THUNDER BAY – A couple of protesters were perched outside City Hall on Monday evening to greet City Councilors as they consider the final version of a bylaw that would allow urban residential property owners to keep up to six chickens in their backyards.
Backyard chicken opponents Gary and Arlene Ramsdale erected a chicken coop on City Hall’s front steps that would abide by the proposed bylaw.
Arlene wore a chicken mascot suit for nearly four hours under the 28-degree-Celsius heat.
Gary hoped to appeal to council’s aesthetic sensibilities as he urged councilors to vote against the bylaw.
“The new bylaw they’re proposing has no regulations other than the physical area and the fact that it needs to be enclosed,” he said.
“You can just build it up out of any old scrap material.”
The Ramsdales' coop was constructed from five palates and two pieces of plywood, all enclosed with wire. Gary presented the issue as a matter of property value and overall economic health.
“It’s dilapidated,” he said.
“It’s what you wouldn’t want to see in your yard or your neighbour’s yard and when you go to sell, guess what happens to your house value. It’s going to drop. You’re not likely going to get the same amount of money or you just won’t sell your house because this is what’s going to be next door to your home.”
