Item - 2023.EC1.7

The Economic and Community Development Committee recommends that:

1. City Council direct that the current pilot project in Chapter 349, Animals, Section 349-4.1, Hens Pilot program, be extended until May 31, 2023.

The UrbanHensTO pilot program began on March 2, 2018 and permits registered households in specific wards and areas of the City to have up to four hens on their property for the purposes of enjoyment and personal egg production (hens cannot be raised as livestock to eat).

Staff undertook a comprehensive review of the pilot program in fall 2021, which included extensive stakeholder consultation and considered impacts on food security and sovereignty, access to veterinary care, animal health and welfare, public health and nuisance, and equity impacts. City staff brought a report to the Economic and Community Development Committee in March 2022 (2022.EC28.10) recommending city-wide expansion to create a safe and permanent hen keeping program with enhanced program requirements. In April 2022, City Council directed that the pilot program be extended until March 31, 2023 and that additional wards and areas be included in the pilot. Council also directed the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division (MLS) to conduct further consultation on staff's recommendations and to report back to the Economic and Community Development Committee.

As a result of the Economic and Community Development Committee meeting schedule and to provide reasonable time to consult with additional stakeholders and draft a follow-up report, staff intend to bring the follow-up report requested by Council to the April 25 Economic and Community Development Committee meeting. Given the current pilot program expires on March 31, 2023, it is recommended that the pilot be formally extended until May 31, 2023 to provide clarity to current participants and Toronto Animal Services (TAS) staff.