Northwood’s Councillor wants people to be able to raise chickens in their backyards for eggs while COVID-19 rages on.
Shelby Ch’ng is concerned about the food supply, adding she knows some councillors will oppose due to potential noise issues, while others will back it.
“They understand the precariousness that is our food system. However, some may see it as this romantic idea of having chickens. But you know what? There’s nothing romantic about having disruptions in your food supply,” says the Northwood councillor.
She recalls when this was voted down by council a few years ago.
“People can have other birds as pets, parrots and whatnot. They can have dogs, cats, they can even have rabbits as pets. But to have pets that also supply some sort of food source is prudent,” says Ch’ng.
The Northwood councillor adds people are concerned about noise, but it’s no different than a dog.
She says she can’t idly sit by, with local solutions needed since she believes Thunder Bay is not always a priority.
“Not on the big scale of the world, and in Canada. I think Thunder Bay gets painted with whatever prescription is happening in southern Ontario and it doesn’t always fit for us. If we could take something into our own hands and provide for ourselves,” says the city representative.
Ch’ng adds she’ll bring the motion forward at council tonight.
McKellar Ward Councillor Brian Hamilton tells us he is now not going to support the idea, as is At-large councillor Trevor Guirtuga.
