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Chickens

This page was originally published on January 6, 2025. It is updated as new information is available.

The Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal is proposing an update to our zoning bylaw to permit the keeping of domestic fowl coops more broadly within the Township and, in particular, within all settlement areas. Read the full public notice or contact us to receive a mailed copy or ask questions.

April 7, 2025: A report to address domestic fowl in settlement areas only will be presented to Committee of the Whole, Community Development. You may view related doucments: 
Agenda
Proposed amendment
Presentation
Supplementary report 
Another report will be forwarded Committee of the Whole, Community Development meeting on May 5, 2025 to provide an update on the suggested amendments to the Hobby Farm and Domestic Fowl in the rural area.

 

February 26, 2025 update

A report on this proposed amendment will be reviewed by the Committee of the Whole – Community Development on Monday, March 3, 2025. The agenda for this meeting will be posted here on our Council Calendar when it becomes available. Members of the public are welcome to attend the meeting in-person or view live online.

Open house

January 29, 2025: View the presentation from the Open house.

An open house was held on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at 18 Centre Street, Spencerville. 

We thank everyone that came out to learn more, ask questions, and share feedback at the open house. You can find meeting details in our Calendar.  

Public meeting

A public meeting was be held by the Committee of the Whole – Community Development on Monday, February 3, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at 18 Centre Street, Spencerville.

Thank you to everyone that joined us to share your feedback. You can find meeting details, minutes and video in our Council Calendar. 

What’s changing?

Changes are proposed to the Zoning Bylaw section 4.5, Hobby Farms and Keeping of Domestic Fowl. Through this amendment, Council aims to:

  • permit the keeping of domestic fowl coops more broadly within the Township, and in particular, within all settlement areas;
  • amend current provisions to protect individual private water sources (wells), wellhead protection areas, intake protection areas;
  • amend the specific setbacks from lot lines, windows, and doors on adjacent properties;
  • establish minimum and maximum floor space per hen.

A permitting system for domestic fowl coops will be discussed.

Share your feedback

You can share written feedback with Council by emailing the Municipal Land Use Planner or dropping it off at the Township Office.

Only those who provide written comments (or verbal comments at the public meeting) before the by-law is passed may appeal the decision or participate in an Ontario Land Tribunal hearing on this matter.