Town approves renewal of Urban Hen bylaw

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Town of Strathmore council approved the renewal and continuation of the Urban Hen Bylaw, 24-11, during the June 5 regular meeting of council.

The bylaw was initially established May 2022, Bylaw 22-08, which introduced, regulated, and controlled the keeping of hens as urban agriculture within the Town of Strathmore. 

As part of the development of the bylaw, town administration compared similar bylaws previously established in other municipalities such as Innisfail, Vancouver, St. Albert, Wood Buffalo, and Lacombe. 

“Since the inception … it has been a very successful program from administration’s standpoint. We have had a handful or so of residents who have taken part in the program; we have had a small number – five or so, issues last year … but really the impact to administration and to the residents, we feel is minimal,” said Mark Pretzlaff, director of community and protective services.

Administration has issued five hen licenses and had received several additional inquiries throughout 2023. 

Three potential bylaw infractions which were reported to have been responded to include a loose hen, a constituent exceeding the maximum number of hens allowed, and having a chicken coop attached to a fence. 

For each infraction investigated which was listed to council in administration’s report, compliance was gained through education of the bylaw. 

Administration also reported there have been no appeals submitted regarding the bylaw by local residents. 

The preexisting bylaw was originally established as a two-year pilot program, prior to any discussion regarding whether it would be put into full effect. 

Throughout the pilot program, administration reported they identified enforcement mechanisms, as well as general penalties which should be added to the bylaw in order to better deal with and dissuade infractions. 

One such addition to the bylaw was in respect to penalties regarding possession of unlicensed hens. 

“I think that we should definitely keep on our radar that avian flu is still here, and I have seen some reports … that talk about the potential spread to livestock,” said Mayor Pat Fule. 

Following Pretzlaff’s presentation, Coun. Richard Wegener motioned for council to approve first reading of the Uban Hen Bylaw 24-11 which was approved unanimously.

This was followed by Coun. Denise Peterson motioning for second reading, as well as for council to give unanimous consent to hold third and final reading of the bylaw during the same session.

Coun. Melissa Langmaid motioned to hold third and final reading of the bylaw, which was also subsequently approved by council unanimously.

Following the approval of the bylaw, the town website will be updated to reflect the revised bylaw, as well as key messaging to the public that the program will be continuing locally. 

More information regarding the bylaw is available through the town’s website as well as via their public meeting agenda.