The Paris Independent
8
December 9, 2023
COMMUNITY NEWS The backyard chicken debate comes back to Brant County and hatches a new idea to bring local agriculture into Paris By Bailey Zimmer As the desire for backyard chickens grows, council members deliberate a decision to allow birds in the town. County staff put together a presentation outlining four potential proposals to move a motion for backyard chickens. The debate, with many delegations from area residents, unfolded in Council Chambers during the th November 14 Planning Committee meeting. Option one is to maintain current provisions and not allow chickens outside agricultural areas. Option two permits chickens in non-urban zones. Option three allows chickens in all residential zones, and option four will create a pilot project to experiment with the success of backyard chickens, allowing individuals to house the chickens for an extended period of time before determining a final solution for the county. Reflecting the heavy debate, Council members vote 6-5 to proceed with the welcoming of backyard chickens within the town of Paris and surrounding
The County of Brant is inching closer to allowing backyard chickens in town. It’s a passionate debate from both supporters and naysayers and even councillors are divided on the issue. The bylaw to allow chickens on residential properties was supported in a 6-5 vote at a November Planning Committee meeting and must be ratified by council. areas as stated in option three of the “Why is this controversial idea proposal. being examined yet again,” Draper said. “We already know it’s a Residents within the town of Paris terrible idea for urban Paris.” have been struck by the idea of keeping backyard chickens within Draper references larger populated residential areas to which there has cities including Toronto and been much deliberation. Mississauga in terms of demand for backyard chickens to compare to the Conflicting arguments from county of Brant. According to CBC residents and county council news, the numbers of backyard members alike have been front and chicken application each city holds centre at several county meetings does not reflect a large portion of this year. the city, Toronto with around 80 Patrick Draper, six-year resident of households, and Mississauga with Paris, does not agree with moving four. forward with the backyard chicken Continued on page 9 consideration.
