Waterloo to allow backyard chickens

Waterloo councillors have voted in favour of allowing residents to keep up to four backyard chickens.

But people eager to set up chicken coops on their property will still have to wait as city staff will now be asked to draft bylaws and rules for people to follow.

Nicole Papke, director of municipal enforcement services for the city, said Waterloo looked at what local municipalities do:

• Cambridge and the townships of Woolwich and Wellesley do not permit backyard chickens.
• North Dumfries has a pilot project allowing backyard chickens. That pilot that has been extended to 2022.
• Wilmottownship and Kitchener allow chickens with regulations.

Papke told councillors staff recommended that people can keep four hens maximum and people need a permit to have a chicken coop. Roosters would not be permitted.

As well, people would not be allowed to sell the eggs and home slaughter also would not be permitted.

Councillors raised concerns about chicken welfare and where coops can be placed on a property to ensure a proper set-back from homes, which staff will consider in creating the new rules.Draft bylaws are expected to come back to council in May.