Help Save Our Chickens
Protect Hamilton’s S1 Rural Settlement Communities
Our Mission
Hamilton’s S1 Rural Settlement communities are unique. These communities—Alberton, Carlisle, Concession 5 & Centre Road, Copetown, Flamborough Centre, Freelton, Greensville, Jerseyville, Kirkwall, Lynden, Millgrove, Orkney, Rockton, Sheffield, Strabane, Tapleytown, Troy, Westover, and Woodburn—each have their own history, character, and identity.
Many residents rely on private wells, septic systems, rural roads, and limited municipal services. These communities are fundamentally different from Hamilton’s urban neighbourhoods and have long reflected a distinct pattern of rural living.
Recent enforcement of Hamilton’s Zoning By-law regarding backyard hens has brought many residents together. While this issue has become the catalyst for community involvement, this initiative is about something much broader: ensuring that S1 Rural Settlement communities continue to be recognized for their unique character and that residents have the opportunity to participate in decisions affecting their communities.
We are encouraging Hamilton City Council to review the current zoning approach affecting S1 Rural Settlement communities, engage directly with residents, and explore practical solutions that reflect the realities of these established rural communities.
Our approach is built on respect, factual information, transparency, and constructive dialogue.
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Why This Matters
S1 Rural Settlement communities were established with characteristics that differ significantly from Hamilton’s urban neighbourhoods. Larger properties, private servicing, agricultural surroundings, and lower-density development continue to shape the way many of these communities function today.
Many residents chose these communities because of that unique lifestyle.
Recent enforcement of the City’s zoning regulations regarding backyard hens has raised broader questions about whether the current zoning framework continues to reflect the character and long-standing nature of these communities.
Several residents have received Orders to Comply advising that backyard hens are not a permitted use under the current zoning interpretation.
For many residents, this has become an opportunity to begin a broader conversation about how S1 Rural Settlement communities are represented within Hamilton’s planning framework and whether existing policies should be reviewed.
Municipal policies should evolve alongside the communities they serve. We believe respectful discussion, supported by facts and community participation, can help identify practical solutions that balance responsible regulation with the realities of rural settlement living.
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Take Action
Your Voice Matters
Meaningful change begins when residents become involved.
Whether you currently own backyard hens, hope to in the future, or simply believe Hamilton’s S1 Rural Settlement communities deserve thoughtful representation, your participation matters.
Attend the Roads Town Hall Meeting
Date: Thursday, July 23
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre
This meeting provides an opportunity for residents to come together and demonstrate that the future of Hamilton’s S1 Rural Settlement communities is important.
Following the Roads Town Hall, if Councillor Craig Cassar is available, residents are encouraged to respectfully ask whether he would spend a few minutes discussing concerns affecting S1 Rural Settlement communities.
Personal conversations help elected officials better understand how municipal policies affect the people who live in these communities.
If you attend, please be respectful, share your own experiences, and encourage constructive discussion. Positive, respectful conversations are often the most effective way to create lasting change.
Can’t Attend?
You can still support this initiative by:
Sharing this website with friends, family, and neighbours who live in S1 Rural Settlement communities.
Encouraging others to stay informed and become involved.
Following future updates and opportunities to participate.
Every voice strengthens our community.
Fill out our online form to keep you up to date with the latest news on the matters at hand.
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Our Goals
This initiative encourages a constructive review of how Hamilton’s S1 Rural Settlement communities are represented within the City’s current zoning framework.
We are asking Hamilton City Council to:
Review the Current Zoning Approach
Examine whether the current zoning framework accurately reflects the character and long-standing nature of S1 Rural Settlement communities.
Engage with Residents
Provide meaningful opportunities for residents to share their experiences, concerns, and ideas before decisions affecting their communities are made.
Recognize the Unique Nature of S1 Communities
Acknowledge that S1 Rural Settlement communities differ from Hamilton’s urban neighbourhoods in their development patterns, infrastructure, and community character.
Explore Practical Solutions
Consider policy options that balance responsible regulation with the realities of rural settlement living, including reviewing the current approach to backyard hens.
Promote Consistency
Review how Hamilton’s policies compare with those of neighbouring municipalities and consider approaches that are practical, balanced, and appropriate for rural settlement communities.
What We Are Asking For
This initiative is intended to encourage thoughtful, evidence-based discussion.
Our objective is not simply to raise concerns, but to work collaboratively toward practical solutions that respect the unique character of Hamilton’s S1 Rural Settlement communities while supporting responsible municipal planning.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this issue happening now?
Hamilton has recently been enforcing the Zoning By-law in S1 Rural Settlement communities and has advised some residents that backyard hens are not a permitted use under the current zoning interpretation. Several residents have received Orders to Comply requiring the removal of their hens.
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Is this only about backyard hens?
No.
Although backyard hens brought many residents together, this initiative focuses on ensuring that S1 Rural Settlement communities are appropriately represented within Hamilton’s planning framework and that residents have an opportunity to participate in decisions affecting their communities.
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What is an S1 Rural Settlement Community?
S1 Rural Settlement communities are established rural communities located within the City of Hamilton. They differ from urban neighbourhoods in their development patterns, infrastructure, and community character.
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Are we asking for unrestricted backyard hens?
No.
We support responsible ownership and appropriate regulations that protect both residents and the community.
The discussion is about exploring practical solutions that reflect the realities of S1 Rural Settlement communities.
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Why are residents asking Council to review this issue?
Many residents believe the current zoning approach should be reviewed to determine whether it continues to reflect the character and long-standing nature of S1 Rural Settlement communities.
Residents are asking Council to hear directly from the people affected before considering future policy decisions.
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How can I help?
You can help by:
Attending public meetings.
Contacting your Ward Councillor.
Sharing factual information with neighbours.
Staying informed about future meetings.
Encouraging respectful and constructive discussion.
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Where can I learn more?
This website will continue to be updated with City documents, meeting information, community updates, and additional resources as they become available.
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Supporting Documents & Resources
Residents deserve access to the same publicly available information used to make decisions affecting their communities.
This page will continue to expand as new information becomes available.
Here you will find:
City Documents
Hamilton by-laws
Zoning information
Staff reports
Council reports
Committee reports
Public Meetings
Upcoming Council meetings
Committee meetings
Public Information Centres
Community meetings
Background Information
Information about S1 Rural Settlement communities
Planning policies
Rural settlement planning
Comparable policies in neighbouring municipalities
Community Updates
Regular updates including:
Meeting summaries
Council decisions
Planning updates
Community announcements
Our goal is to provide residents with accurate, factual information so they can make informed decisions and participate effectively in discussions affecting their communities.
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Transparency Matters
We encourage residents to read original City documents, ask questions, and become informed.
An informed community is a stronger community.
This website is intended to serve as a central resource where residents can access information, stay informed, and learn how to participate in the municipal process.
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Contact Us
Dawn Vessey C:289-684-5791. email dawnvessey@msn.com
Jenny Fennema 905-317-7708 mrsjfennema@gmail.com
We are two neighbours who love our chickens and want to make a difference not only in our community but yours as well.
Location effected: Jerseyville
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Contact the City
These are the four city councillors in the Rural areas. Please reach out to your appropriate councillor. We applogize if we have missed a councillor for your area. If this is the case, please reach out and we will add their contact information to this page.
Let's blow up their inboxes!
Craig Cassar (Councillor for Ward 12)
905-546-2704
Mark Tadeson (Ward 11)
905-546-2110
Alex Wilson (Ward 13)
alex.wilson@hamilton.ca
905-546-2714
Ted McMeekin (Councillor for Ward 15)
905-546-2713
May I remind you that the city is having a municipal election THIS OCTOBER... Let's see who takes this seriously.
