City to probe possibility of urban hens

Urban agriculture in Lethbridge could soon be crossing a new road.

In a 6-3 vote Monday, city council approved a process to begin investigating the feasibility of a pilot project looking at allowing the keeping of up to four hens on urban properties with suitable yard space to do so.

Resident Kelti Baird made the presentation to council, requesting an amendment to Bylaw 3383 and asking that Lethbridge join cities such as Red Deer and Edmonton in allowing the keeping of backyard hens — in support of urban agriculture and food sustainability.

“We’re excited that council is considering the opportunity for Lethbridge to become a centre with urban hens,” Baird said. “The intent of the presentation today is to start that conversation and I think we were successful doing that.”

Coun. Joe Mauro, Coun. Blaine Hyggen, and Coun. Ryan Parker voted against the resolution, with all other council members supporting it with the anticipation of report coming back to council on Nov. 13.

Baird said that with potential smell and health issues, applicants in this type of program would have to re-apply each year and undergo inspections each year.

“That means they’d have to keep their coops in good order,” she said, adding she’s already seen online community support with more than 100 members joining a Facebook page in the first week.

“Some of them just from an academic perspective and interested in having that opportunity, and others who are dedicated and want to be hen keepers. I think there is a lot of support in the city for it.

“Reconnecting with our food sources is a big part of understanding where food comes from and appreciating how food is grown. Citizens in urban environments tend to forget that connection with the land. This will be beneficial, especially for future generations to learn about food resources and how very unstable and very fragile they are.”