Public Notice: Temporary Closure Miller Point Peace Park

Please be advised that Miller Point Peace Park will be closed on Thursday, April 30 to allow for further trail construction. Access to the inner park will re-open on May 1.

Thank you for your cooperation as we make improvements to the park.

Celebrating community volunteers

The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg honoured volunteers from across the municipality during its annual Municipal Volunteer Recognition Night, held April 22 at the Best Western in Cookville.

The event celebrated individuals who contribute their time, skills, and compassion to a wide range of community efforts, including emergency services, recreation and sport, health and wellness, arts and culture, heritage, faith-based organizations, and community halls. Together, the recipients represent many decades of volunteer service and reflect the strength and spirit of communities throughout the district.

“Volunteers are the backbone of our communities,” says Mayor Elspeth McLean-Wile. “Whether they are responding to emergencies, supporting programs, preserving local history, or bringing people together, these individuals make a meaningful difference every day.”

Recipients recognized during the evening included:

• Colin Purcell and Jérémie Gauthier, Dayspring & District Fire Department
• Sue Rushton, Elderfit Lunenburg
• George Bush and Jerry Read, Hebbville Fire Department
• Brandon Rafuse and Phillip Rafuse, Italy Cross/Middlewood Fire Department
• Michelle Elrick, New Germany Area Promotion Society
• Dawn Whynot and Dexter Bond, New Germany Canada Day Committee
• David Melvin and Laura Melvin, Parkdale/Maplewood Community Centre Association
• Debbi Campbell and Sandy Hagell, Parkdale/Maplewood Community Museum
• Cathy Spidle and Pete McKean, Pinehurst Community Hall
• Anne Sullivan, Pleasantville Baptist Church
• Rickey Spidle, Riverport & District Fire Department
• Darlene Wentzell and Lorraine Snyder, Rosedale Home for Special Care
• Amy Foster, Seahawks Minor Football Club
• Blaine Stoll and Stephanie Smith, The 644 Revitalization Network
• Alicia Barkhouse, Thunder FC
• Corrine Collicutt, Walden Volunteer Fire DepartmentMike Wilson 600x400
• Mike Wilson, Wentzells Lake

During a previous Council meeting vote, teacher Mike Wilson of Wentzells Lake was selected to represent the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg at the Provincial Volunteer Recognition Event. Wilson has volunteered for nearly a decade with the New Germany Area IWK Toy Drive and the local Legion and is also involved in caring for Commonwealth soldiers’ grave sites. Known for his quiet leadership and reliability, he was recognized for his ongoing commitment to giving back and supporting families and community traditions.

The Municipality extends its sincere thanks to all volunteers who were honoured, as well as to the many others who contribute behind the scenes throughout the year. Their dedication helps make the District of Lunenburg a caring, connected, and resilient place to live.

Public Notice – Municipality-wide Land Use Planning Project

Public Notice – Municipality-wide Land Use Planning Project

Please take notice that the following meetings will be held regarding the Municipality-wide Land Use Planning Project:

Special Council Meeting
Date: Monday, April 28, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Council Chambers, Municipal Office, 10 Allée Champlain Drive, Cookville

At this meeting, Planning staff will provide a brief overview of Draft #2 engagement and key themes identified from public input.

Planning Advisory Committee (PAC) Meeting
Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Council Chambers, Municipal Office,10 Allée Champlain Drive, Cookville

At the meeting, resident feedback on Draft #2 of the Municipality-wide Land Use Planning Project will be reviewed. Planning staff will present a summary of engagement results and outline proposed edits to the Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law based on input from the public and Council. The Planning Advisory Committee will then discuss and provide recommendations to Council.

The public is welcome to attend both meetings.

Copies of the Municipal Planning Strategy, Land Use By-law, and related staff reports are available at the Municipal Office, 10 Allée Champlain Drive, Cookville, NS, during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), and online at the Municipality-wide Land Use Planning page on Engage MODL.
For more information, please contact Planning Staff at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (902) 530-2802.

Public Notice: Open Wells

Please be advised that it is unlawful to maintain an open well on private property. Open wells pose a significant safety hazard to the public.

If the Municipality becomes aware of an open well that has not been properly secured or remedied by the property owner, the Municipality may arrange for the necessary work to be completed. All associated costs will be charged to the property owner and may be registered as a lien against the property.

Any person who is aware of an open well is encouraged to contact the Municipal Office by telephone at (902) 541‑1325 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Special Council Meeting - April 28, 2026

A Special Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 beginning at 6:00 p.m. to receive the What We Heard report regarding the draft Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law.

Click  pdf Public Notice(51 KB) to view it in its entirety.

Public Information Session - Osprey Village 60631009 Rezoning

A public information session is scheduled to discuss proposed amendments to the Secondary Planning Strategy and Land Use Bylaw of the Osprey Village Planned Area, including a rezoning of PID# 60631009.

The session will take place on April 22, 2026 at 6 p.m. at Council Chambers in the Municipal Office, 10 Allée Champlain Drive, Cookville.

Interested members of the public are encouraged to attend to learn more about the proposed amendment and ask questions.

If you are unable to attend the event in person, you are also invited to participate in the Public Information Session by:

• sending an e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• sending a letter at 10 Allée Champlain Drive, Cookville, NS, B4V 9E4.

If you are interested in following the progress of this plan review, please follow this project on Engage MODL. If you have any questions on this review, please send us an e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Phase 1 Improvements Set to Begin at Sawpit Wharf Park

The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg is pleased to share that Phase 1 of major improvements at Sawpit Wharf Park will soon be underway, launching a multi-year project that will transform this waterfront destination. 

Located on Back Harbour Road in the community of Garden Lots, Sawpit Wharf Park is a valued public space offering waterfront access, boat launch, daWharf with boats on watery use areas, and green space. Phase 1 includes removal of the existing wooden wharf — closed last year due to safety concerns — and construction of a new wharf and expanded floating dock system, along with upgrades to the boat launch area.

As a result of this work, temporary disruptions will occur during the 2026 boating season. Floating dock space for punts will not be available, affecting approximately 30 boaters most directly. Design, wharf demolition, and construction will begin late spring.

The park and boat launch will remain open as much as feasible, though users should expect intermittent interruptions. Boaters are encouraged to make alternative arrangements for the season. A Department of Natural Resources boat launch in nearby First Peninsula remains available for public use, though parking is limited.

“We know this work will cause short-term disruption, especially for those who rely on the wharf and floating dock during boating season,” said Mayor Elspeth McLean-Wile. “But this investment is about safety, accessibility, and the long-term future of Sawpit Wharf Park. The improvements underway this season will create a better experience for everyone, and the wait will be well worth it.”

Phase 1 improvements include:

• A new timber pile wharf
• A new floating dock system for punts and tenders
• An accessible canoe and kayak launch
• Improvements to the boat launch

Future phases will add accessible parking and restroom facilities, shaded and recreation areas, and walkways, further enhancing the park’s inclusivity and usability.

These improvements are guided by extensive community input. Public consultation began in 2024 and concluded with a final concept report in October 2024, shaping a new vision for this key community space.

The Municipality will provide regular project updates and encourages residents to follow its Recreation Facebook page for the most up-to-date information.

For background information, visit the Engage MODL project page for Sawpit Wharf Park: https://engage.modl.ca/sawpitwharfpark

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Salmon Stories: Voices of Indian Falls

The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg is moving forward with Salmon Stories: Voices of Indian Falls, a community led public art project that will blend sculpture, storytelling, and interactive audio to share the many histories connected to one of the region’s most visited natural spaces. 

Created by Nova Scotia artist Ashton Rodenhiser of Mind’s Eye Creative, the installation will feature a large wooden salmon sculpture paired with an onsite audio component. Visitors will be able to hear recorded stories gathered from residents, elders, and individuals with cultural, recreational, and historical ties to Indian Falls. 

Over the past several months, Rhodeniser and community story collector David Moser of Legacy Chronicles have been meeting with community members to capture a wide range of perspectives. Stories collected include memories of swimming at the falls, experiences with the salmon run and fishway, and reflections linked to the former Mi’kmaq connected reserve community once located across the river. 

“As an artist, my job is to listen first,” Rhodeniser explains. “These stories are shaping every part of this work. The salmon is symbolic, but the heart of the project is the people behind it. With the interactive audio, visitors will be able to hear those voices and understand why Indian Falls holds meaning for so many.” 

The Municipality says the project reflects its commitment to inclusive storytelling, cultural visibility, and creating public spaces that support belonging. Engagement with Mi’kmaq knowledge holders and cultural organizations is underway to help ensure the installation reflects the full history of the site. 

Mayor Elspeth McLean-Wile says the project offers value that goes well beyond its artistic impact. 

“Public art has the power to bring people together. Salmon Stories connects us to the history, identity, and lived experiences of our community. The large sculpture is accessible to those who may not travel the trail, and the interactive installation is a way of honouring the stories that shaped Indian Falls and making them available to everyone. That’s an investment in community belonging and in who we are as a Municipality.” 

Two upcoming public drop-in sessions are coming up in New Germany at the Anglican Hall Community Cafe on April 23 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and one in Union Square Hall on Cornwall Road from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on April 27. Both will give residents the opportunity to ask questions, share their own stories, and learn more about the artistic vision behind the installation. 

Installation of the sculpture and audio component will follow the completion of community engagement and final design work.  
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Public Notice: 2026 Fire ratepayer meetings

Fire and Emergency Service Providers in the Municipality of Lunenburg invite the public to attend their Annual Ratepayer Meeting.

Meeting details are in this PDF:  pdf 2026 04 08 Fire Ratepayers ad 2026(468 KB) .

At this meeting, you will:

• Learn about your local fire service
• Review the proposed budget
• Vote on the fire tax rate for the 2026–2027 year

Fire departments are required to share their proposed budgets at least one week before the meeting. To find out whether your fire rate may change, and how to get a copy of the proposed budget, please contact the person listed next to your fire service provider.

Who Can Vote

• You may vote at the meeting if:
• Your name appears on the tax bill, and
• You are a ratepayer within the fire district where the meeting is being held

Bringing a copy of your Tax Assessment Bill to the meeting may be helpful.

Proclamation Autism Acceptance Month

Mayor McLean-Wile proclaimed April to be Autism Acceptance Month, encouraging all of our citizens to recognize people with Autism, their family members, caregivers, educators, and other professionals who strive to make Nova Scotia an inclusive and accessible place for all.

Click  pdf Proclamation(304 KB) to view in its entirety.

Special Audit Committee April 7, 2026

A Special Audit Committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, beginning at 9:00 a.m. to present the 2023-2024 Financial Condition Indicators (FCI) showing the financial condition and health of the Municipality.

Click pdf Public Notice (91 KB) to view in its entirety. 

Balanced budget invests in key community priorities

DISTRICT OF LUNENBURG, COOKVILLE, N.S. — The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg has released its 2026–2027 budget, focusing on quality of life, core infrastructure, climate action, long‑term regional economic growth, and enhanced communications and engagement. The $49.9‑million operating budget and $33.2‑million capital and Canada Community‑Building Fund investments support major upgrades to wastewater and recreation infrastructure while maintaining a balanced financial plan.

The budget directs funding toward relief for residents facing rising costs, enhancements to public recreation facilities, an expanded transit system, and strategic upgrades to municipal infrastructure. Key investments include $24.5 million for the Cookville Wastewater Expansion, year‑one upgrades to the MARC and Sawpit Wharf and strengthened affordability measures including $650,000 in targeted property tax relief.

Mayor Elspeth McLean‑Wile says the budget reflects a commitment to both immediate community needs and long‑term planning. “This budget delivers responsible, forward‑looking investments that strengthen quality of life for residents today while preparing our municipality for sustainable growth. From housing and transit to recreation and programming, we’re taking thoughtful steps to support families, improve essential services, and build resilient infrastructure for years to come.”

More than $3.1 million in grants and rebates will support community halls, volunteer first responders, food banks, and nonprofit partners. New online tools — including a tax bill portal and regional permitting platform — aim to streamline resident access to services.

The average residential tax bill is projected to increase by $54 per year, or just over $1 per week, and the increase is driven by property assessment increases, not an increase in the tax rates, which have not increased for 16 years.

Budget documents, highlights, and a video can be found here: https://modl.ca/budget

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BROADCAST VERSION

DISTRICT OF LUNENBURG, COOKVILLE, NS - The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg has released its 2026–2027 budget, which includes a $49.9‑million operating budget and $33.2 million in capital and Canada Community‑Building Fund investments. The budget highlights new measures supporting affordability, major recreation upgrades, and more than $24 million for the Cookville Wastewater Expansion. Mayor Elspeth McLean‑Wile says the budget strengthens essential services today while planning for long‑term growth through climate action, transit improvements, and expanded community programs. The average home will see a tax increase of just over one dollar a week due to higher property assessments, not tax rate changes. Municipal tax rates have remained the same for 16 years.

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Media Contact

Sherri Turner
Communications and Public Engagement Officer
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.Desk: 902-541-1328