Chickens may one day be coming to a backyard near you.
Smiths Falls staff is exploring the feasibility of a program which would allow residents with appropriate space to raise up to six hens in their backyard.
Mayor Shawn Pankow says they need to make sure it’s right for their town.
Carleton Place and Kingston both allow up to six backyard hens.
This proposal would not include the allowance of roosters, or raising chickens for meat. It would be solely for egg collection.
The idea was initially brought forth in 2018, with council at the time deciding not to move forward.
Councillor Chris McGuire had neighbours raising backyard hens in Montreal and he said they were a non-issue, and he’s encouraged by the openness from his colleagues on the subject.
You can see the full presentation made by resident Danny Radford who addressed many concerns about noise and any health hazards here.
Story by Grant Deme