City launches backyard hens and bees pilot program
Leduc residents who want to get closer to nature by extending their backyard gardening can apply starting March 30, 2020 to participate in the backyard hen keeping or beekeeping pilot programs. Interested residents can only apply to participate in hens or bees, not both; a limited number of participants will be chosen for each program.
Pilot program applicants must live in single-family homes with fenced backyards, participate in a training session and submit a detailed application to the City of Leduc in order to receive a license. Successful applicants must bear all program costs, follow all related legislation and bylaws and use the eggs or honey for personal consumption only.
Participant must follow city guidelines designed to ensure the safety of themselves and their families, their neighbours and the hens or bees under their care.
“A number of residents have expressed interest in these programs during the 2017 municipal election campaign,” says Leduc Councillor Lars Hansen. “Many urban communities, including Capital Region municipalities, have successfully implemented similar programs. Leduc’s programs are modeled after Edmonton’s hens and bees initiatives and take into account the lessons learned in Edmonton and other municipalities.”
The city is introducing hen keeping and beekeeping first through pilot programs to ensure the programs can be evaluated effectively before wide-spread implementation is considered. Neighbour consultation will be an important aspect of the pilot project.
“Research has shown urban hen keeping and beekeeping can be safe, rewarding and fun, but we chose to start with a pilot project to see what kind of response we get specific to our community,” says Councillor Hansen. “We want everyone to know that all feedback will be heard and considered very carefully.”
A free information session will be held Wednesday, March 11, from 7 - 8 p.m. at the Leduc Public Library. Interested individuals can pre-register online at Leduc.ca/hens-and-bees-pilot-program-information-session.
Application forms and more program details are also available on the website.
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Leduc is a growing, dynamic city in the heart of Canada’s economic engine and conveniently located at the crossroads of air, highway and rail transportation. The City of Leduc is a centre of innovation, entrepreneurship and quality of life. As a regional leader, the city, together with other municipalities in the area, plays a key role in protecting the integrity of the Edmonton International Airport (EIA) and leading economic development in the region, including Aerotropolis. For information on non-emergency city services and programs, visit www.leduc.ca or follow us on Twitter @cityofleduc.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Megan Hall, Communications Officer
mhall@leduc.ca
780-980-1554