the keeping of
backyard hens in Maple Ridge including a recommendation to launch a two-year pilot program. Should
Council so direct, staff would prepare a report outlining the pilot program for Council consideration at
a future Council meeting.
"Original signed by Amanda Grochowich"
Prepared by: Amanda Grochowich, MCIP, RPP
Planner I
"Original signed by Chuck Goddard"
Reviewed by: Charles R. Goddard, BA, MA
Director of Planning
"Original signed by Christine Carter"
Approved by: Christine Carter, M.PL, MCIP, RPP
GM Planning and Development
"Original signed by Kelly Swift"
Concurrence: Kelly Swift, MBA
Acting Chief Administrative Officer
Appendix A: Map of lots where keeping chickens are currently permitted
Appendix B: Municipal Comparison -Excerpt from July 17, 2017 Report
Appendix C: Maps of Backyard Hen Minimum Lot Size Options
Page 11 of 11
6
N 2s54 Current Regulations: Properties Allowing Back Yard Chickens -Municipal, Regional and Provincial Parks
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APPENDIX B
Appendix B -Excerpt from July 17, 2017 Report
The table below and on the following pages shows a selection of Lower Mainland and South
Vancouver Island municipalities and their respective positions on keeping chickens in urban areas.
Table 1: Ba ckyard Chi cke n programs in Urban Areas
Municipality Permitte Additional Information Source(s)
d (Y/N)
Abbotsford No Zoning Bylaw:
htt12s:LLabbotsford .civicweb.ne!Lfilei;;ir
oLdocumentsL16830
Burnaby No Zoning Bylaw
httgs:LLburnaby.civicweb.netLfilei;;iroL
documentsL5436
Chilliwack No Animal Control Bylaw information:
httg:LLwww.chill iwack.caLmainL12age.
cfm?id=2044
City of North Yes Allowed in Single Unit Link to related documents:
Vancouver Residential (OCP-R1) zoned htti;;i:LLwww .cnv.org/Your-
dwellings that have minimum G overnme ntLLivi ng-CityLLoca I-
lot sizes of 557 m2 (6000 ft2). FoodLUrban-Chicken-Keeging
Residents are permitted to (Zoning Bylaw, Urban Chicken
keep up to 8 hens, no Guidelines, Small Creatures Limitation
roosters. Bylaw)
Coquitlam No Zoning Bylaw page 10-5
httg:LLwww .cog u it lam .caL docsL def au I
t-sourceLzoning-by lawLPart 10 -
One-
family Residentia l Zones.gdf?sfvrsn=
4
Delta Yes Allows for the keeping of 12 Zoning By faw
poultry in two urban zones, htti;;is:LLdelta.civicweb .netLfile12roLdoc
the RS-2 zone (Single Family umentsL3944 7?greview=39452
Residential) and RS -3 zone
(Single Family Residential),
that both have a
minimum lot size 4000m2
hectares (1 acre)
District of No Zoning Bylaw
North h:t112s:LLwww.dnv .orgLbylawsLzoning
Vancouver
New Yes Poultry (up to 8 hens) are Publi~ Health Bylaw , 1967, p.3. Link:
Westminster allowed on RS-1 (Single htti;;i :LLwww.newwestcity .caLdatabase
Detached Dwelling District) LrteL 427 ighb.gdf
lots 557m 2 (6000ft2) or more,
not less than 50 ft. from the
nearest habitable dwelling.
Appendix B I 1
Oak Bay Yes A license by the municipality Oak Bay Animal Control Bylaw:
must be granted, along with httgs:LL www .oa kbay.caLsitesL def au It/
site plan, and limited to five filesl'.municigal-hal ll'.4013%20-
(5) for a parcel of area greater %20%20Animal%20Control%20Bylaw
than 7 45 square metres and %20%20Consolidated%20to%20459
less than or equal to 1,858 1.Qdf
square metres; eight up to
4047m2 and 10 over
4047m2.
Pitt Meadows No During Pilot Program
minimum lot size was 409m 2
(4400 ft2) with the exception
that the use was not
permitted for duplexes.
Port No Zoning Bylaw:
Coquitlam httg:LLwww.gortcoguitlam.caLAssetsL
BylawsLZon ing+By lawi12c+No.+3630
.Qdf
Port Moody No Zoning Bylaw:
httg:LLwww.gortmoody.caLmodulesl'.s
howdocument.asgx?documentid=115
30
Richmond Yes Permitted on half acre Single City of Richmond Animal Control
Detached Residential zones Bylaw No. 7932, p. 7. Link:
RS1/G and RS2/G 2000 m2 httg:LLwww .rich mond .caL sharedLas
(0.5 acres) or larger . No limit setsLBy law 7932 040 8 201328717.
on number. Q__gf
Township of No Residential section of Zoning Bylaw:
Langley httQ :LLwww.to l.caLPortalsl'.0Ltownsh iQ
%20of%201angleyl'.mayor°/420and%20
councilLbylawsl'.2500%20-
%20zoningLZoning%20By law%20250
0%20-
%20Section%20400%20Residential.Q
df?ti mesta mg= 1465338282414
Vancouver Yes Single and multi-family Zoning and Development Bylaw
residential zones httg:LLvancouver.caLyou r-
(RA-, RS-, RT-, RM-, FM-, FSD-) governmen!Lzoning-develogment-
A maximum of 4 hens (no bylaw .asgx
roosters). Smallest lot size is
279.709m 2 or 3000 ft2.
Victoria Yes It is lawful to keep poultry Enforcement is undertaken by Victoria
(chickens, ducks, geese, Animal Control Services Ltd.
turkey). Roosters are httQ:LLwww. vacs.caLbylaw-
prohibited. There is no regulati onsl'.backyard-
maximum number of poultry ch ickensLregister-your-chickens
permitted, but the number
must be consistent with_ use
Appendix B I 2
for personal egg consumption.
Animal Control Bylaw defines
farm animal, but specifically
excludes chickens. Response
from the City of Victoria is
there is no minimum lot size
for the keeping of backyard
chickens.
(Updated as of July 2017)
Appendix B I 3
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+704 Suburban Option: Lots> 4000Sqm {All Single Family Zones)
3258 Total Number of Properties
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Ol•-rll•~-.. -•"11·
Backyard ctid(en Optiona
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~4• Large Urban Option: Lots> 1200Sqm (All Single Family Zones)
48□8 Total Number of Properties 1,-~ ...................... ~1
.. ,.0 ... 111,, ....... .,. ..... -..... .. -.. -... ~.~--..... , .. .
Backyard Chicken Optio1
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2554 Current Regulations: Properties Allowing Back Yard Chickens -Municipal , Regional and Provincial Parks
•o ., Mid-Sized Option: Lots> 600Sqm (All Single Family Zones)
1a.105 Total Number of Properties
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May 4, 2020
Agricultural Advisory Committee
c/o Amanda Grochowich
agrochowich@mapleridge.ca
Dear Agricultural Advisory Committee:
Re: potential food shortage
Covid-19 has brought about challenges globally and also opportunities for positive change. We
respectfully request the Agricultural Advisory Committee consider advocating for more community
gardens. The concern we have is a potential food shortage due to outbreaks in the meat processing plants,
and also possibly due to lack of enough migrant workers required to plant and harvest fruits and
vegetables. We really cannot rely on other countries to provide all the food Maple Ridge residents will
require throughout the year.
Community gardens can be established like North Vancouver on parcels of city owned property. A
number of areas along Kanaka Creek and the North and South Alouette Rivers could be a good location
for growing gardens. It has the potential to be very attractive and it would provide food not only for
humans but also for bees, hummingbirds, song birds, insects basically everything that supports nature
which in turn supports humans. Colony Farms is an example of a functional design.
The other option is to approach the Faith communities to consider using a portion of their large properties
for raised garden beds. At present a number of these properties are used mainly for parking. A model
location is St. Andrew's United Church, 10 St. East, North Vancouver. They have a community garden, a
fenced playground for the area residents, a pre-school, and of course the parish church and hall.
A percentage of food from these gardens could provide fresh produce for the local Food Bank. Should
there be a shortage of meat one can always substitute with vegetables. We feel there is significant
potential to have more community gardens in Ridge Meadows. At present you only have one inter-
generational garden. This whole project is environmentally friendly as well as sustainable.
We hope you will give our suggestions your every consideration. Together we can get through this.
Yours truly,
John & Marie Robson
Maple Ridge
cc: Gord Robson, Councilor
Bob D'Eith MLA
6.6