They want chickens in their backyard

Urban farming enthusiasts are lobbying Montreal to allow chicken coops on residential properties across the island.

In Vancouver, proponents of same-day fresh eggs are allowed to raise domestic chickens in backyards.

But the City of Montreal outlawed the practice in 1966, ahead of Expo 67, and people who keep illegal chickens are subject to a $100 fine.

It's time to change that, say urban farming activists, who flocked to city hall with their chickens Wednesday to draw attention to the issue.

They are part of CRAPAUD, a community organization that advocates sustainable urban food production.

If regulated properly, raising chickens in the city can be sustainable without creating undue smell or any other public health hazard, CRAPAUD said.

The group wants the city to hold public consultations on urban chickens.

The city says the request falls under borough jurisdiction.

Calgary recently turned down a proposed pilot project that would have allowed city residents to raise chickens in their backyards.