Keeping hens on residential properties within the City of Powell River will have more public debate before elected officials decide on the issue.
Regina Sadilkova, manager of development services, brought forward a proposed bylaw amendment at the May 5 committee-of-the-whole meeting. The changes would allow hens only on half-acre lots in the R1 and R2 zones.
While Sadilkova didn’t have an exact number, she said very few properties would qualify, or less than 10 per cent of the lots in those zones. In her report, Sadilkova wrote, “If the keeping of hens is permitted, staff encourage a ‘cautionary,’ gradual approach by initially allowing on larger sized R1 and R2 lots, rather than across the city on all urban residential lots.”
The organizations and societies the city contacted had concerns about predators, pests, secure containment and the humane keeping of animals. In particular, Conservation Officer Gerry Lister indicated he was concerned about the potential increase in conflicts with bears.
Currently, predation on chickens makes up approximately five per cent of all the bear conflict reports received in the Powell River office, Lister wrote in a letter. “If chicken rearing is permitted in the residential areas of Powell River, this percentage will undoubtedly increase, as will the number of overall calls,” his letter stated. “Unfortunately, the only response that will be available to the Conservation Officer Service in residential areas will be to allow the bears to continue their activities, or humane destruction of the bears that are posing a risk to the public.”
The proposed amendment also reduces the number of rabbits allowed on .5-acre lots in the RA1 zone to 10. As well, it prohibits raising ducks, turkeys or other fowl on properties in the RA1 zone, which is allowed under the existing bylaw.
In her report, Sadilkova wrote, “Staff do not recommend expanding the keeping of rabbits as these animals multiply at exponential rates if released or escaped from pens.”
Councillor Debbie Dee said she was concerned that the bylaw was restricting uses that are allowed now.
Her colleagues agreed with her, many expressing support for allowing hens on more properties, to support food security and sustainability. They directed staff to organize public consultation about the issue and report back to the committee.
