Just finished drafting a letter to our mayor

[pennyhenny]

I just drafted a letter to our mayor and councillors asking them to change our bylaws to allow backyard hens. I live in Chilliwack, BC which is a very rural city and we are literally surounded by farms. We just happen to live in a residential neighborhood and chickens currently are considered live stock and a no no to keep. The closest large city to us is Vancouver and they voted to change the bylaw to allow chickens last March. I'm wondering if there are any others out there from Chilliwack who would be interested in writing to the mayor and councillors to get them to change the rules.

I'm very excited about sending my letter, but won't get my hopes up just yet. Thanks for letting me share.

 

[SpringChickens]

Good luck!! Keep us posted!

 

[BigPeep]

As I mentioned on a post I just made in this category, I would not go it alone if you have any alternative. Try to find other people in your area with a similar interest and make it a joint effort. Don't be a "Lone Rooster" and don't go in "half baked". They may tend to view one person as a local nut case of some sort, but if there are more of you, you have a better shot. See my post on "don't go it alone".

 

[pennyhenny]

The funny thing is, here we have a pretty small business community and everyone pretty much knows everyone else. My husband has been involved in the Business Improvement Association, the Chamber of Commerce and Rotary so he actually knows all of the councillors and the mayor. He's mentioned to a couple councillors my chicken idea, so they will know exactly who's wife is sending this letter. I'm hoping it will work in my favour, but you never know. A nice lady from a local poultry fanciers association has emailed me and she says that sometimes there are loop holes regarding "exotic" caged birds. (Silkies don't acutally look like chickens) And that federal laws (here in Canada) regarding animals for food purposes override city bylaws. I did not know that. I think I'll send my letter, see what kind of response I get and then rally some troops if necessary.