Canadian Press File Photo

By Chris Brown

Petition started

Call for backyard chickens in Medicine Hat resurfaces

May 7, 2020 | 1:29 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The COVID-19 pandemic, outbreaks at meat processing facilities and what’s expected to be a long economic recovery have many thinking about sustainable living.

That includes those who want to be able to raise chickens in their backyards.

The issue comes up every few years and it’s back again after a petition was started about a week ago by Hatter Matthew Gourley.

“The whole idea behind this is obviously stimulated by COVID. I started doing research into it and I recognized how easy it was to actually raise chickens,” said Gourley.

He said a lot of the myths about problems raising chickens have been dispelled over the years and groups have successfully started pilot programs in Okotoks, Calgary, Edmonton and Red Deer.

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“It’s riddled throughout the province and the tax revenue that’s being generated both for the city, as well as the sustainability of the program, have shown incredible success and I feel like Medicine Hat should have the same thing.”

Gourley said the average person needs between 50 and 60 grams in their diet and children between 15 and 25 grams. An egg can provide between 11 and 15 grams. So just a few hens laying one egg a day could nearly meet the human body’s needs, he said.

Fees for an education course and permits is where Gourley sees the city generating revenue.

“For a city that’s currently being battered by tax revenue concerns it seems like a really good symbiotic relationship both scientifically and economically for the city and the community.”

So far, nearly 800 people have signed the petition, which has a goal of 1,000.

Gourley said the city has already been approached about the issue and was turned down. If the petition doesn’t stir any action progressively more aggressive tactics will be used, he said, including filling the mayor’s inbox.

Note: This story has been updated to correct the spelling of Gourley.