The Township of Uxbridge has a proud, deep-rooted heritage as an agricultural and community-focused municipality. As our rural communities grow and look toward a sustainable future, there is a wonderful opportunity to update our local frameworks to support responsible, backyard food security specifically within our residential hamlets.

We are petitioning the Uxbridge Council to establish a formalized, regulated backyard hen framework. This proposal is intentionally focused on residential hamlets and rural residential zones (such as Zephyr, Udora, Sandford, and Leaskdale). Because properties in our hamlets naturally feature larger lot sizes, they are uniquely suited for small, private flocks—allowing us to preserve the high-density town core while giving hamlet residents a fair path forward.

When discussing backyard poultry, concerns regarding local wildlife and biosecurity are naturally raised. However, common sense reminds us that nature doesn't follow municipal borders—migratory birds fly over and inhabit Uxbridge every day, completely independent of local zoning lines. A bylaw cannot alter wild bird patterns, but a proactive framework can ensure that domestic flocks are kept in highly secure, clean, and predator-proof environments that actively protect biosecurity far better than a blanket ban ever could.

By consulting with agricultural experts and looking at the successful, structured frameworks already working beautifully in similar rural-residential areas across Ontario, Uxbridge can design a program that works perfectly. A responsible policy would include:

 Tailored to Our Hamlets: Designing regulations specifically for hamlet residential properties where lot sizes naturally accommodate small flocks without impacting dense urban subdivisions.

 Sensible Flock Limits: Setting a reasonable maximum number of birds focused exclusively on hens, with an absolute ban on roosters to ensure our hamlets remain quiet and peaceful.

 Strict Coop Regulations: Specifying secure containment and clean waste management practices to protect the birds and deter local wildlife.

 Clear Guidelines: Maintaining high standards that fully respect neighbors and preserve the beautiful, historic character of our hamlet communities.

We love our township and believe that working collaboratively to create a smart, regulated program is the best path forward for our environment, our families, and our local food security.

Please sign this petition to show your support for a collaborative, responsible backyard hen framework for the hamlets of Uxbridge!