A pilot project allowing backyard hens in residential areas of Kitimat is launching in 2024.

Participation in the Backyard Hen Keeping Pilot Project will include up to 12 Kitimat households not already raising hens along with anyone already raising hens.

The pilot project spans the Whitesail, Nechako and Kildala neighbourhoods, where traditionally this activity is not permitted. Residents in Cable Car and Strawberry Meadows are already permitted to raise backyard hens through their zoning.

Households not already raising backyard hens may apply to join the pilot program by February 9, 2024. S successful applications will be determined by a lottery draw. The intention is to have four households participating from each of the applicable neighbourhoods.

Successful households will be contacted by February 16, 2024.

Households which already have backyard hens will have up to March 1 to register in the program.

In 2020, Kitimat Council put enforcement of the applicable bylaw for raising of backyard poultry into abeyance, meaning no action would be taken to persons in violation of the rules. Households not registered in this pilot program will be subject to bylaw enforcement beginning April 1, 2024.

Applying to the program is easy. Persons must fill out an application form and submit it to the District’s Planning Department.

Information about the program and the application forms are online at getinvolved.kitimat.ca/hens and forms can be picked up in person at Kitimat’s Municipal Offices at 270 City Centre, the third floor of City Centre Mall.

Residents are also welcome to inquire directly to the District with additional questions, by phoning 250-632-8900 or e-mail planning@kitimat.ca.