Backyard Hens

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 original pilot project ran from June 5, 2017 through to June 5, 2019. The pilot project has now been extended to June 5, 2023.

Details of the Pilot Project

• A total of twelve properties will be selected for the pilot project.

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

• The pilot period will last until June 5, 2023.

• Hen Coops will be permitted on properties with lot sizes of 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).

• Licensed hen coops are not permitted on properties within a Source Water Protection Area.

How to Apply

• Hen Coop Licence Applications require:

  • Payment of fee $100 (this fee covers the entire pilot project)
  • 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

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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