With a pilot project containing backyard hens moving forward in Airdrie, will Cochrane be next?

On Monday, June 5, Airdrie City Council was updated on the progress of a pilot project which is slated to include backyard hens.The City is working on finalizing guidelines for the hens project, and the guidelines are expected to be complete sometime this fall.

Stephen Utz, City of Airdrie, Team Leader for Planning and Development says even though consultation from 2013/14 showed only moderate support of a backyard hen program they have decided to move forward with a pilot project anyways, which will include a limited number of participants. "We would likely have the first properties being able to do that in spring of next year. We want to wait for the warm weather and make sure we set up everyone for success. Give them an opportunity for a training program and get the word out to the community at large about the fact that the pilot project will be going forward."

Jennifer Walden, Founder of CLUCK Cochrane is hopeful the news of Airdrie will weigh positively on Cochrane Council. "I think as more and more communities around us do it, it definitely helps our case. If we're the last one standing eventually it will happen."

Walden is headed back to council chambers on July 10 with a presentation chock-full of facts. " I am optimistic that at that time, council will have given it some more thought and understand how good it could be for Cochrane as a town. The support for urban hens has been incredible."

If anyone wishes to support backyard hens, Walden, shares come to council. "From a support standpoint at this point, the more people that can show up the better on July 10."

Walden is asking council to accept and approve an urban hen pilot project which she was declined back on February 27.

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