The most recent Ponoka News web poll found that readers like the idea of chickens in the Town of Ponoka.
We asked the question: Should the Town of Ponoka allow residents to keep chickens in their yards? It appears the idea is very much something that residents would like to see.
Out of the 119 votes, 74 (62.18 per cent) like the idea of having chickens in their backyard. The rest, not so much.
When we posted the question on our Facebook page, there were 40 comments with the majority of folks liking the idea, albeit most commenters agree that keeping roosters out of the mix is the way to go.
For others, the idea of having their own eggs is ideal.
Candice Castle was a firm, “Yes please!”
“Fresh eggs and good teaching opportunity for kids; also gives them responsibility. Not everyone can afford an acreage or farm but that shouldn’t mean we should be denied a couple chickens,” explained Castle.
She suggests this would only work if people actually took care of the chickens and the chicken coop. That being said, Castle pointed out that Vancouver, B.C. allows chickens.
“I see no difference in having chickens or cats or dogs. I personally don’t like stepping in dog poop on my front lawn or at the mailbox ( I actually watched someone pick up their mail and let their little dog poop on the sidewalk and walk away…I guess little dog poop doesn’t count),” said Castle.
For some, it’s relaxing.
Sherry Gummow spoke in favour of the idea, less roosters. “Hens are proven to be relaxing to listen to. They kill bugs and fresh eggs are awesome.”
There are other considerations for residents, however, with some worried about the smell and others concerned about their neighbours.
Sheri Abel Marshall spoke in favour of the idea but said the individuals should be required to get permission from their neighbours first.
Both Karen Smith and Betty Lee opted out of chickens pointing out their concerns for the smell. Smith added that they belong on the farm. “Let the farmers farm.”
From a planner’s perspective, City of Lacombe Coun. Thalia Hibbs had a reasonable solution to the idea; create a pilot bylaw. “Lacombe ran a successful urban hen pilot of 10 licenses.”
She provided a link to the town’s bylaw, which can also be found on the city’s documents page on its website.