Chatham-Kent Council voted unanimously in favour of studying and exploring allowing chickens in residential areas across the Municipality.
A motion by South Kent Councillor Anthony Ceccacci was approved by a 17-0 vote at Monday nights, February 6, 2023, Council meeting.
“There is interest from the public requesting that chickens be permitted on urban and rural residential areas,” Ceccacci said in his motion.
“The Municipality’s Responsible Animal Ownership By-law permits chickens on premises zoned agricultural under the Municipality’s zoning by-law permitting such use.”
Following the approval, administration will now conduct a C-K Let’s Talk survey to obtain feedback and comments on permitting backyard chickens in urban residential areas and rural residential areas.
Staff will prepare an information report with the results of the survey and information on what surrounding municipalities are doing regarding chickens in urban areas.
The report is due back by May of this year, and will also include consultation with the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit for additional feedback and recommendations.
Ceccacci’s motion sparked five deputations from the public on Monday, including the presentation of a petition with approximately 1,600 signatures in favour of the move.
