Backyard Chickens in the West of Montreal: the Truth
Backyard chickens in the West of Montreal have become a hot topic over the past few years.
Between rising grocery prices and the appeal of fresh eggs, a lot of homeowners are wondering if they can keep a few hens in the backyard. But each municipality has its own rules.
As someone who spends a lot of time exploring neighbourhoods across the West Island and Vaudreuil region, I dug into the bylaws for several local towns. If you’re dreaming of collecting eggs in your backyard, here’s what you need to know before building a coop.
Table of Contents
Are Backyard Chickens Allowed?
In Quebec, municipalities decide whether residents can keep chickens at home. Some towns allow a small number of egg-laying hens, while others prohibit them completely in residential areas. When chickens are permitted, they’re usually regulated with strict rules about coop size, distance from neighbours, cleanliness, and noise.
One rule is nearly universal: roosters are almost always prohibited because of the noise.
Chicken Rules by Municipality
1. L’Île-Perrot
Currently, backyard chickens are not permitted in residential zones in L’Île-Perrot. Petition efforts from residents suggest the City maintains regulations that prohibit raising livestock, including chickens, within residential areas.
2. Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot (NDIP)
NDIP has similarly strict residential bylaws regarding chickens. Backyard hens are generally not permitted in typical residential zones, though it’s always worth verifying with the municipality in case of pilot projects or special zoning exceptions.
3. Pincourt
Pincourt allows backyard hens, but specific rules apply.
Key requirements include:
Permit required: Installing a chicken coop and run requires a permit from the Town.
Number of hens: A minimum of 3 hens and a maximum of 5 hens are allowed per residential lot.
Roosters are not permitted.
The coop and enclosure must follow municipal setback and maintenance rules.
4. Vaudreuil-Dorion
Vaudreuil-Dorion allows backyard chickens under a regulated municipal program.
Key rules include:
Maximum 2 hens for smaller lots
Up to 5 hens for larger properties
Roosters are not allowed
A permit is required
Coops must be set back from property lines and kept clean to prevent odours.
5. Rigaud
Rigaud is one of the more chicken-friendly municipalities in the region, though regulations still apply.
Key requirements include:
Permit required: A permit costing $25 is required to establish a chicken coop.
Permitted areas: Chickens are allowed in certain zones (usually residential or rural).
Coop location: The chicken coop must be installed in the rear yard of the property.
Roosters are generally prohibited to prevent noise issues.
6. Les Cèdres
Les Cèdres has strong agricultural zoning. Chickens are generally permitted in rural or agricultural areas, though specific requirements depend on the property’s zoning and municipal regulations.
Did You Know?
Hens Don’t Need a Rooster to Lay Eggs
This surprises a lot of people.
A rooster is not required for hens to lay eggs. Hens will naturally lay eggs whether a rooster is present or not. The only difference is that without a rooster, the eggs are not fertilized, which means they can’t hatch into chicks.
That’s actually one of the reasons most municipalities allow only hens — you can still enjoy fresh eggs without the early-morning crowing that roosters are famous for.
Things to know
What Kind of Chickens Are Allowed?
Where backyard hens are permitted, the rules tend to be very similar across municipalities.
Egg-laying hens only
Roosters are almost always banned due to noise.
Small flocks
Most municipalities limit residents to two to five hens.
Proper coop construction
Coops must usually follow setback rules, ventilation standards, and cleanliness requirements.
No commercial activity
The chickens are intended for personal egg consumption only, not for selling eggs.
