Winnipeg backyard pigeon aviary must go, appeal committee rules

Winnipeg residents have successfully appealed a decision to allow a racing pigeon aviary at a city home.

A plan to allow an aviary for racing pigeons in the backyard of a Winnipeg home has been grounded by the city’s appeal committee.

A public hearing was held Wednesday as the city committee considered an appeal on an approved variance application that would allow the 42-square-foot aviary to remain in the backyard of a Strathcona Street home.

The initial variance application would allow for the aviary to continue housing flighted racing pigeons, a type of sport bird specifically bred and trained for racing and hobby use.

The homeowner Ronald Lobo applied for the variance after a bylaw officer visited his home and told him it was needed for the aviary to stay.

“I didn’t know that keeping pigeons in the city required a permit,” he said Wednesday.

The city’s urban planning and design division previously approved Lobo’s application that would allow the aviary to remain with conditions, including ensuring pigeons were kept on the property and contained within a loft and that the birds not be released during certain hours.

The initial decision said the variance was granted in part because the aviary is compatible with the area and would not create an adverse impact.

Still, two neighbours lodged an appeal against the decision.

They told the committee on Wednesday the racing pigeons, considered pests in Canada, could damage plants and crops, spread disease and generally cause a mess by roosting on roofs and scattering droppings.

“Right now, I’ve got stage four cancer, and it’s spread to my lungs, so I’m worried about the respiratory side of things myself, so I’ve got serious concerns about that,” said Russell Elliott, an appellant to the aviary, alongside his wife.

“We would rather not have these birds in our area,” Caroline Elliott said.

The Elliotts also collected signatures from a handful of other neighbours who oppose the aviary.

According to the appeals committee, the Winnipeg Airports Authority also opposed the application, citing “significant and avoidable aviation risks,” as the property is on the edge of a regulated airport protection area.

The committee also heard from Lobo. He said his 12 racing pigeons are a stress reliever for him and his 10-year-old son, who is on the autism spectrum and is non-verbal.

“It’s been a help to touch their feathers for sensory input and he copies them when they’re flapping their wings,” Lobo said.

“Sometimes he helps me feed them by carrying small packets of feed. It helps his motor, communication and responsibility skills to improve at the same time.”

He maintained his racing pigeons are not pests but, rather, domesticated animals. He built the aviary so they could spread their wings inside.

A letter was also read in support of the aviary, written by another neighbour.

“As someone who lives less than 100-feet from the structure, I have no concerns that it will negatively affect my quality of life. If anything, I expect the opposite,” Jacklyn Kennedy wrote.

The committee ultimately unanimously granted the appeal, with city councillors citing concerns the birds would pose a hazard to airplanes.

“For the family, who is getting very bad news today, I will absolutely, if they’re willing, work with them to rehome these pigeons,” said Coun. Sherri Rollins (Fort Rouge).

“I will offer my services as a city councillor to make sure that the transition, which is going to be very difficult, is as easy as possible for them.”

- With files from CTV’s Jeff Keele