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.
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.
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 12 hens to start, reviewed yearly with the city.
- No roosters
Outside the feedback form listed below, if you have a question or would like to get in touch, including media inquiries, please email chickens@winstonheights.ca
🐔 Donate $100+ and Help Name a Community Chicken
Name a Chicken! Donate $100 or more and suggest a name for one of the community chickens in the donation comments. If we receive more qualifying donations than chickens available, names will be selected through a random draw. WHMCA reserves the right to decline any names that do not align with our Code of Conduct or community standards. Selected chicken names will be announced once the coop opens.
Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated. Additional funds will help support the ongoing care of the hens and operation of the program, including feed, supplies, educational resources, and maintenance of the coop and run.
If the Donate button doesn’t work on mobile click here.
Supported by residents of Winston Heights and endorsed by MLA Lizette Tejada, MP Corey Hogan, and Councillor DJ Kelly.
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.
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
Conceptual Layout
This video illustrates the proposed size, layout, and general structure of the community chicken coop. The location shown is preliminary and not finalized. Final placement and design details are being developed in consultation with a licensed architect prior to submission of the development permit.
Get Involved
If you’re interested in supporting the Urban Hen Program or joining the Chicken Committee, please complete the feedback form we’ve created so we can keep you informed and involved.
Project Momentum
Since inception, the project has gained strong momentum:
- Interest from over 40 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.
Media Coverage
CBC Calgary Eyeopener Interview
Winston Heights–Mountview Community Chicken Coop Pilot – March 16th, 2026
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:
Or click the links below to automatically generate a draft email you can review and personalize before sending.
- Our City Councillor DJ Kelly (Ward 4)
- Our MLA Lizette Tejada
- Our Member of Parliament (MP) Corey Hogan
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
Supported by residents of Winston Heights and endorsed by MLA Lizette Tejada, MP Corey Hogan, and Councillor DJ Kelly.
If the Donate button doesn’t work on mobile click here.