The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg is changing course on proposed limits to backyard livestock after receiving strong opposition from residents.

As part of a draft municipal planning strategy, the municipality had proposed new rules for small-scale livestock operations. The plan would have tied the number of animals allowed to the size of a person’s property—one animal unit per acre. That meant most homeowners would be limited to just one cow, one horse, four goats, or 20 chickens or rabbits per acre. Additional animals would only be allowed with additional land.

Roosters would only be permitted on properties of at least 10,000 square metres, or 2.5 acres, and new structures for animal housing and manure storage would need to follow strict setback rules.

But Mayor Elspeth McLean Wile said the strategy was met with a wave of negative feedback.

“There was a huge backlash—an overwhelming response from residents concerned about the restrictions in the planning document,” McLean Wile said. “Most people responded because of the limitations on small-scale agriculture, such as raising poultry and livestock for personal use.”

At the upcoming council meeting council is expected to direct staff to take the current strategy back for revisions. McLean Wile says the goal now is to develop a version that better reflects the needs and character of the rural district.

“We’ve listened, and we’re responding—but we need your help to create a policy that works for our entire district,” she said. “We need to find the right balance between planning for growth and preserving the things we love about living here—especially the rural lifestyle that’s so important to our community.”

Once a revised version is ready, the municipality plans to notify all households by mail with details on when and where public meetings will be held in each district. Residents will have another opportunity to speak with staff and councillors about the updated plan.