Are Chickens Allowed in Whitby, Ontario?

BySusan Medlin

No — chickens are not permitted in residential areas of Whitby under current municipal bylaws. The Town of Whitby’s Prohibited and Regulated Animals By-law (#7392-18) explicitly prohibits the keeping of livestock, including chickens, on properties that are not zoned agricultural. Specifically, Section 3.3 of the by-law states:

No person shall keep, own, harbour, or possess livestock other than on an agricultural property in the rural area which is at least five (5) acres in size.

This regulation effectively bans backyard chickens in most residential neighborhoods throughout Whitby, as the majority of properties do not meet the minimum size requirement. Additionally, the town’s zoning by-law (Zoning By-law 1784) does not provide exceptions for keeping chickens in urban or suburban residential zones.

Community Advocacy and Public Support

Despite the existing restrictions, there has been growing public interest in allowing backyard chickens within Whitby. In 2019, a petition was initiated to amend the by-law to permit chickens in backyards. The petition highlighted benefits such as:

  • Access to fresh eggs
  • Reduction of food waste through composting
  • Educational opportunities for children and families
  • Promotion of sustainable living practices

The petition garnered support from residents advocating for a more sustainable and self-sufficient community. However, as of the latest available information, the by-law has not been amended to permit backyard chickens.

Considerations for Residents

Residents interested in keeping chickens should be aware of the following:

  • Legal Restrictions: Keeping chickens in residential areas is prohibited unless the property is zoned agricultural and meets the minimum size requirement.
  • Enforcement: The town has the authority to enforce the by-law, and violations may result in fines or other penalties.
  • Community Engagement: Residents can engage with local government officials and participate in public consultations to express their views on the matter.

Conclusion

Currently, chickens are not allowed in residential areas of Whitby due to municipal bylaws that restrict the keeping of livestock to agricultural properties of at least five acres. While there is community interest in changing these regulations, no official amendments have been made. Residents wishing to keep chickens should stay informed about potential changes to local laws and consider engaging with town officials to advocate for their interests.