By Andru McCracken
The Village of Valemount has been circulating a quick online survey asking residents whether they support allowing backyard chickens, how many chickens a resident should be able to keep, and the landowner’s minimum property size.
In light of COVID-19 and concerns about the reliability of the food supply many residents have been touting the benefits of chickens and several have asked council to consider allowing backyard chickens.
14th Avenue resident Velda Pidhirnyj is a vocal supporter.
Pidhirnyj said that if the village allows chickens, she’ll set up a coop in her backyard.
“I really want to encourage people to see the good things about them,” said Pidhirnyj.
Her granddaughter lives in a community that allows backyard chickens, and it’s a hit.
“They are fun to watch and it’s a way to teach responsibility to children,” she said.
Besides providing eggs, teaching people about the food supply Pirhirnyj said that the chickens keep down bugs, and that their waste makes great compost.
Whether you hate the idea or love the possibility the survey can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/valemountchickens
For her part, Pidhirnyj is hoping chicken supporters will fill out the survey.
