THUNDER BAY -- A discussion on food was largely for the birds Monday night.
The Thunder Bay and Area Food Strategy Implementation was highlighting its 20 projects on the go this year on everything from helping local farmers and restaurants to connect to getting the next generation engaged in the local food movement. With the public sector spending around $10 million alone in food every year, the strategy is also looking to get more of the sector on board by adopting the city's local food purchasing strategy.
But some on council were wondering when and if there was a way the city could take a serious look at whether to let people keep chickens within Thunder Bay.
"Can we try it on a trial basis?" asked Coun. Linda Rydholm who said she was getting a lot of interest from residents in her Neebing ward.
Development services manager Mark Smith said council could examine the idea if it wanted to but it's never been picked as a priority.
"Having chickens in the city hasn’t been presented as urgent," he said.
"I can say without direction from council that it won't be coming forward within weeks or months.”
Food strategy coordinator Kendal Donahue said they are looking to set up a work group soon. They've looked at other cities but it also requires working with city administration and the health unit to see what, if any interest there might be.
Coun. Rebecca Johnson, who sits on the committee, said the idea has been discussed.
"It is coming and we’ll bring that forward when we’re prepared to do that,” she said.
