Trail council to hold public consultation on allowing backyard hens

The Trail City Council’s Committee of the Whole received a report from David Moorhead, general manager of corporate services, recommending that the municipality seek broad public input before amending Animal Control Bylaw No. 2970 to permit backyard hens. The report urges a survey of residents to determine community support, identify concerns such as nuisance, animal welfare and enforcement, and gather preferences on possible regulations – including limits on the number of hens, coop placement and setback requirements.

The issue was first raised in February after a resident delegation asked the council to allow backyard hens. Staff have been reviewing best‑practice bylaws from other municipalities and assessing whether related zoning rules would also need changes. No firm timeline has been set, but the consultation could take place later in 2026 or early 2027, using both online and paper surveys.