Renewed interest from residents sparks re-examination of bylaw
Uxbridge councillors will take a second look at a 2021 staff report after hearing of renewed interest in the idea of backyard chickens and other poultry.
Upon reviewing a letter to the township from Rava Lee, who expressed interest in adding a small flock of Indian runner ducks to her yard as a source of eggs and pest control, councillors on June 26 asked staff to present again their original October 2021 summary that saw Uxbridge’s elected officials turn down the idea.
Also at the final meeting in June, staff were instructed to provide a glimpse at what a pilot project — that could see up to 25 licences issued for backyard poultry operations — would look like if the township amended its zoning bylaw.
“I believe that since COVID a lot more people are looking to be a lot more sustainable for different reasons,” said Ward 1 Coun. Pamela Beach. “I don’t believe that perhaps it would be something I would like to see in the town proper, but for hamlets, or other places where there’s enough room.”
Ward 3 Councillor Zed Pickering also added that he’s had interest from at least one resident in his riding as well.
According to Debbie Leroux, Uxbridge’s clerk, the township carried out a survey — which attracted 591 participants — looking at the possibility of permitting backyard poultry in 2020, which council tabled and then dealt with in October 2021. At that time, councillors said no to the idea, said Leroux.
Staff completed a “thorough report” that came back with costs and options and councillors ultimately agreed with the report’s recommendations to not allow urban flocks, said Leroux.
She added that one of the main reasons staff opposed the plan was the prevalence of avian flu at the time — an issue that continues to be a problem.
Uxbridge Mayor Dave Barton stressed that councillors were not asking staff to write a completely new report on the issue, but to repackage the old one, so that “this council with this lens could look at it again.”
In her letter to councillors, Lee asked for the township to repeal its Bylaw 2013-168 that outlines prohibited animals.
“I was surprised to find out that Uxbridge does not allow backyard poultry despite our large and proud agricultural identity,” wrote Lee, adding that she lives in a rural area “where there is no easy access to groceries or food without a car. We essentially live in a food desert despite being surrounded by agricultural farms.”
She added that “in the spirit of sustainability and to address rising food insecurity, I have been working to provide my household with self-grown fruit and produce on my half-acre property the past few years.”
As part of her correspondence, Lee proposed that the pilot project of 25 permits for backyard poultry be re-examined by the township.
“I would urge you strongly to reconsider as I believe it is incredibly important topromote self-sustainability, especially for communities like mine that have no easy access to groceries without a car and no public transportation options,” she wrote.
Source: DurhamRegion.com
