Three guests were introduced including our Youth Exchange student Vivi.

Our birthday gal Barb, noted that her cheque was much less than most of her fellow Rotarians.

Justin reported on the Diamonds on the Deck event on June 21st with drinks, appetizers and a champagne toast to reveal the diamond winner.  One thing missing right now is the diamond!  He also needs a few volunteers.

Peter reported that the Lobster Feast is now SOLD OUT.  He also asks all monies from ticket sales to be handed over to him.

Dave reported that we now have 109 auction items at a value of approximately $30,000.  He has received 31 bottles of wine so far so PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR BOTTLE TO THE NEXT MEETING if you have not already done so.

Our Sheriff, Allan Markin levied fines on quite a few members including Brian, Barb, Rory, Laurence, Don, Justin, Dave, Gord, and Pat.

Ticket draw winner was Don Wilson who was unsuccessful at picking the winning card.

Our featured speaker was Anthony Haddad, Director Developmental Services, City of Penticton who spoke on  "Urban Agriculture and Backyard Hens"

Urban Agriculture

Anthony spoke about the pros of urban agriculture – locally grown produce in your own backyard:

• Promotes a healthy lifestyle
• Family Activity
• Physical Activity
• Education for children
• Low cost food source
• Creates culture of health

Penticton has the landscape, water and climate to sustain backyard agriculture as well as community gardens and a Farmer’s Market to sell locally grown produce.  Even the Lakeside Hotel grows its own produce for use in their restaurants.  

Backyard Hens  

Backyard coops have been allowed in various areas with much success (North Vancouver, Terrace, Vancouver, Victoria and Nanaimo to name a few).  Penticton council was approached in September 2012 to allow and assess backyard coops. 

Some of the issues considered were:

• Predators
• Number of hens
• Noise and odor
• Care of hens
• Lack of veterinary care
• Human health affects
• Waste disposal

Benefits included:

• Affordable, local food source
• Ensuring poultry welfare
• Education opportunities
• Source of compost

Council Direction

The council approved a pilot program of 18 month temporary use permits for a maximum of 5 hens with the coops and hen enclosures limited to backyards. These permits will be given to 25 properties for both single and duplex housing.  They will monitor and report back to council after 18 months.  These permits will be endorsed on May 21^st of this year.