Project Information

The Winston Heights–Mountview Community Association is planning a community-managed Urban Hen Program centred around a shared community chicken coop located at the community centre.

The proposed setup includes:

  • One central coop (approx. 10 ft × 10 ft)
  • A fully enclosed run (approx. 40 ft × 15 ft)
  • A managed flock of approximately 20–30 hens
  • No roosters

In addition to operating the community coop, the program will deliver:

  • City-aligned Urban Hen training
  • Hands-on education and resources for new and prospective hen keepers
  • A by-donation, City-required training course to support participants applying for Calgary’s Urban Hen Program

This initiative is designed to meet or exceed City standards for animal welfare, biosecurity, and responsible urban livestock management, while serving as a practical education hub for the broader community.

About the Program

The Winston Heights–Mountview Community Association is launching a community-based Urban Hen Program aligned with the City of Calgary’s Urban Hen Program. The initiative promotes responsible animal care, community education, sustainability, and local food awareness, while fostering meaningful neighbourhood engagement.

The program will operate from the community centre and be supported by structured training, clear governance, and ongoing collaboration with City partners. Our goal is to establish a well-managed, educational model that supports participants, hens, and the surrounding community.

Project Momentum

Since inception, the project has gained strong momentum:

  • Interest from 25 residents wanting to volunteer for the Chicken Committee
  • Active engagement with City Planning, Legal, Parks & Forestry, and the Urban Hen Program
  • Positive feedback and enthusiasm from City leadership and program directors
  • Record-breaking community engagement on social media, indicating strong local interest

This program is built on transparency, education, and best practices, ensuring animal welfare and community alignment remain central at every stage.

Get Involved

If you’re interested in supporting the Urban Hen Program or joining the Chicken Committee, please complete the interest form we’ve created so we can keep you informed and involved.

Community Support

Community involvement is the foundation of this initiative. Residents have shown strong interest not only in participating, but in helping guide the program responsibly.

Ways community members can support the program include:

  • Volunteering through the Chicken Committee
  • Participating in training and education sessions
  • Supporting the program through donations or advocacy

All funds raised support:

  • Coop and run infrastructure
  • Training and educational materials
  • Animal welfare and veterinary support
  • Program administration and long-term sustainability

If the Donate button doesn’t work on mobile click here.

Letters of Support to Local Government

Letters of support from residents, community groups, and local businesses play an important role in demonstrating broad-based backing for the Winston Heights Urban Hen Program.

We encourage community members and stakeholders to submit letters of support to local government representatives to help reinforce the value, responsibility, and community interest behind this initiative. These letters help highlight that the program is well-supported, thoughtfully planned, and aligned with community needs.

Letters may be sent to:

Key points you may wish to include:

  • Your support for a community-based Urban Hen Program
  • The importance of education, sustainability, and responsible animal care
  • The positive impact of community-led initiatives in Winston Heights
  • Any personal or professional perspective you have on why this program matters

Letters can be brief and do not need to be formal, sincere, thoughtful messages from residents and local businesses are highly effective.

Business & Community Partnerships

Local businesses play a critical role in helping this program succeed. We invite businesses to support the Urban Hen Program through financial or in-kind contributions.

Suggested Contribution Levels

🌱 Community Supporter — $100

  • Business name listed on the permanent Thank You plaque at the community centre

🐣 Program Partner — $250

  • Prominent placement on the Thank You plaque
  • Recognition as a local program supporter

🐔 Community Champion — $500+

  • Premium placement on the Thank You plaque
  • Recognition as a key supporter of a City-approved, community-led initiative

(In-kind donations or professional services are welcome and recognized at equivalent levels.)

Business Recognition

All contributing businesses will:

  • Be recognized on a permanent Thank You plaque displayed at the community centre
  • Be acknowledged as supporters of a visible, community-driven initiative
  • Help fund a high-engagement, locally supported program

If the Donate button doesn’t work on mobile click here.