Title
Chickens on Parcels of Land Less Than Two Acres in Size
Proposed Motions
1. That the Governance and Priorities Committee accept the Chickens on Parcels of Land Less Than Two Acres in Size report as information, as presented; and,
2. That the Governance and Priorities Committee select one of the three following options for presentation to Council for decision:
That Administration be directed to maintain the status quo with respect to the prohibition of chickens of parcels of land less than two acres in size (Option1).
Or,
That Administration be directed to develop a Pilot Program allowing chickens on smaller parcels of land less than two acres thought development of a Chickens on Smaller parcels Bylaw for Councils consideration (Option 2)
Or,
That Administration be directed to implement a permanent chicken on smaller parcels of land less than two acres program by amending the Animal Control bylaw for Council’s consideration (Option 3)
Body
Administration Recommendation
Administration supports direction provided by Governance and Priorities Committee on this matter.
Purpose
For the Committee to provide Administration with direction on which of the following options to present to Council for a decision on this matter:
Option 1 - Status Quo
Option 2 - Pilot Project
Option 3 - Permanent Program
Summary
Parkland County Animal Control Bylaw 2015-09 does not currently allow chickens on parcels of land less than two acres in size. Residents have approached Council seeking consideration for amending the Bylaw to allow it. Administration carried an initial review and presented findings (RFD 20-199) on the October 20, 2020 Committee of the Whole Meeting where the Committee directed Administration to develop and undertake Public Engagement on the matter. Public Engagement Plan was developed and supported by Council (RFD 20-227).
Public Engagement Program occurred over May/June of 2021 with results shared with Committee via the What we Heard Report on September 7, 2020 (RFD 21-156). We received 785 completed surveys of which 79.5% of respondents supported allowing chickens on these smaller parcels of land. The Agricultural Services Board is opposed to allowing this activity due to potential impact on commercial producer operations. The Community Sustainability Committee is supportive of a Pilot Project.
Administration has prepared three options for the Committee's consideration, discussion, and direction.
Option 1 - Status Quo with no allowance for chickens on parcels of land less than two acres in size.
Option 2 - Development of a pilot project allowing chickens on parcels of land less than two acres in size for a period of time to assess and evaluate the program.
Option 3 - Establish a permanent program allowing Chickens on parcels of land less than two acres in size.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications:
Complete Communities - We offer a wide range of lifestyle choices, community services, and other amenities to meet community needs.
Financial Impact:
Cost: 0.00
Source of Funding: N/A