Request to Attend this Public Hearing Virtually
Council for Big Lakes County is considering a proposed amendment to the Big Lakes County Land Use Bylaw No. 26-2024. The purpose of proposed Bylaw No. 09-2025 is as follows:
- That Section 4.33 Keeping of Animals be amended as follows:
Delete:
(c) On parcels larger than 0.4 ha (1 ac) in area, outdoor animals shall be allowed in accordance with the provisions of the Agricultural Operations and Practices Act.
Add:
(c) In the Country Residential District, on parcels of land larger than 0.4 ha (1 ac) in area, livestock shall be limited to no more than one (1) animal unit per 0.4 ha (1 ac), to a maximum of six (6) animal units per parcel as defined by the table below. The number and type of animals allowed may be mixed but the total number of animals allowed shall not exceed the sum of the total number of animal units allowed.
| Type of Livestock | Number of animals equivalent to one animal unit |
| Cows* | 1 |
| Horses* | 1 |
| Sheep/Goats/Pigs* (excluding wild boars) | 2 |
| Poultry (Chicken/Ducks/Geese) | 12 |
| Rabbits | 20 |
| Other | At the discretion of the Development Authority |
*Calves, foals, lambs, kids, and piglets not weaned are not considered to be animal units.
| Parcel Size | Number of animal units |
| Less than 0.40 ha (less than 1 ac) | 0 |
| 0.40 – 0.80 ha (1 – 1.99 ac) | 1 |
| 0.81 – 1.21 ha (2 – 2.99 ac) | 2 |
| 1.22 – 1.61 ha (3 – 3.99 ac) | 3 |
| 1.62 – 2.02 ha (4 – 4.99 ac) | 4 |
| 2.03 – 2.42 ha (5 – 5.99 ac) | 5 |
| 2.43 ha or larger (6 ac or larger) | 6 |
(d) Adequate fencing and/or buffering shall be constructed to the satisfaction of the Development Authority to ensure the on-site confinement of livestock and to reduce the impact of noise, odour and/or visual presence on surrounding properties.
(e) Adequate measures if required by Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation under the Agricultural Operation Practices Act (AOPA) and/or the local Health Authority, for the disposal of animal wastes shall be provided to the satisfaction of the Development Authority.
(f) Plans for animal disposal may be requested at the discretion of the Development Authority.
(g) Wild Boars and feral pigs are strictly prohibited in Big Lakes County, unless kept in accordance with the Big Lakes County Wild Boar Bylaw.
(h) Other species of animal not specifically included in the table may be considered at the discretion of the Development Officer.
(i) The keeping of animals, not in accordance with subsection (c), shall only be allowed upon issuance of a discretionary use development permit approval in those circumstances considered exceptional or unique by the Development Authority. The applicant must give reasons why a larger number of animal units should be authorized than allowed in this Bylaw.
2. That Part 5: Definitions be amended as follows:
Add:
LIVESTOCK: means poultry, horses, cattle, sheep, swine, goats, bison, and similar animals.
Copies of the proposed Land Use Bylaw Amendment may be examined by contacting the office of the County Administration Office between the hours of 8:15 a.m. to noon and 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Any person, group of persons, or person representing them who claims to be affected by the proposed bylaw amendment may make an oral or written submission to Council for consideration. Written submissions must be received no later than 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 and must include the name of the signatories and how each signatory is affected by the subject matter of the public hearing.
The Public Hearing will be held on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at the Big Lakes County Administration Office at 5305 – 56 Street, High Prairie. Any person wishing to attend the public hearing electronically must register to do so through the County’s website, biglakescounty.ca, at least five (5) calendar days prior to the commencement of the public hearing. A link will be provided to registered attendees before commencement of the public hearing.
For more information contact Amanda Backs, Planning & Development Manager.
*Proposed bylaw will not affect properties in the Agriculture District.
Example #1
Example #2
