After allowing a handful of residents to raise chickens for personal use for a year as a pilot project, the City of Merritt is poised to allow backyard coops citywide.

An amendment to the City’s animal control bylaw dealing with chickens was first brought forward in August 2009. However, that amendment was defeated in its second reading.

Instead, the council instructed the City staff to design a pilot project under which up to 10 residences in Merritt could raise up to six hens. Roosters were not permitted under the pilot project and only single-family properties above a certain size could sign up.

The pilot project will expire on Sept. 30 and according to a report by Merritt deputy clerk Carole Fraser, the City's bylaw enforcement officer had not received any complaints related to the pilot project. Five properties are currently raising chickens within city limits.

Council received Fraser’s report at the regular Aug. 24 meeting and were presented with two options for keeping backyard coops: amend the existing animal control bylaw or alter the pilot project agreement to become permanent but separate from the animal bylaw.

The report recommended amending the animal control bylaw to include chickens. Residents who qualify would still be allowed to keep up to six hens only.

Coun. Dave Baker supported the latter option at the meeting since an agreement was already formed. “Take the pilot project out of it. Let’s just carry on with it.”

However, Fraser explained that staff advised adding chickens to the animal control bylaw, which also regulates pets like cats and dogs, so the bylaw enforcement officer would know where chickens are being kept.

Council instructed staff to draft an appropriate amendment, which will be presented at next Tuesday’s regular council meeting.

Coun. Nadia Hunter said she had visited neighbours who were raising chickens and was pleased at their inconspicuous presence in the backyard.

“Their chicken coop is inside one of those metal sheds.”

She also praised the economic benefits for locals raising chickens.

“It is unbelievable how many eggs those few chickens produce.”