Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

On September 17, 2018, City Council was asked to consider a one year pilot project for the keeping of up to 4 egg-laying hens on urban properties with suitable yard space. Council voted to investigate further and to have public consultations, with a decision to follow in late March 2019. Bylaw 3383 prohibits the raising of poultry within the City of Lethbridge and it has not been amended since 1983. Is the Bylaws out of date? Would allowing for the adaptation of proper urban agricultural practices and food sustainability be appropriate? Other cities in Alberta have already adopted successful pilot programs and bylaws to allow for the keeping of backyard hens in urban settings. Should Lethbridge join cities such as Red Deer, Edmonton, Guelph, and Victoria to allow the keeping of back-yard hens in support of urban agriculture and food sustainability? Arguably, it would compliment the Strategic Plan the city has produced to establish a pilot program that allow interested residents in the City of Lethbridge t