The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg has received a Canadian Award for Planning Excellence from the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) for its Coastal Protection Regulations.
Presented through CIP's national awards program, the award recognizes planning projects that demonstrate innovation, impact, implementation potential, and excellence in presentation. The District of Lunenburg received the award in the Climate category, which celebrates projects that advance climate adaptation, resilience, and the protection of natural systems.
The municipality's Coastal Protection Regulations were developed to address growing risks associated with sea level rise, coastal flooding, erosion, and increased pressure for coastal development. The regulations are designed to protect people and property from coastal hazards while safeguarding sensitive coastal ecosystems, including wetlands and dunes.
"This national recognition reflects the strong work of staff, Council, community members, and project partners who helped develop a made-in-District of Lunenburg solution to some of the most pressing challenges facing coastal communities," said Mayor Elspeth McLean-Wile.
Approved by the Province of Nova Scotia in August 2024, the regulations positioned the municipality as a leader in municipal climate adaptation planning, helping fill a gap in coastal protection regulation while supporting safer, more resilient communities.
The award comes as the municipality continues its long-term planning efforts. On July 29, 2026, Council completed second reading of a new Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law as part of a comprehensive municipal-wide planning review. The documents have now been submitted to the Province for review and approval.
"Planning helps shape how our communities grow while protecting the things that matter most," said McLean-Wile. "Receiving national recognition for this work is a testament to the importance of thoughtful, forward-looking planning."
Since 1983, CIP has recognized planning projects from across Canada that demonstrate excellence, innovation, and positive impacts on communities.
Residents can learn more about the Coastal Protection Regulations and the public engagement process by visiting the municipality's coastal protection project page: Coastal Protection Project.
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