Can I keep chickens, bees, or livestock on my property?

Backyard hens & livestock — East Gwillimbury, Ontario

In the Town of East Gwillimbury, Ontario, hens permitted: True; max hens: four (4); roosters prohibited: True; bees permitted: True. Source: Animal Care and Control By-law 2020-085 (as amended by By-law 2024-004), verified 2026-08-28.

Animal Care and Control By-law 2020-085 (as amended by By-law 2024-004) adopted bylaw

hens permitted	True	s. 14.1 (2024-004)
max hens	four (4)	s. 14.9 (2024-004)
roosters prohibited	True	s. 14.23 (2024-004)
bees permitted	True	s. 15.1
livestock rule	Must meet OMAFRA minimum distance separation requirements; 7-metre setback from property line for structures not requiring permit.	s. 12.10, 12.11
permit or licence	Licence required for Hens on Residential Property; $100 Licensing fee.	s. 14.1, 14.2 (2024-004)
setback	Hen coop: 3m from dwelling, 2m from lot line. Apiary: 30m from lot line or dwelling.	s. 14.13 (2024-004); s. 15.3

scout note

Licensed backyard hens permitted, max 4 hens per lot (except rural zone), rear-yard coop only, 3m from dwellings/2m from property line; also permits apiaries on 1+ acre lots, 30m from neighbouring dwellings.