Saskatoon group hatches pilot project for backyard chickens

Saskatoon Bridge City Chickens is crying 'fowl' on the current rules against owning urban hens.

The group has come up with a proposal for an 18-month pilot project, asking city council to allow 30 households around the Bridge City to keep backyard chickens during that time.

"Part of the idea is to bring people together and to think more about where our food comes from, " Wanda Martin, a member of the local coalition, told CBC Radio's Saskatoon Morning. "So part of that is urban agriculture."

Those selected to participate in the urban hen pilot project would be located within neighbourhoods whose community associations have offered their support. They include Riversdale, King George, Holliston and Mayfair.

Martin said interested applicants must follow a list of registration procedures. This involves backyard inspections by the SPCA, a two-hour training course, necessary licensing for the flock, as well as meeting site requirements for the hen coop and run.

If approved, a household would be allowed to own three to five hens.

"People want it here. People have tried before, so it's time to try again," said Martin, adding that the new faces on council was a push to bring the plan forward.

Saskatoon Bridge City Chickens will be taking its pilot plan proposal to council in April.