Urban Farmer

24 HOURS: Chickens on your block?
By MATT KIELTYKA, 24 HOURS

Backyard hens are making their way up city council's pecking order.

Following their meeting Wednesday night, the Vancouver Food Policy Council will pitch council to change city bylaws to allow residents to raise chickens at home for food.

"There is a lot of interest around this issue," said Trish Kelly of the food policy council.

"It goes with the trend of eating local food and having things like community gardens."

Coun. Andrea Reimer sees it as a great way for people to access local food.

"Obviously it's not for everybody, but I can't imagine why you wouldn't want as much food produced within city limits as possible," she said.

"I've casually spoken with most of the councillors and they're broadly supportive of the concept."

http://andreareimer.typepad.com/in_the_news/2009/01/courier-playing-chic...

January 21, 2009
COURIER: Playing Chicken
Jeff Nield
Vancouver Courier

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

From curbside on a brisk autumn morning on a quiet Mount Pleasant block just west of Main Street, a neatly kept house gives no hint that illegal activity is taking place out back. But, in a city rife with well concealed grow-ops, local residents know that looks can be deceiving. Mary, the retired owner of the property, is as non-threatening as her house, and on first impression she wouldn't fit anyone's stereotype of a lawbreaker.