It’s practically a “done deal” that residential henhouses will be allowed in Smithers.
Councilors passed the bylaw’s third reading with a few amendments, including a 15-dollar registration fee.
Town staff addressed a few concerns while re-moulding the bylaw, like noise and health risks. Mayor Taylor Bachrach says staff looked at other hen-friendly places like Saanich and Terrace and studied their experiences before bringing the bylaw to Council.
“In talking with people who live in those communities, they don’t experience a lot of issues,” he says, “we’re not the first ones to be coming up with a backyard hen bylaw, and if there any changes needed down the road we can certainly go back into the bylaw and make any changes.”
Some other bylaw changes included ensuring food is stored safely to not attract wildlife, and coop proximity to homes.
It is expected Council will formally adopt the bylaw at the next Council meeting.
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