Support the Right to Backyard Hens for All North Cowichan Residents
We, the undersigned, urge the North Cowichan Council to amend Section 48.1 of the Zoning Bylaw, which restricts poultry ownership to properties larger than 1675 m² (0.41 acres). Specifically, the bylaw prohibits residents with lots smaller than 0.41 acres from keeping poultry, such as hens, and limits lots between 0.41 and 1.98 acres to a maximum of 12 poultry. This restriction prevents many residents from accessing a sustainable, affordable food source amid rising food costs and growing food security concerns in Canada.
Backyard hens provide fresh eggs, reduce household expenses, and promote self-sufficiency. For instance, a small flock of six hens can produce up to 18 eggs per week, potentially saving families CAD $200–$300 annually on groceries, based on local egg prices. Hens also support sustainability by composting food waste. The City of Duncan sets a strong precedent, allowing up to six hens on any residential property without a licence, with the option to apply for more under clear guidelines. This model balances community needs with responsible regulations.
We believe all North Cowichan residents, regardless of lot size, should have the right to keep a small number of hens (e.g., up to six) under reasonable rules, such as setback requirements and noise control, to ensure neighbourhood harmony. Amending Section 48.1 to allow hens on lots smaller than 1675 m² would align North Cowichan with progressive, sustainable practices and support community resilience.
We respectfully request that the Council revise Section 48.1 to permit up to six hens on all residential properties, adopting regulations similar to Duncan’s, as soon as practicable.
Fill out the form below to submit your name for the petition.
Family and people deserve to have their own chickens for their home producing food for their families. Not only do chickens produce food for their families, they give love to thwir families. Bringing families together collecting eggs and caring for their loved chickens that produce much more then just eggs. SAVE THE CHICKENS!
This is something that needs special consideration due to the fact that there was a change in the bylaws. Families that have chickens should be grandfathered in and the chickens should be allowed to stay.
This should be allowed throughout the CVRD
I lived in Nanaimo on a quarter acre lot. Neighbors on all sides of me had chicken. No issues.
let everyone keep their hens
In the uncertainty of the costs of food, we should be allowed chickens
It’s criminal when the government tries to take away food sources from families that depend on it please reconsider this horrendous decision. There are no roosters involved they are hens that lay eggs!! a source of food and total protein please reconsider. They are not let loose. They are contained. Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Yours truly, Mary-Ellen MacGregor
I think it’s criminal that North Cowichan council has decided that people who depend on a food source high in protein and and food in general is no longer allowed to be achieved and allowed in their yards!!! Shame on you let’s get back to honesty and people really trying to survive. Thank you in advance for reconsidering this horrendous decision!!! people who have hens in their backyard!! Not roosters!
. They are self contained, and are not walking the neighbourhood unlike other things happening here in North Carolina such as the homeless so please leave the honest people to be able to survive and maintain their food stay for their families thank you so very much for your reconsideration!
Sincerely, a taxpayer in North Cowichan
Request to view the Oaths they all signed when they first signed onto their roles as town council and mayor…
Demand they uphold those oaths.
Request if they signed a second oath during their time in office, because THAT oath is the one that signed up the area to the 2030 UN AGENDA which left all of the community out of the discussion.
Now is the time. For silence is just tacit agreement.
less chickens, easy to keep a great eye on flock ♡ My Ma Cook had chickens and geese with some rare Asian ones. The prices these days…I say “should be a no brainer YES” ♡
What the Peoples of the Valley are forgetting, is their innate right to feed themselves and their families.
The Matriarical Gifting Society Great Sacred Law goes like this:
“Feed Yourself, Your Family and Feed Thy Neighbour.”
Yes, petitions are a beginning.
But a full stop in currupt government is what is really in order. .
I call a state of Emergency for Clean Drinking water and Clean Food Security for the Cowichan Bay, the Cowichan Valley and the Eyes of the Isle of Dayjah.
A new name, a new way of living in the Matriarical Gifting Society.
Who is ready to shift to a more loving and nurturing infrastructure of caring for Eachother and great Sacred Land, Air and Water in Community?
Imagine this being a test! Imagine us changing things so much for the good of all Humanity, everyone is treated with Dignity.
We The Peoples, have a choice in our now. We are not bound by a paper and pen.
Mass population hold majority concensus in our Now! Let’s get a grip on this please.
Conform to curruption or start a new Empire? What’s it going to be?
Mom’s, Grandmothers, Sisters Aunties and Daughters are ready to CoCreate a New World of Goodness for all.
Let’s gather, shall we Ladies?
Big Love
Jodi Brown Bear Child
We need to remove government from our lives. They are obviously pushing an agenda of communism and full government control over every aspect of our lives. This has gone too far.
There is definitely a fine line our government is running at this time.
We could have a democracy. Let’s create some constitution workshop. Cf chouard.org and accq.quebec Cause first of all, definitions have to be clear. For example to elect is to refuse to vote.
We have chickens in the township of Esquimalt, and love the fresh eggs. They are easy, clean, and take up very little space. We ran their chicken run along our shrubs line so that they are protected from predators. Their waste is used to make our soil in our garden better.
They are dearly loved. They each line up on the roof of their house at night in order to be petted before they go to bed. They are so sweet. Very good company too. They are also very smart. People all should have chickens, especially because hard times are here, and the eggs are great protein for humans and your dog. You should have a dog if you have chickens because chickens have been killed in broad daylight by raccoons. Dogs chase them away.
Fresh Eggs yes please
To the Council and Mayor of North Cowichan,
In a time when food security is at threat, it is imperative that you represent your community in health and wellness as you were voted in to do, and please stand in good will with the changes required to keep the citizen’s ability to produce their own foods, whether it be with fowl of any kind or with gardens and greenhouses especially.
I look forward to living in Duncan BC area starting this September. I am moving there because there is an active township holding the council and mayor accountable to their respective oaths they signed when they became a representative for the people.
Fighting back an infinity of trivial matter is (time consuming) and counterproductive. Instead let’s create a democracy. Which will even affect the capitalist system. Chouard.org , accq.quebec Everybody want a democracy except four percent of perverted.
The capitalist system is not viable. It will disappear. The problem is that it’s killing the majority of human. A democracy should stop it. ( we live in an aristocracy ) There is no democracy on planet earth. Priorities : 1- Public control of money 2- Control of constitution 3- Citizen’s initiative referendum 4- etc
Crofton (North Cowichan) is rural.If someone wants to keep chickens (with a rooster even). I say have at it. Got some eggs for sale? 😁
If people have issues with it. Maybe they should consider moving to a city. If you live rural you should expect rural things like farms and farm animals.
Backyard hens are crucial for food security and a healthy community.
I worked with the Squamish council many years ago to bring in a hen allowance that was effective and safe. There are great examples, and the council here must work to support the healthy vibrance of the community.
Cheers to local food production!
In 7 years a decision couldn’t be made? Seriously?
WHO exactly is getting paid to do nothing?
Six years is too long to review a bylaw. Considering where we live and how the world is changing, backyard chickens should not just be allowed, but should be promoted.
Raising and loving chickens is the most wholesome and rewarding experience. Why deny families the simple joys of natural life on our own properties.