In response to the recent article on chickens in Powell River [“Powell River residents call foul on more fouls,” June 8], to be honest, I find it overwhelmingly depressing to encounter this hopefully not too prevalent attitude toward anything new or forward thinking.
The entire issue of keeping chickens within the city was researched, pilot programs were conducted and the issue was discussed and debated. The decision was made to follow in the path of many urban areas such as Vancouver, Nanaimo, and even New York City, where a few chickens are allowed.
I find the kind of thinking in opposition to innovation, in this case allowing a few chickens, encourages just more red tape, regulations, permits and situations that are time consuming and difficult to enforce for municipal employees whose time and our tax dollars could be more effectively spent.
What’s next? Penalties or rules around hanging your clothes on a clothesline to dry or growing vegetables in your front yard?
We are fortunate in this town that has been in transition and could have very easily followed a downward turn with the shrinking number of people employed at the mill that, instead, it seems to have been “discovered.” Simply check the real estate market or school district enrolments.
Many of the young people who are either returning to the community or moving here from large urban areas are doing so simply because they can live in a place less complicated and with fewer rules. I’m very impressed by their attitude around creating community.
We all have to live together and grow tolerance in this day of increased awareness around food security, eating local, eating clean and carbon footprints, et cetera. Let us not go backwards.
We spent considerable time and money building a beautiful coop for our “girls.” We love our chickens; the grandchildren have given them names and the first thing they want to do when they come over is check for eggs.
I’m so happy I can give them this small awareness of where our food comes from in this age of prepackaged everything and a total disconnect from what actually sustains us.
Shaunalee Yates
Marine Avenue
