Esquimalt eyes eggs equality, with view to sales

Why did the chicken owner cross the road?

In Esquimalt, it might have something to do with selling eggs.

Esquimalt is looking at whether to allow residents who keep chickens in their backyard to sell the eggs at community markets.

“There has been a concern that there is a bit of inequality based on our bylaw,” said Mayor Barb Desjardins. “Those who have urban hens in Esquimalt aren’t able to sell their eggs . . . so people rush to our farmers market and purchase wonderful eggs from every other municipality.”

Under Esquimalt’s bylaw, up to seven hens may be kept on a residential parcel, but for personal use only, “and no sale of eggs, manure, meat or other products delivered from hens is permitted.”

Councillors have asked staff to report on the ramifications of amending the municipality’s Animal Management Bylaw to determine if there’s a solid reason why the sale of eggs should be prohibited.

Council asked for a review at a resident’s request, Desjardins said. At Monday’s meeting, a letter was received from a resident who did not support the change, calling it the thin edge of the wedge and worried council might next increase the number of chickens allowed.

Desjardins, who brought the issue to council, said it is not her intention to change the number of hens specified in the bylaw.

“I think the worry is that we’re going to open up the whole bylaw. Certainly, that is not my intention. I wanted to change the ability to purchase homegrown eggs by locals,” she added, saying the intention is to check into the inequality of being able to purchase eggs from another municipality as opposed to Esquimalt.

Neighbouring Victoria’s animal control bylaw permits an unspecified number of poultry and bee hives to be kept, “making it one of the most permissive in North America,” according to the city website. Last year, Victoria councillors adopted bylaw changes allowing for the sale of both edible and inedible products, including unprocessed fruits and vegetables, flowers, herbs, fibre, seeds, nuts, seedlings, mushrooms, plant cuttings, eggs and honey.

Products can be sold off site at locations such as farmers markets, restaurants and grocery stores or on-site at a food stand but require a business licence.