By Gagandeep Ghuman
Published: March. 10, 2012
Mark and Brady Willmots have relented, but not without putting up a fight against what they believe is an unjust bylaw.
A few weeks ago, Squamish Reporter had written about Mark and Brandy Willmot, and their ‘pets’: A pygmie goat named Elliot, and four chickens named Weesey, Maloona, Sunny, and Jobe.
The bylaw officers had asked them to remove the chicken and the goat as they were considered livestock, not pets, according to the district’s bylaw.
The Willmots had removed the goat, but were adamant on keeping the chickens.
Now, they have another letter from the bylaw, politely but firmly telling them what they must do by March 27.
“While I can appreciate the sentiment about your chickens and goats, and that it was difficult for your family to give up the goat, I must remind you that both these animal species are considered livestock, not pets,” the bylaw officer wrote.
Get rid of the chickens or pay the $200 per day fine. Mark Willmot says he will do the former.
The family will loan the chicken to Mark’s brother-in-law who lives on property zoned agriculture.
“But if changes are made I will promptly bring them back,” Mark Willmot said.
The compliance isn’t because of the fines alone.
The principle on which they were fighting has also found an echo in the council chambers.
With Doug Race and Ron Sander opposed, Squamish council voted to ask staff to bring back a report outlining policy and bylaw implications and cost associated with the keeping of chickens in residential neighborhoods.
The council, however, did not set a deadline on when the staff should bring back the report.
At least four councillors said it was time Squamish had a progressive food policy that would allow for backyard chickens.
Coun. Bryan Raiser also asked for pygmy goats and bees to be included in the impending staff report.
“I would like to see more community debate on this,” Raiser said.
Coun. Race, however, said the bylaw is enforced for a good reason, as chickens are a bear attractant.
Carolyn Morris says
What a wonderful opportunity for the city to empower it’s citizens in the pursuit of increased food security. I am inspired by the hope that this council will open their ears to the community and do what’s right for the whole. We are no longer a farm rich area… We depend on great distances to feed us. In the quest for sustainability, the first place to look is in the mirror. The second place is in our backyards!!!
Don Patrick says
Very difficult position for the rules makers… my opinion is that all animals can be pets and should be treated so, it is the general description of a family neighbour hood that we are questioning. Is a city family also supposed to endure the farm natural gases, the noise and the visitors that arrive with the smell of alternative foods when that is not their lifestyle. I have experienced all of these facits of life, started off in a cave and made my way to a city dweller… so the choice has to be made on the basis of what we are imposing on others… like our neighbours, so get the zoning in place so the choice is available for families with animals and those without, bet the property values are higher without animals but the lifestyle may be more pleasent in the other neghbourhood. In the meantime look after your pets, that should be upmost priority.
Geraldine Guilfoyle says
I agree with Carolyn Morris – this is an opportunity for the district to empower it’s citizens regarding the pursuit of increased food security. Thank you to the council members who have called for a progressive food policy. I hope staff at the district will seek input and collaborate with stakeholders interested in developing this policy so that it will best reflect our local situation.
Elliot says
Are you implying we don’t have enough egg/bee/goat capacity through existing local farm zoned land? Has anyone first considered a hobby farm on such land, where people could keep their own hens? This is not really about food security; that occurs on a much higher level. What is going on here is a ridiculous and fanciful concept, just for a very few people (at the expense of others) while we languish in the actual important issues facing our town. It shows the immaturity of thinking in Squamish. Completely disappointing.
Carolyn Morris says
I dream of a hobby farm… But I haven’t got the money. Does that mean I shouldn’t have the food?… When it’s easy to do in a way that complements the neighborhood?
Gwen says
Let people keep their 3 chickens. Chickens are a normal part of the modern urban landscape, if you have lived anywhere else other than Squamish. And then lets move on to more important matters.
heather gee says
Where I was born we don’t have bears or coyotes, etc. but we keep our chickens in properly secured enclosures. I say this, because in 2011 several chicken enclosures were broken into and raided by bears in this community… Unfortunately roosters are very noisy so would bother neighbours, but hens don’t make a noise and nothing compares with having your own fresh, organic eggs.
Bylaws come into effect because of irresponsible animal or pet ownership. One just has to look at all the unleashed dogs or those forced to sit in trucks waiting in the hot sun with no windows open and no windscreen sun-shields. Bylaws or fines are never enforced on these pet owners in Squamish.