Pigeonholed: Georgina hosts online survey to consider allowing domestic pigeons

Georgina hosts domestic pigeon information night, online survey

Yorkregion.com
May 4, 2023
Amanda Persico

Georgina wants to hear from you on whether the town should allow domestic pigeons.

To better understand the issues and attitudes of residents, the town is hosting an online survey.

Domestic pigeons are a species that live near humans and are bred as pets as racing or homing pigeons.

Historically, pigeons were used to deliver mail and messages. Many are currently bred for racing competitions.

Some of the restrictions suggesting in the online survey include minimum setbacks from property lines, neighbouring buildings and a minimum lot size; restricting the number of pigeons and number and time of flights; limiting pigeons to certain areas; and establishing a pigeon licence.

The online survey closes May 25.

The town is also hosting a public information centre May 9, 7 to 9 p.m. at the Civic Centre, 26557 Civic Centre Rd.

Town development services and bylaw staff will be available during the public information centre to provide background information, answer questions and receive comments from the public.

Currently, town bylaws allow raising pigeons in a few select rural areas where the lot size permit. There is no restriction on the number of pigeons on rural-zoned properties, but there is a three-bird limit on all other zoned properties.

For more information, visit georgina.ca/pigeons.