Allow Backyard Hens in Barrie to support a Healthier Community!
It is understood that until December 2001, when council passed a by-law to ban the birds, a resident could have up to 20 hens on a property.
Many local and comparable municipalities have permitted backyard hens in recent years including Orillia, Newmarket, Georgina and Toronto.
Generally, the number of hens are limited for each residential property and there are coop/enclosure size and setback requirements clearly set out through the application or by-law to ensure there are no negative impacts. As an example, roosters are not permitted.
Backyard hens were brought forward in 2020 to General Committee as an Item for Discussion and included on staff’s “Pending List” with no action taken to date. The Pending List has since been cleared of items not currently actioned. It is understood that Council is presently in the process of confirming the process for bringing items forward.
Current staff response remains that Domestic Foul (chickens or backyard hens) remain prohibited under the City of Barrie Animal Control bylaw. At this time, staff are not reviewing or making any changes to allow domestic foul, including through their ongoing zoning by-law review.
Staff has suggested coordinating actions through the Barrie.ca Suggestion portal and specifically to the Ward Councillor for direction from Council appears to be the only clear path forward at this time.
Looking to 2023, it is time that Barrie residents have the of opportunity to increase access to fresh, sustainable and healthy food and the freedom for activities that can enrich our connection to nature. Backyard hens are a simple solution and this practice has been proven to be working in other local municipalities. There are local businesses that even offer chicken coop rental programs.
Let's show our new Council that this matter is important to residents so that it is prioritized.
Nature based initiatives can help make happier and healthier families as we continue to work through challenging times.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this, and for providing your vote(s)!
Michelle Dada
shared this idea
The City of Barrie is in the process of creating a new comprehensive Zoning By-law, which will be designed to implement the vision and policies of Barrie’s recently adopted Official Plan.
Due to public interest, the new Zoning By-law proposes to establish zoning standards for chicken enclosures and use provisions for backyard chickens (see section 4.9).
To download the first draft of the new Zoning By-law and for full information, please visit BuildingBarrie.ca/zoning.
The first draft of the new Zoning By-law is open for public feedback online until April 28, 2023. Public meetings are also being held to gather feedback:
In-person Public Information CentreApril 19, 4pm–7pm
Barrie City Hall Rotunda (70 Collier Street)
No pre-registration required
Virtual Public Information CentreApril 20, 2–3pm
Please register in advance
City staff will collect public and stakeholder feedback from the first draft of the Zoning By-law and incorporate this into a second draft, which is planned to be released in summer 2023.
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Steve
commented
agree no big animals or 100s of chickens doing there business (feces) and it drying up then when owner needs to clean it up. It gets airborne and neighbour will inhale or have a coating on there lawnchairs or tables and not know. Fecal matter from any animal will shut you down. Very dangerous