March 15, 2021 / For Immediate Release

MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF LUNENBURG, NOVA SCOTIA – After 18 months of effort, the five municipalities in Lunenburg County have endorsed the Lunenburg County Accessibility Plan, created to improve accessibility in our region and meet the provincial mandate outlined in the Accessibility Act. The municipalities involved include the Town of Bridgewater, Town of Mahone Bay, Town of Lunenburg, Municipality of the District of Chester and the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg.

The Accessibility Plan was developed by the Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee, a committee of the five municipalities. The Committee is made up of members of the community with disabilities or with organizations that represent people with disabilities, staff, and Council members from each municipality. The Committee provided advice on identifying, preventing, and eliminating barriers experienced by people with disabilities in municipal programs, services, initiatives, and facilities, and worked with staff on the development and oversight of this plan.

Throughout the process, we heard from hundreds of people with disabilities and organizations that represent people with disabilities. The plan outlines the overarching goals for improving accessibility in Lunenburg County. It includes a summary of our community consultation and outlines how we will further identify, remove, and prevent barriers, and ways to evaluate the effect of our policies, programs, practices, and services on accessibility.

“Developing an accessibility plan for our county is a significant first step in reaching barrier-free communities. The journey we are collectively taking to erase those barriers is deliberate, responsive, and sensitive to our residents. It’s a journey I am personally happy to be making along with my colleagues and partners.” Warden Allen Webber, Municipality of Chester.

“Fostering a culture of accessibility, encouraging the prevention and removal of barriers to participation, and building capacity in these areas amongst municipal staff, Council members, and the public is of vital importance to the municipalities in Lunenburg County. I thank all of the members of the public who contributed to the development of the plan, and the Committee that moved this plan through to completion.” Mayor Carolyn Bolivar-Getson, Municipality of the District of Lunenburg.

“The Lunenburg County Accessibility Plan is a great example of what can be accomplished when our local governments work together with the best interests of our residents in mind.” David Mitchell, Town of Bridgewater.

“Accessibility is an important part of Lunenburg’s new Comprehensive Community Plan, with a focus on mobility throughout the town, facilities and services, and our built heritage. We look forward to working with our adjacent municipalities to improve accessibility for the town and all of Lunenburg County.” Mayor Matt Risser, Town of Lunenburg.

“It is important to our Council and our citizens that Mahone Bay is an inclusive town, one that is open to everyone; the development of this Accessibility Plan has been a tremendous first step to identifying ways that we can accommodate all who wish to enjoy our community.” Mayor David Devenne, Town of Mahone Bay.

Working towards equitable access for all members of our community means that every

For more information about the project, please visit our website at www.accessiblelunenburgcounty.ca, or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

-30-

Media contact:

Sarah Kucharski
Communications Officer
(902) 541-1328
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.