Backyard Hen Pilot Program
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:
- Zoning Bylaw Amendment No. 1961, 2022
- Animal Care and Responsibility Amendment Bylaw No. 1962, 2022
- Fees and Charges Bylaw Amendment No. 1963, 2022
- 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:
- Zoning Bylaw Amendment No. 1961, 2022
- Animal Care and Responsibility Amendment Bylaw No. 1962, 2022
- Fees and Charges Bylaw Amendment No. 1963, 2022
- 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.
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Coop Construction
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkSpring 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!
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Council adopts bylaws to allow for a Backyard Hen Pilot Program
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkAt the October 11th Regular Council Meeting, Council adopted:
- Zoning Bylaw Amendment No. 1961, 2022
- Animal Care and Responsibility Amendment Bylaw No. 1962, 2022
- Fees and Charges Bylaw Amendment No. 1963, 2022
- Bylaw Notice of Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1964, 2022
to allow for a Backyard Hen Pilot Program.
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Public Hearing September 27th
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkPublic 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.
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Council - August 23rd
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkOn 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.
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Committee of the Whole July 19
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkAt 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.
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Questionnaire Results
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkOn 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.
Who's Listening
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Phone 250-428-2214 Email Joel.Comer@creston.ca -
Phone 250-428-2214 Email Natasha.Ewashen@creston.ca
Lifecycle
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Dec. 10, 2019
Backyard Hen Pilot Program has finished this stageCouncil direct Staff to consult with public on possibility of allowing and regulating Backyard Hens.
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May 17, 2020
Backyard Hen Pilot Program has finished this stageBackyard hen questionnaire distributed to Town of Creston residents
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July 21, 2020
Backyard Hen Pilot Program has finished this stageResults of questionnaire presented to Council. Council direct staff to prepare options for Pilot Program.
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July 19, 2022
Backyard Hen Pilot Program has finished this stageStaff presented proposed Backyard Hen Pilot Program to Council Committee of the Whole for consideration and feedback. Council directed staff to draft bylaws and present to Council at upcoming meeting.
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August 23, 2022
Backyard Hen Pilot Program has finished this stageStaff to present Backyard Hen Pilot Program Bylaw amendments for Council Consideration of 1st and 2nd Readings.
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September 21, 2022
Backyard Hen Pilot Program has finished this stageInformal Public Informational Meeting (Town Hall)
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September 27, 2022
Backyard Hen Pilot Program has finished this stagePublic Hearing for proposed Zoning Amendment allowing Backyard Hen Pilot Program.
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October 11, 2022
Backyard Hen Pilot Program has finished this stageCouncil consideration of adoption of Bylaws creating Backyard Hen Pilot Program
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Adoption
Backyard Hen Pilot Program is currently at this stageBylaws have been adopted. The keeping of backyard hens is permissible in accordance with Town of Creston Bylaws.