Thunder Bay·Audio

Chicken chatter planned at open house tonight in Thunder Bay

A community organization in Thunder Bay, Ont. is holding an open house on Wednesday evening, to gather public feedback on its plan to allow urban chickens in the city.

The Thunder Bay and Area Food Strategy says many Thunder Bay residents are showing interest in urban chickens

The 'coop gallery' on The Thunder Bay and Area Food Strategy website shows what current unsanctioned urban chicken coops in Thunder Bay look like. (tbfoodstrategy.ca)
What's it like having chickens in your backyard? Especially when you live in the city. Leigh Potvin knows

A community organization in Thunder Bay, Ont. is holding an open house on Wednesday evening, to gather public feedback on its plan to allow urban chickens in the city. 

Currently, backyard chickens are only allowed in rural areas of the city, but the Thunder Bay and Area Food Strategy would like to change the bylaw. 

The open house is part of a public consultation process that will guide the organization, as it prepares to bring its proposal to city council later this spring.

Organizers say they are planning a family-friendly event with live chickens, and a chicken coop display. Local chicken owners will also be there to answer questions about keeping the birds. 

The open house takes place from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. on Wednesday April 6 at the CLE Heritage Building. 

The Thunder Bay and Area Food Strategy has collected photos of backyard chicken coops in Thunder Bay, such as this one, to show people what they might expect if a bylaw on urban chickens is changed. (tbfoodstrategy.ca)