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NEWS 7 | Stouffville Sun-Tribune | Thursday, October 6, 2016 Residents flout municipal uReport bylaws to raise chickens From page 1. When you see news happening let us know... newsroom@yrmg.com www.facebook/yrmgnews @yorkregion yorkregion.com of the wedge," he said. "That if they give an inch, people will take a mile." Farlow's three chickens produce roughly 14 eggs a week. "That's good healthy food with minimal effort," he said. What is of greater importance for Farlow is that the chickens in his backyard have a far better life than those at a factory farm. They can roam free in his backyard in the evening before heading into the coop for the night. "We have great enjoyment watching them," he said. Farlow is one of many York Region residents flouting municipalities' bylaws to raise chickens. `They aren't noisy, they don't smell' Albert Wong (not his real name) is another confidential chicken keeper based in Markham. He doesn't see why the city has such an issue with backyard chickens. "They aren't noisy and they don't smell if you clean up every once in a while," he said. Four backyard chickens provide enough eggs for Wong's family for the year. He doesn't see why residents are allowed to have pigeons and rabbits in Markham, but not chickens, which actually produce nutritious food. "It doesn't make any sense," he said. Some towns in the region are looking to see if backyard chickens are a viable option. Newmarket has started pilot project in two of its wards that allows for backyard chickens. Residents interested have to submit an application and pass an inspection before they are allowed to take part in the program. Newmarket bylaw officer Andrew Brouwer said there are also a number of regulations to adhere to: including a maximum of three hens on a property, no roosters and hens must be kept in their coops from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. So far Brouwer said only three houses have signed up for the pilot program. Bylaw will report back to Newmarket council on the progress of the program in November. - With files from Chris Simon FALL SAVINGS Special Fall Savings Event Pricing + Up to $500 MAIL-IN FACTORY REBATE October 6 - 23 5688 Main St., Stouffville · 905-640-1424 · www.betzpools.com