Chickens in Vancouver

We started this blog last year as a central point for people interested in legalizing backyard chickens in Vancouver. At the time, we had one enthusiastic chicken keeper, Heather Havens, share her experience and knowledge with folks eager to get prepared for the eventual bylaw change.

Sadly for us Heather has moved back to Portland, her enthusiasm along with her. Most of the resources on this site are taken from her personal experience. But now, it is time to start building our own local knowledge on keeping urban hens in Vancouver.

That is, if the community feels that this resource is worthwhile. At the moment I’m keeping the blog barely alive off of the side of my desk. I can envision a much expanded site with resources and information updated regularly, and maybe forums so that community members can discuss the ins and outs of raising healthy chickens.

So, what do you say Vancouver, should we keep at it? If so, what would you like to see on the site?

Let us know and we’ll do our best to keep the site alive.

Note: Comments are moderated so please have patience once you respond. We will moderate as quickly as possible.

Best wishes,
Jeff
Site Admin

Yep, chickens are legal now in Vancouver.

Re: Public Hearing – Changes to the Zoning and Development Bylaw

Recently, City Council approved Guidelines for the Keeping of Backyard Hens. In so doing, the also approved staff recommendations around a series of proposed changes to the Zoning and Development Bylaw. These changes are needed to accommodate the new Guidelines.

This letter is to inform you that a public hearing to discuss these changes is being held at the following date and time:

Tuesday, May 18, 2010, at 7:30 p.m.
COUNCIL CHAMBER, THIRD FLOOR
CITY HALL, 453 WEST 12TH AVENUE

If approved, the amendments would designate allowable zones for the keeping of backyard hens, and add standards for the size and location of hen enclosures on residential lots.

Anyone who considers themselves affected by the proposed by-law amendments can speak at the Public Hearing.

To speak at the public hearing please register individually by telephone before 5:00 p.m. May 18, 2010, by calling Terri Burke in the City Clerk’s Department at 604.871.6399. You may also register in person at the door between 7:00 and 7:30 p.m. before the Hearing.

Copies of the draft by-laws may be seen on and after May 7, 2010 at the City Clerk’s Department in City Hall, 453 West 12th Avenue, or in the Planning Department, 3rd Floor, East Wing of City Hall, Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All meetings of Council are webcast. The minutes to the Public Hearing meetings are available on the Council Meeting web page approximately two days following the conclusion of the meeting.

To access the approved Guidelines for the Keeping of Backyard Hens – http://vancouver.ca/ctyclerk/cclerk/20100408/documents/penv3.pdf

For more information on the City’s work on backyard hens – http://vancouver.ca/chickens

Hi all,

Village Vancouver is running several workshops starting in June.

June 2 7-9pm

June 7 7-9 pm

June 13 12:30-2:30 pm

June 13 3:30-5:30 pm

June 19 12:30-2:30 pm

June 28 7-9 pm

July 8 5:30-7:30 pm

More details (and workshops) to follow.

Cheers,
Ross Moster
Village Vancouver
www.villagevancouver.ca

The backyard chicken bylaw is on the agenda for the April 8th
Council meeting. Guidelines are posted on the City of Vancouver website.

I’ve been advised that consideration of the backyard hen bylaw change has been deferred until after the Olympics. So, we do not need to attend at City Hall this Thursday, February 4, 2010. I’ll let you know when the matter has been rescheduled.
Regards,
Dane

We’ve been advised that Vancouver City Council is looking at placing the proposed bylaw change allowing the keeping of backyard hens on the agenda of its February 4, 2010 meeting. Given that approval is not considered a slam dunk, supporters are being urged to attend the meeting and speak in support of the proposed bylaw amendment. If approved, it is expected that we’d receive the green light to bring hens into the City subject, of course, to the restrictions set out in the proposed bylaw.

Another Backyard Chicken - photo by Jenn Pentland

We’re getting close folks! The City of Vancouver has just released the draft guidelines for keeping backyard chickens. Now they are looking for your input.

Here’s what the city has to say:

Read More »