By Nigel Maxwell

Nosy neighbour ruffles some feathers in Prince Albert

Apr 25, 2016 | 7:24 AM

Sometimes the best laid plans do fall through, and for Prince Albert’s Lusi Wells this means giving up her chickens.

Wells has kept three chickens in a custom-made coop in her back yard for almost a year. She said she never heard one complaint from neighbours until last Thursday when she received a visit from the city’s bylaw officer.

“The saddest part is whoever complained, never came and told me they had problems with it,” Wells said. “I would have definitely fixed it had somebody come and tell me ‘they’re too loud; I can’t stand it.’ I would have gotten rid of them without having to call the police force.”

Wells did not impulsively procure chickens. She said she educated herself for over a year and learned how to take care of the birds before finally purchasing them.

She knew keeping fowl within city limits was prohibited, but thought nobody would mind only three chickens. And with the exception of one neighbour, the birds were a big hit on the block.

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“My neighbour’s kids come and play, and my daughter’s friends come and play. Many of them have never seen a chicken before. Many children don’t know where the eggs come from,” Wells said.

Wells has been given until Thursday to get rid of the chickens. She said she has found a farm for them but is still having a hard time letting go.

“They’re like family members, they’re like any pet you get at home. You love it,” she said adding her daughter is particularly heartbroken, as she recently named the chickens.

A spokesperson for the city sympathized with Wells, but said a bylaw is a bylaw.

Craig Guidinger, P.A. planning manager, added the city is open to reviewing the rule down the road.

“Our official community plan did identify food security as something that is a priority. There are a number of ways we can achieve that whether it’s through community gardens (or) partnerships with schools. Urban live stock is something larger cities are now allowing.”

Guidinger said the city has no official plan to change the bylaw, but encouraged interested people to contact city hall.

nmaxwell@panow.com

On twitter: @nigelmaxwell