On Thursday, June 26, Champlain Township council delayed approving the new Backyard Hen Program bylaw, citing the need for further study and revision. The backyard hen pilot project began on September 26, 2023, allowing residents to have a maximum of four hens on residential properties.
Council approved making the pilot program permanent on May 22, 2025, following a report from township staff that it was generating local interest.
Councillor Paul Burroughs questioned whether the bylaw would be the same for rural and residential properties.
“I propose that residences on two acres of land should be excluded from the bylaw. For those with more land, there is ample space so that neighbours wouldn’t be disturbed by the hens or their impact,” Burroughs said.
Regarding language clarity, Burroughs explained, “The purpose of this bylaw is to have limitations, but when you’re in the middle of the countryside, why are we obliged to have these permits? In the rural area, we are quite distant from our neighbours. There are key differences between rural and urban areas, and this needs to be specified.”
Councillor Peter Barton said that there was no intention to limit residents outside the villages’ boundaries.
“I would prefer more specific language relating to the villages and removing any restrictions outside of that area,” Barton said.
Chief Administrative Officer Kevin Tessier believed two acres was still reasonable, as there are not many residential lots bigger than that size, but agreed to revisit the bylaw conditions.
Tessier said he would return to council at a future meeting with the updated version, reflecting the suggested language clarification and changes. Council will consider final approval at that time.
