The District of Kitimat is managing a pilot study to guide future decisions about backyard hen raising in Kitimat. Use this page to learn more about the process, about backyard hens, and how this study will support future decisions.

The origins of this project go back to August 2020 following a delegation from a member of the public who had requested consideration of zoning amendments to allow backyard hen keeping.

In November 2022 a survey on the subject of backyard chickens was conducted which supported an eventual report to Council at their October 16, 2023 Committee of the Whole meeting.

With Council's direction, District of Kitimat staff is pleased to move into this new phase of the project as we implement this pilot study.

There are two groups who can be included. Everyone who participates must register for the program, and registration is free.

This pilot project affects these neighbourhoods:

• Whitesail
• Nechako
• Kildala

Homes in Cable Car and in Strawberry Meadows are already eligible to raise backyard hens through their zoning.

Homeowners with existing backyard hens

If you already raise backyard hens, you must register to be part of this pilot program. Raising backyard hens while not participating in the program means you could be subject to bylaw enforcement beginning April 1.

Homeowners interested in raising backyard hens

We will select four homeowners from each of the neighbourhoods listed above.

These are the areas of the community where backyard hens cannot currently be kept due to zoning rules.

Persons interested can apply and the participants will be chosen by random lottery. See the following tabs for more details to join.

Existing households raising backyard chickens

The following outlines the registration process to participate in the pilot project:

• Participants are responsible to ensure they are or can meet the regulations outlined in the policy.
• Participants must submit an application form, in the prescribed format (click blue button below), to the Planning Department at planning@kitimat.ca or at Municipal Hall, 270 City Centre, Kitimat during regular business hours.
• The application must include the site plan highlighting the existing principal structure, all the existing accessory structures, coop structure, run area and existing or proposed required fencing.
• Participants will register all poultry in the flock regardless of age, gender, or number of poultry.
• The Planning department is responsible for reviewing applications.
• Application will be referred to Kitimat Community Humane Society and they will arrange an inspection meeting.
• It is the responsibility of the applicant to obtain all necessary permits in accordance with this policy and the Kitimat Municipal Code.

Deadline: March 31, 2024 (UPDATED)

New participants to raising backyard hens

The following outlines the registration process to participate in the pilot project:

• Participants are responsible to ensure they are or can meet the regulations outlined in the policy.
• Participants must submit an application form, in the prescribed format (click blue button below), to the Planning Department at planning@kitimat.ca or at Municipal Hall, 270 City Centre, Kitimat during regular business hours.
• The application must include the site plan highlighting the existing principal structure (residence), all the existing accessory structures, coop structure, run area and existing or proposed required fence.
• The Planning department is responsible for reviewing applications.
• Application will be referred to Kitimat Community Humane Society and they will arrange an inspection meeting.
• It is the responsibility of the applicant to obtain all necessary permits in accordance with this policy and the Kitimat Municipal Code.

Deadline: March 31, 2024 (UPDATED)

References to backyard hens at Council meetings:

1. Committee of the Whole, August 10, 2020. - Link
2. Committee of the Whole, August 31, 2020. - Link
3. Committee of the Whole, October 16, 2023. - Link
4. Special Meeting of Council, October 30, 2023. - Link
5. Regular Meeting of Council, December 18, 2023. - Link