Backyard Hen Pilot Program

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

Consultation has concluded

What's the (s)Coop? 

At the October 11th Regular Council Meeting, Council adopted amendment bylaws to allow for a Backyard Hen Pilot Program. 

The program will run until October 31st, 2024. A maximum of 10 properties will be able to participate in the program. Applications are on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

Are you thinking of keeping backyard hens? Review the following documents to see if you're eligible and if keeping hens is right for you!

Start with our Hen Owner Guidelines for general regulations. For details, check out:

  1. Zoning Bylaw Amendment No. 1961, 2022
  2. Animal Care and Responsibility Amendment Bylaw No. 1962, 2022
  3. Fees and Charges Bylaw Amendment No. 1963, 2022
  4. Bylaw Notice of Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1964, 2022

Have Questions? Read our FAQs. 

Ready to apply? Get your application here. 

Staff are here to support you. Let us know if you have questions. 

What's the (s)Coop? 

At the October 11th Regular Council Meeting, Council adopted amendment bylaws to allow for a Backyard Hen Pilot Program. 

The program will run until October 31st, 2024. A maximum of 10 properties will be able to participate in the program. Applications are on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

Are you thinking of keeping backyard hens? Review the following documents to see if you're eligible and if keeping hens is right for you!

Start with our Hen Owner Guidelines for general regulations. For details, check out:

  1. Zoning Bylaw Amendment No. 1961, 2022
  2. Animal Care and Responsibility Amendment Bylaw No. 1962, 2022
  3. Fees and Charges Bylaw Amendment No. 1963, 2022
  4. Bylaw Notice of Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1964, 2022

Have Questions? Read our FAQs. 

Ready to apply? Get your application here. 

Staff are here to support you. Let us know if you have questions. 

Consultation has concluded

  • Coop Construction

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Spring is around the corner. If you're getting ready to construct or purchase your coop, be sure to read the applicable regulations. Contact the Town for a coop inspection, to ensure your coop meets regulation and is approved before obtaining chicks.

    Thanks for your participation!

    Thinking of participating in the Backyard Hen Pilot Program? We still have spaces available. Submit your application today!

  • Council adopts bylaws to allow for a Backyard Hen Pilot Program

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    At the October 11th Regular Council Meeting, Council adopted:

    1. Zoning Bylaw Amendment No. 1961, 2022
    2. Animal Care and Responsibility Amendment Bylaw No. 1962, 2022
    3. Fees and Charges Bylaw Amendment No. 1963, 2022
    4. Bylaw Notice of Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1964, 2022

    to allow for a Backyard Hen Pilot Program.


  • Public Hearing September 27th

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Public Hearing was held where residents provided their views on the proposed bylaws. Following the Public Hearing, Council gave the bylaws 3rd readings. The final step in this process will be Council consideration of adopting the bylaws on October 11th.

  • Council - August 23rd

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    On August 23rd, Staff presented the bylaw amendments required for a Backyard Hen Pilot Program. The amendments received 1st and 2nd readings. The proposed Pilot Program will allow for up to 10 properties in Creston to keep a maximum of 6 hens for the 24 month duration of the program. View the bylaws in the "Council and Committee Reports" folder under the "documents" tab in the sidebar.

  • Committee of the Whole July 19

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    At the July 19th Committee of the Whole, Council directed Staff to present bylaw and policy amendments for the creation of a Backyard Jen Pilot Program. Check out the report here.

  • Questionnaire Results

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    On December 10, 2019, Council directed staff to engage with the public and explore relative interest in keeping backyard hens.

    A questionnaire was distributed to Town of Creston residents on May 17, 2020.

    At the July 21st, 2020 Committee of the Whole meeting, Town Staff presented the results of the 2020 Backyard Hen Questionnaire to Council. In total, 688 responses were included in the results and analysis. Residents responded:

    • 41.7% respondents said “no backyard hens”
    • 14.7% respondents said “yes, but with stringent regulations”
    • 33.6% respondents said “yes, but with moderate regulations”
    • 9.3% respondents said “yes, but with few to no regulations”
    • 0.7% respondents did not complete

    Responses indicated moderate interest in keeping backyard hens and expressed some concerns. For full results, click here.