ATHABASCA – Despite opposition from councillors John Traynor and Tannia Cherniwchan, Athabasca's backyard hen pilot project is a go.
The bylaw passed second and third readings at the Aug. 11 Town of Athabasca council meeting with a recorded votes in favour from councillors Dave Pacholok, Ida Edwards and Rob Balay, and mayor Colleen Powell. Coun. Mike Arychuk was absent.
Before the vote was taken Traynor reiterated his concerns about allowing the pilot project, citing smell, predators, noise and concerns from other residents who have contacted him.
“I know some people might enjoy them, but I certainly am one that doesn't,” Traynor said. “And there's been a number of people that have contacted me to ask me to represent them here at council and I'm putting their wishes forward that it's not allowed in town.”
Balay responded by saying he understood Traynor’s point of view, but felt the bylaw had enough restrictions built-in and that other communities with backyard hens typically had no problems.
“I totally respect Coun. Traynor’s point of view. I also can see the many points that people that are in favour have as well,” Balay said. “It’s a chosen lifestyle for them that they want to do that. When you do research with some other communities, some of them say it’s totally fine.”
Pacholok said he would rather have a chicken clucking than a dog barking at him and pointed out backyard hens have been in other communities a long time. So why not Athabasca?
“I know that we have neighbors with dogs and I know they can be certainly an issue in town and so I think with this only being four specific (residences) that would have chickens – should we even get that many – I think this is a good opportunity to go with what's been happening in bigger centres and in Europe for many years,” Pacholok said.
Cherniwchan however supported Traynor’s opposition to the bylaw saying she has also spoken to several residents who are also against the idea.
“I would like to support Coun. Traynor. I’ve talked to a lot of residents of various age groups – I didn’t confine it to just the retired people, but all age groups – and the majority of the people say they are not in favour of the bylaw,” she said.
But now the bylaw for the two-year, four-hen, four-residence pilot project has passed and Erika Grove, who first approached council May 5 with her family to request it, is happy it has gained approval.
“Our kids are super excited about the project. Everyone cheered with excitement. I think it was a wonderful experience for them to go through the process of applying to council for a cause they were really excited about. This was a great opportunity to show our children that with hard work and perseverance they have the ability to change the world, even if just on a small scale,” Grove said in an email.
She added they were a little disappointed to learn that only four chickens per household were approved as all the members of her family were looking forward to having their own hen.
“However, we are glad there is still the opportunity to teach our children the responsibilities of raising their own bird and collecting the eggs every day, as well as the upkeep and maintenance of the coop,” said Grove. “We are hopeful that the project will be successful and be extended to more town residents who are interested in raising their own backyard hens at the end of the project.”
She thanked the council for approving the pilot project and everyone who supported it, saying it means residents will have an opportunity to be more self-sufficient and not rely solely on grocery stores.
"We would like to thank everyone who openly supported the project by taking part in the online poll, the positive comments on the Advocate’s Facebook page and calls to the town in support of our cause. We would like to thank the council for their consideration and approval of the project.”
Heather Stocking, TownandCountryToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @HLSox
