Urban Hens in Vernon

City moves ahead with pound for livestock
By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star

Published: May 12, 2009 7:00 PM

Urban hens are taking flight in Vernon, but that means officials must handle anyone breaking the law.

On Monday, council instructed staff to determine whether a private contractor is interested in setting up a pound for chickens, rabbits or any other livestock.

“Perhaps a local farmer would take on this responsibility and look after loose cattle,” said Clint Kanester, bylaw enforcement manager.

“It gives us a place where the animals can be cared for before they are disposed of through auction.”

In previous years, staff have had problems with livestock being loose in residential areas and finding someone who would capture the animals and care for them.

“Should council wish to implement an urban hen program, impound regulations and a pound may be required to ensure regulated numbers are maintained,” states a staff report.

Coun. Buffy Baumbrough supports backyard hens as a way of increasing food security among residents, and she also backs establishing a livestock pound.

“If someone is in contravention of the bylaw, what do we do with the hens?” said Baumbrough.

But Coun. Jack Gilroy is concerned that city staff will be running around town checking on animals.

“I want to make sure this isn’t going to create a bylaw nightmare,” he said.

It will cost about $6,000 a year for a livestock pound contract and it’s anticipated that the city will earn about $400 a year in permit fees from 20 properties with four hens each.

In terms of allowing backyard hens, there will be restrictions on where the chicken coop can be located in a yard and in relation to the property lines.

However, that has Coun. Shawn Lee questioning whether a building permit will be required for the coop.

“You’re not just throwing up a bunch of chicken wire. You need a decent building to do it,” he said.

Food Talk in the BC Election 2009

It is the eve of a new provincial government in BC and I am reflecting on the last 28 days of campaigning. My electoral area, Shuswap-Monashee saw some interesting topics debated, the first all candidates meeting was organized by the Food Action Society of the North Okanagan. Food is a strong topic here as a core agriculture area in BC. The meat regulations was interestingly the one topic that all candidates supported some kind of reform/review, but that was about it. The liberal candidate generally dismissed food issues, and confirmed he would not support core funding for food intitiatives. The NDP candidate was supportive of many questions, but I was so disappointed in his knowledge of most issues, he just did not know. The conservative candidate was generally against spending any money on anything, (ok predictable), but again really didn't know the food issues. The green candidate, is a well known food advocate and outspoken community leader, she spoke well on the issues overall in particular around meat regulations, funding for core local programs, and the links between food and climate change. But none of them were able to speak to the issues that linked poverty and food access.

At this moment, an ex. liberal MLA is discussing food/agriculture on cbc radio, she discussed the agricultural plan as an amazing achievement by the liberals. Hah, our liberal candidate stated he would not increase funding for the Ministry of Agriculture, it is the lowest by far in funding across Canada, and according to people within the Ministry (pers. comm.) there is no way they can implement many of the objectives of this plan, since they have no money for any of their programs.

Only a few hours till we know the fate of the next four years, but despite the outcome of the election we can all still focus on working in our communities, supporting our farmers, and working for change.