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Local woman wants to keep chickens in back yard

Jun 13, 2016 | 6:17 AM

North Battleford will discuss a request from a local woman to keep hens in her backyard and a tax incentive program for businesses.

Tara Karp of North Battleford has requested permission to turn a shed in her backyard into a chicken coop.

According to a letter Karp wrote to council, she has more than enough space in her backyard to accommodate the birds. Signatures from neighbors stating their acknowledgment and approval will be provided at the council meeting.

Staff is recommending council deny Karp’s request. City Manager, James Puffalt, stated in a report to council he doesn’t believe there is sufficient space in her yard for chickens.

Puffalt has recommended the Animal Control Bylaw be amended to remove the provision saying a person can keep an animal listed in the bylaw if council approves their request.

Council will also discuss the implementation of a new tax incentive policy aimed at providing support for businesses and economic development.

If approved, tax incentives will be given to any business that constructs or renovates a building. Job creation, industry, location and permanency of the project will determine the amount of incentive.

The amount of incentive given to a business would be determined through a Tax incentive Matrix- the higher a business is on the matrix, the more incentive it will receive.

 

ghiggins@jpbg.ca

@realgreghiggins