Horses are a familiar site around Northlands but many Edmontonians might be surprised to learn the site is also home to hens and bees.
“When cared for properly, hens are great city pets to have,” Margaret Fisher, a volunteer with River City Chickens, said.
Fisher was speaking at an information event hosted by Northlands Sunday regarding urban hen keeping.
Northlands is one of 50 sites around the city participating in the city’s Urban Hen Keeping Pilot Project.
The pilot began in 2014 with the goal of assessing the feasibility of having hens in the city in a controlled setting.
“The pilot was very successful. There were a few problems that were easily mitigated and now we’re moving forward,” Fisher said. “After a year, I think they’ll review {again} and see how things are going.”
The pilot was extended for another year earlier this spring and the number of licences increased from 19 to 50. Northlands is now home to seven hens.
“There’s nothing about hens that make them inappropriate to have in the city. They’re fun, they’re safe, they have these wonderful byproducts that are nutritious- and it’s educational for us all to know where our food comes from,” Fisher added.
But she explains hen keeping is not for everyone.
“What I don’t want is people going on a whim and getting some chickens and not knowing anything about them,” she said. “That concerns me. We unfortunately see that far too often in our society with animals.”
READ MORE: Edmonton Urban Hen enthusiasts can now apply for licences
Northlands has also been buzzing with bees for nearly two years now, since hives were introduce to Northlands’ 31,000 square foot urban garden.
“I think there is an interest in urban beekeeping,” Dustin Bajer, bee enthusiast and education consultant with Northlands said.
The City of Edmonton changed its bylaws in 2015 to allow for urban beekeeping and Northlands was one of the first locations to hop on board.
“I think it’s more than a fad. It’s trend that we’re starting to see in urban cities,” Bajer said.
Local experts were on hand Sunday to share their knowledge and love of bees with those interested in getting their own hives started.
READ MORE: Urban beehives growing in popularity across Canada
“I’m always amazed when there’s an event like this – there’s a big crowd of newbies wanting to know more,” Fisher added. “Some people want to be close to nature, some want to learn more about where their food comes from.”
WATCH:Urban bee-keeping in Edmonton
Sunday’s event was part of Alberta Open Farm Days. Over 50 Alberta farmers and ranchers are opening their gates inviting urban and rural neighbours to learn more about where their food comes from.