Georgian Bluffs council is going to be talking chickens tonight.
A report concerning backyard poultry is on Wednesday’s committee of the whole meeting agenda.
Currently, Georgian Bluffs only permits livestock on agricultural and rural properties in the township.
But there’s some appetite among residents to allow chickens at residential properties. Seventy-four per cent of respondents to an online survey supported allowing chickens in backyards in residential zones as well, with moderate to no regulations. There were 250 people who completed the survey.
“Generally speaking, the survey results would appear to indicate that respondents are in favour of keeping poultry on smaller residential properties provided there are very minimal controls in place,” the report to council explains.
There’s a few recommendations for council to consider. One would permit poultry in residential areas, with restrictions on minimum property size and other rules relating to chicken coops. Another option would involve a registration and licensing system for residents who want backyard chickens in residential zones.
Maintaining the status quo — not allowing chickens in residential areas — is the third option.
Georgian Bluffs council will be discussing the report at tonight’s meeting.