There are bylaws in place with regulations for the keeping of limited numbers of bees and chickens on a residential property in Town.
These bylaws outline the conditions permitting chickens and beehives to be retained by residents within town limits for personal use only. There are some differences between Nanton and the regulation and processes of other communities, so please do review the bylaws and documents provided here before setting upon a path.
Documents
Review the Bee and Chicken License Handout
Fill out a Bee and Chicken application
Additional Resources - Chickens:
For Provincial and Federal information and regulations on chickens:
- Raising chickens in Alberta : a guide for small flock owners
- Alberta Farm Care
- General Information and links about small flock poultry
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency
- Premises Identification (PID) - all flock owners are required to have this
Premises Identification Number
Registering for a PID is essential for an approval. Premises Identification (PID), one of the pillars of traceability, links livestock and poultry to land locations or premises. The Premises Identification Program was established by the Province to plan for, control, and prevent the spread of animal diseases. It is also used as an early warning system to notify animal owners of a natural disaster such as a flood or fire that could affect their animals. Premises Identification (gov.ab.ca)
Courses and Workshops
The Town does not endorse or provide specific preparatory courses. Evidence of your having taken an online course or attended a specific workshop on Urban Chickens or Bees of your own selection will be sufficient. There are various free or affordable offerings available online.