In February 2025, City Council directed staff to engage the public on whether small‑flock poultry (backyard chickens) should be permitted within the urban boundary. 

To gather community input, the City launched an online and paper survey asking residents to share their thoughts. The survey explored:

  • Overall interest in allowing backyard chickens

  • Opinions on suitable lot sizes

  • Concerns or potential challenges

  • Perceived benefits of keeping chickens

  • Ideas around licensing and inspection requirements

More than 1,200 surveys were completed, with results reflecting strong support for allowing backyard chickens in the urban area. Eighty-four per cent of respondents said backyard chickens should be allowed, with or without conditions. Eighty-one per cent said they would be fully or somewhat supportive of a next-door neighbour keeping chickens.

A full summary of the engagement results can be found here.

After careful consideration, Council voted to keep the existing by-laws that prohibit backyard chickens within the urban boundary. Although survey respondents noted benefits such as local food production and sustainable living, Council felt these were outweighed by concerns surrounding animal welfare, public health, enforcement and overall impacts to the neighbourhood. Because of these risks, allowing backyard chickens in residential areas was not recommended or implemented at this time.