The City is inviting feedback on the UrbanHens Pilot Program as the four-year scheme comes to end on March 31. It has allowed registered households in specified areas of Etobicoke Centre, Etobicoke-Lakeshore, Parkdale-High Park, Eglinton-Lawrence, Toronto-St. Paul’s, Toronto-Danforth, and Beaches-East York to have up to four hens for the purposes of enjoyment and egg production. The pilot was greatly advanced by two young men from Leaside, Andrew and Matthew Patel, who had chickens in the backyard of their parents’ home at Sutherland Drive and Southvale Drive. Members of the public can now share their experiences and thoughts on the UrbanHensTO program, including considerations related to public health, nuisance, food security, veterinary care and animal welfare in Toronto. The deadline for feedback is Friday, February 11. A release Friday says a final report on continuation is expected at the March meeting of the Economic and Community Development Committee. More information and the online survey is available on the UrbanHensTO Pilot Program webpage.
