Are Chickens Allowed in St. Catharines?
No — at this time, backyard chickens are not permitted in residential areas of St. Catharines. The city’s by-laws classify chickens as livestock, which cannot be kept on standard residential lots. Only properties zoned for agricultural use or farms are permitted to have poultry.
Current By-law Restrictions
- Backyard chickens are considered livestock and are prohibited in urban and suburban residential zones.
- Residents may not build or maintain outdoor chicken coops on standard residential properties.
- Roosters are also prohibited, due to noise concerns.
- Violations can result in complaints, inspections, and enforcement by the city’s Animal Services division.
Community Efforts for Change
Despite the current prohibition, there is growing community interest in legalizing backyard hens under certain conditions. Residents have been advocating for changes to the by-law, pointing to other Ontario cities where chickens are already permitted.
- A petition has circulated among St. Catharines residents calling for the legalization of urban backyard hens.
- Advocates suggest allowing a limited number of hens, banning roosters, and requiring secure, sanitary coops.
- City council has received feedback, but no official by-law change has been adopted yet.
What Rules Could Look Like in the Future
If St. Catharines updates its by-laws to allow backyard hens, the following conditions are likely to be included:
- A cap on the number of hens per property (commonly 3–5 hens).
- A continued ban on roosters to prevent noise issues.
- Coops restricted to backyards, with minimum setbacks from property lines and neighbouring homes.
- Mandatory cleanliness standards to control odour, pests, and waste management.
- Potential licensing or registration system for accountability and enforcement.
Steps for Interested Residents
- Check the zoning of your property to confirm restrictions — agricultural zones may already permit chickens.
- Contact Animal Services or the city’s By-law office for official clarification.
- Stay updated on city council discussions regarding backyard hen legalization.
- Prepare coop designs that prioritize sanitation, predator protection, and neighbour-friendly placement.
- Engage with local advocacy groups supporting backyard chickens to strengthen community support.
Pros and Cons of Allowing Backyard Chickens
- Pros:
- Fresh eggs for your household.
- Reduced food waste, as chickens can eat many kitchen scraps.
- Natural fertilizer from composted manure.
- Educational and sustainable lifestyle benefits.
- Cons:
- Potential noise and odour complaints if coops are poorly maintained.
- Risk of attracting rodents or pests if feed is not stored properly.
- Upfront costs for building a secure, weather-resistant coop.
- Harsh winters in Niagara require extra care and insulated housing for hens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I legally keep chickens in St. Catharines right now?
No. Chickens are considered livestock and are not permitted in standard residential areas.
Are roosters allowed?
No. Roosters are prohibited due to noise and nuisance concerns.
Can I get a permit for backyard chickens?
No permit system currently exists for backyard hens in St. Catharines. Only agricultural properties can keep poultry.
Is there a chance the by-law will change?
Possibly. A petition and community support for backyard hens have been submitted, but city council has not yet approved any changes.
Conclusion
At this time, chickens are not allowed in residential areas of St. Catharines. However, community interest is growing, and future by-law changes may make it possible to keep a small number of hens under strict regulations. If you’re interested, stay informed, support local advocacy efforts, and be prepared with responsible coop and care practices should the law change.