Backyard Hens

The Hen Coops/Backyard Chickens survey is now closed. We thank the 168 residents that participated.

Information collected from the survey will help inform Council on the permanency of Hen Coops/Backyard Chickens in Orillia. A report is likely to come before Council on April 8, 2019.

For further information regarding Council proceedings, survey results or general information about Backyard Chickens, please contact:

Ali Chapple, achapple@orillia.ca or 705-325-3977

Susan Votour, svotour@orillia.ca or 705-329-7471

In response to requests by residents, and in the interest of encouraging local food production, the City of Orillia has established a "pilot project" for the keeping of backyard hens on certain properties in the City.  The length of the pilot project period will be two years and will run from June 5, 2017 through to June 5, 2019.  

Details of the Pilot Project

• A total of twelve properties will be selected for the pilot project; up to three applicants in each ward.

• Selection of participants will be by submission of a complete application, on a first come, first served basis.

• Hen Coop Licences will be allocated to the first three eligible participants from each ward, and then opened up to all applicants until a maximum of twelve participants is reached.

• The pilot period will last for 2 years (June 5, 2017 - June 5, 2019)

• Hen Coops will be permitted on properties 500 sq.m (5,382 sq.ft) or greater within the Rural Zone (RU), certain Residential Zones (R1, R2, R3, R4), Parkland and Open Space Zones (OS1, OS2) and Institutional Zone (I1).   

How to Apply

• Hen Coop Licence Applications require:

  • Payment of fee $100 (this fee covers the entire 2 year period)
  • Submission of an Application Form, including:
    • a Site Plan, showing the location of proposed Hen Coop on your property (see Sample Site Plan);
    • a Declaration confirming that you have reviewed and will abide by the Regulations and the information contained in the Resource Sheet.
  • Submit the completed Application to the City's Legislative Services Department, 50 Andrew Street South, Orillia, L3V 7T5 or via email

Contact the Legislative Services Division at 705-329-7234 for more information.

Application and Information     

Application for Hen Coop Licence

Educational Package

Sample Site Plan

Regulations

Resource Sheet

Other Resources for Backyard Hen Owners

The City provides this resource list impartially, for convenience only. The City does not intend or believe that this resource list is exhaustive, and the City does not have any knowledge and makes no representations and gives no warranties as to the suitability, quality or accuracy of any information, products or services in any way published or publicized directly or indirectly through the sites listed here.  

Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs Small Flock Poultry

Backyard Chickens

My Pet Chicken

Backyard Poultry Magazine

Chicken Keeping Secrets

Poultry One Backyard Chickens Site

The Poultry Site

Getting Started

Cleaning and Disinfecting

Feed and Water

Foreign Animal Disease

Introduction to Disease

Introduction to Disinfectants

Bird Sickness

Pest Management

Understanding Antibiotics

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