HALIFAX - Interested in turning your urban yard into a rural idyll? Always wanted a piece of the country right here in the city?

On Wednesday at Halifax Hall, city staff are hosting a public information meeting regarding backyard laying hens and a proposed amendment to the Peninsula Land Use By-law. Following this meeting, the proposal will undergo a detailed review and staff will prepare a report to be tabled at Peninsula Community Council. If you're interested in the growing urban farm movement, this is the place to make yourself heard.

WHAT: Public information meeting regarding urban laying hens
WHERE: Halifax City Hall, 1841 Argyle St
WHEN: Wednesday February 10th at 7 pm

photo by Mark Lamovsek

HALIFAX - Enthusiasm for local food is on the rise in Halifax. One only needs to witness the bustle of the Saturday morning farmers’ market. It’s so busy that the market is moving to a bigger location to accommodate the crowds. New markets are popping up all over the city. Whether it’s from a North End street-side market or one found in a South End parking lot, more and more people are buying local food.

Although most Haligonians embrace the local food movement, Halifax city council isn’t on board; at least when it comes to urban poultry. The beginning of 2008 saw city council taking a stance against food security with its decision to ban backyard laying hens. Almost two years later, it seems that urban agriculture enthusiasts and amateur chicken farmers will get another chance to plead their case.

The issue first came into the limelight in January 2008 in the West End of Halifax. At the time, Louise Hanavan was raising three laying hens in her backyard, collecting fresh eggs and using the manure to compost her garden. But a complaint from a neighbour put an end to her small-scale urban farm. Reg Harper claimed that…

Co-written by Anna Duckworth and Mark Lamovsek

HALIFAX - Tonight is the much-anticipated Hallowe’en Critical Mass ride. And hopefully the beginning of a new chapter for the Halifax ride.

Critical Mass is an international monthly celebration of bikes and bike culture. In Halifax, cyclists gather at Victoria Park on the last Friday of every month to cruise around the city.

For most, Critical Mass is a chance to cycle safely, experience strength in numbers and celebrate life on bikes.

Despite Critical Mass’ generally celebratory and peaceful nature, it’s garnered some negative attention as of late. The ride has been associated with aggression, an effort to pit bikes against cars and even some police intervention.

Just last month, police stopped riders at the corner of Quinpool Road and Oxford Street. Historically, police seem to struggle with the concept of Critical Mass – perhaps because of its non-hierarchical, leader-less structure. No one is in charge during a ride.

The most recent police interference inspired a few cycling enthusiasts to get together to chat. It became clear at the meeting that Critical Mass represents a myriad of voices and opinions – a spirit of diversity and inclusivity.

While motivations for…