Stewiacke property bylaw ruffles feathers of chicken keepers

A resident of Stewiacke is pushing for a change in the town’s bylaw that she believes is putting chicken owners in a difficult position. Lynann Wamboldt recently received a notice to remove the 10 chickens she keeps on her property within 15 days due to a bylaw violation. The current regulation stipulates that individuals must have at least one acre of land and can only have up to five chickens.

Feeling the pressure of the deadline, Wamboldt is determined to make a change. She is advocating for a new bylaw that aligns with the rules in Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), where residents with less than an acre of land can keep up to 10 chickens. To garner support for her proposal, Wamboldt has started a petition and hopes to present it to the town council soon.

Stewiacke’s Chief Administrative Officer, Marc Seguin, mentioned that the council will address the concerns raised about the bylaw at an upcoming meeting. While the town typically does not actively enforce this regulation, a noise complaint regarding a rooster on Wamboldt’s property prompted the recent action. Roosters are prohibited under the current bylaw.

Other chicken owners in Stewiacke, like Amber Ratté, are also affected by the bylaw restrictions. Ratté, who keeps chickens on a property smaller than the required size, expressed support for Wamboldt’s efforts. She highlighted the joy that comes from caring for the chickens and sharing their eggs with neighbors.

Wamboldt emphasized the positive impact her chickens have on her life and the community. Beyond personal enjoyment, she distributes eggs to coworkers and families in need, using them as a way to connect with others. As the deadline approaches, Wamboldt faces the difficult decision of what to do with her beloved animals, some of which are elderly and no longer laying eggs.

While Wamboldt remains hopeful that her proposal will bring about change, she acknowledges the limited options available to her as the deadline draws near. She is adamant about finding a way to ensure the well-being of her chickens without having to euthanize them. The situation has sparked a conversation in the community about the importance of revisiting and potentially revising the current bylaw to accommodate responsible chicken ownership in Stewiacke.