Proclamation Int'l Day against Homophobia Biphobia Transphobia

May 17, 2025 has been proclaimed as International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia in the District of Lunenburg.  It is a day to promote protection for all groups and for creating visibility and understanding, and eradicating hatred and violence against people of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

Click on pdf Proclamation (317 KB) to view it in its entirety.

2025 Ratepayers Ad

The following Fire and Emergency Service Providers of Lunenburg Municipality invite the public to attend their Annual Rate Payers Meeting.

This meeting will provide you with the information needed to VOTE on your fire tax rate for 2025/2026. Fire Departments are now required to provide their budget documents at least one week in advance of their scheduled meeting; therefore, please contact the name next to your fire service provider to find out if any changes are proposed to your fire rate and where you can get a copy of the proposed budget. 

NOTE: In order to vote at your ratepayer meeting your name must appear on your tax bill notice and you must be a ratepayer within the fire district area the meeting is being held. (A copy of your Tax Assessment Bill on the meeting night could be of assistance)

pdf 2025 Ratepayers Ad (468 KB)

Proclamation - Lyme Disease Month

AT the May 6, 2025 Finance Committee meeting, Mayor McLean-Wile proclaimed the month of May as "Lyme Disease Awareness Month" in the District of Lunenburg to provide awareness, education and preventative measures regarding tick checks.

Click pdf Proclamation (261 KB) to view it in its entirety.

Property Regulations (Municipal-Wide Land Use Planning) Open House

The Municipality has been actively working on municipal-wide land use planning to help shape vibrant, sustainable communities for the future. Launched in 2020, this multi-year project focuses on updating key planning documents, including the Municipal Planning Strategy (MPS) and Land Use Bylaw (LUB), to guide development, support community needs, and meet the province’s mandate for land use planning across Nova Scotia.

A key part of this project is introducing zoning for all areas of the municipality, affecting every property. Zoning helps manage growth, protect important resources, and ensure our communities are thoughtfully planned for the years ahead.

The first draft documents were shared with Council and the public on March 13, 2025.

• These were intended as drafts only. They can and will change as we hear from the public over the next few months.
• We are committed to ensuring every property owner in the District knows about this project. We will be sending a direct letter or postcard to every single resident to advertise the open houses.
• We’ll also advertise the open houses and Council meetings on Facebook, CKBW, in the South Shore Bulletin, in Municipal Matters, in our monthly email newsletter (modl.ca/communication), and on this website.

 On March 13, 2025, the draft documents were posted as part of the Planning Advisory Committee agenda on the Engage site, and distributed to Council and the public. The documents were intended as drafts, to be reviewed and discussed by both the Planning Advisory Committee, Council, and the public over a series of months through extensive public engagement.

However, we have heard loud and clear from residents that many have serious concerns with the drafts. The overwhelming majority of comments expressed deep concern over possible restrictions on small scale agriculture. There were also general concerns that the draft documents are too restrictive for the District of Lunenburg.

At the March 25, 2025 Council meeting, Council passed a motion “that Municipal Council direct staff to prepare a second draft of the Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law that is less restrictive and closer in line to the mandatory minimum planning requirements outlined in the Municipal Government Act.” You can watch Council's discussion at the meeting here: https://www.youtube.com/live/uP1wiDqpcUY?t=936s

As staff rewrite the draft documents, we need to hear directly from residents about their concerns. Our public engagement events are beginning immediately, with efforts that will see staff and Council attend dozens of formal and informal events throughout every district. We will advertise these opportunities through a direct mail postcard to all residents, print and radio ads, and social media sharing. The complete list of engagement events is available at https://engage.modl.ca/modl2040 under the Open Houses and Events tab.

Can't attend an event? You can submit your thoughts by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or you can call a Planner Monday to Friday between 8am and 5pm. If you reach our voicemail message, please leave your name and number and a Planner will call you back before the end of day, or the next morning.

Help Protect the District of Lunenburg’s Drinking Water!

Help Protect the District of Lunenburg’s Drinking Water!

We’re seeking households with dug or drilled wells to participate in hydrogeological data collection.

By joining this initiative, you’ll be helping to build a safer, more resilient water future for the District of Lunenburg.

The expected completion date will be May 31,2026. During this time, we will periodically collect data and conduct surveys. You will be asked to:

1. Participate in initial and follow-up surveys.
2. Allow periodic monitoring of your well-water levels and quality through remote monitoring and field visits.

Your active involvement throughout the study period is essential for gathering comprehensive data and insights. At the end of the study, you will receive regular reports on the findings from the study. These reports will include insights into your well’s water quality and levels, as well as any potential risks identified. We will also provide recommendations for managing and improving your well-water resources.

Limited spots available! Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to learn more.

Budget 2025/2026 Presentations and Public Input

Council is committed to a robust Budget meeting process as they develop the 2025/2026 Budget, and the public is invited to get involved.

• A dedicated project website is available at Engage.modl.ca/Budget2025 (sign up for direct email updates from that site).
• All budget presentations will take place at meetings of the Finance Committee or Council and streamed on YouTube to ensure information is easily accessible.
• An expanded Public Input Session will be held at six of the seven budget meetings.

The Budget process began with a Strategic Priorities Open House on February 6, where the public had the opportunity to comment on Council’s draft strategic priorities.

At the first six meetings (see dates and times below), Council will receive budget-specific presentations. After the presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to address Council, with a maximum five minutes per person, in a Public Input Session.

At the final meeting on Tuesday, April 8, Council will follow the standard 15-minute Public Input Session, with the time divided by those wishing to speak.

For those who cannot attend in person, the presentations will be recorded and available on YouTube at: //www.youtube.com/@modlnovascotia">https://www.youtube.com/@modlnovascotia(External link).

Budget Schedule

Tuesday, February 25, 9am in Council Chambers

1. The Director of Finance will present the Draft Operating Budget.
2. After the Draft Operating Budget presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to address Council in a Public Input Session, with a maximum five minutes per person.
3. Council will then deliberate on the staff content and public input.

Thursday, February 27, 6pm in Council Chambers

1. The Director of Finance will present the Draft Operating Budget. This will be the same presentation delivered at the Tuesday, February 25 meeting.
2. After the Draft Operating Budget presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to address Council in a Public Input Session, with a maximum five minutes per person.
3. Council will then deliberate on the staff content and public input.

Tuesday, March 4, 9am in Council Chambers

1. The Director of Finance will present the Draft Capital Budget.
2. After the Draft Capital Budget presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to address Council in a Public Input Session, with a maximum five minutes per person.
3. Council will then deliberate on the staff content and public input.

Thursday, March 6, 6pm in Council Chambers

1. The Director of Finance will present the Draft Capital Budget. This will be the same presentation delivered at the Tuesday, March 4 meeting.
2. After the Draft Capital Budget presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to address Council in a Public Input Session, with a maximum five minutes per person.
3. Council will then deliberate on the staff content and public input.

Tuesday, March 11, 9am in Council Chambers

1. The Director of Finance will present the revised Draft Operating and Draft Capital Budget.
2. After the Draft Operating and Draft Capital Budget presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to address Council in a Public Input Session, with a maximum five minutes per person.
3. Council will then deliberate on the staff content and public input.

Tuesday, April 1, 9am in Council Chambers

1. The Director of Finance will present the revised Draft Operating and Draft Capital Budget.
2. After the Draft Operating and Draft Capital Budget presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to address Council in a Public Input Session, with a maximum five minutes per person.
3. Council will then deliberate on the staff content and public input.

Tuesday, April 8, 6pm

1. The meeting will open with our standard 15-minute Public Input Session, with the time divided by those wishing to speak.
2. The Director of Finance will present the final Operating and Draft Capital Budget.
3. Council will then vote on the Operating and Draft Capital Budget.

Cluster Development Information Session

On Tuesday, January 28, 2025, Municipal Council gave notice of its intent to establish Cluster Development regulations.  

The proposed regulations will impact how Cluster Developments on the same property can occur across the Municipality. 

A PUBLIC INFORMATION SESSION on the proposed Cluster Development Regulations will be held on Monday, March 3, 2025. The event will start at 6:30 p.m. and will be held in Municipal Council Chambers at 10 Allee Champlain Drive, Cookville. 

This Public Information Session is to give residents an opportunity to learn about the Cluster Development Regulations and ask questions. The event will be streamed live on YouTube, and the public can access the stream here: youtube.com/@modlnovascotia

A PUBLIC HEARING will be held on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. The meeting will begin at 8:30 a.m. in the Municipal Council Chambers at 10 Allee Champlain Drive, Cookville. Subsequently, Municipal Council may conduct a Second Reading during the Council Meeting, which begins at 9:00 a.m. 

Members of the Public can make formal written or oral submissions to Council on the proposed regulations. Written submissions will be received until 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. Address to: April Whynot-Lohnes, Municipal Clerk, 10 Allée Champlain Drive, Cookville, NS B4V 9E4 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Oral submissions will be received at the time and place of the Hearing.  

The Public Hearing will be streamed live on YouTube, and the public can access the stream here: https://www.youtube.com/@modlnovascotia 

Copies of the proposed regulations and related reports are available to view at the Municipal Office at 10 Allée Champlain Drive, Cookville, during normal office hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) or found in the Background Documents section of the project website here: https://engage.modl.ca/cluster-development-regulations.  

For further information, contact the Planning Department office at 902-530-2802. 

Pine Grove Outdoor Play Park Open House - February 25

Join Council and Recreation staff at an Open House on February 25 at 6:30pm to talk about the future of Pine Grove Outdoor Play Park.

Open House
Tuesday, February 25 (snow date March 4)
6:30pm to 8:30pm
Council Chambers, Municipal Services Building
10 Allée Champlain Drive, Cookville

6:30pm Welcoming Remarks
6:45pm Circulate to share thoughts about the park
8:30pm Event ends

Can't attend? Visit https://engage.modl.ca/pinegrove to learn more and share your thoughts.

Strategic Priorities Open House

Important time change!

Do you live in the District of Lunenburg? As part of our Budget 2025/2026 process, we are holding an open house on February 6. Come learn about Council’s draft Strategic Priorities and share your thoughts.

Join us on Thursday, February 6, 2025 anytime between 4:45pm and 6:45pm at the Best Western Bridgewater. There will be no formal presentation, so feel free to drop by any time during the event.

Please RSVP to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to help us plan refreshments. Can’t attend in person? Share your thoughts at https://engage.modl.ca/budget2025.

Public Information Session for Osprey Village Planning Amendments

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. The objective of the amendments is to ensure the planning policies and regulations of Osprey Village better reflect the land use opportunities and restrictions present in the community by permitting appropriate residential development on unserviced land, expand areas that permit residential and commercial uses, and protect open space that is otherwise undevelopable.

The session will take place on February 5, 2025, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM 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:

1. joining us online on February 5^th at 6:30 p.m. https://www.youtube.com/@modlnovascotia

2. writing a comment on a Facebook post;

3. sending an e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.(External link);

4. sending a letter at 10 Allée Champlain Drive, Cookville, NS, B4V 9E4.

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..

Notice of Intention to Adopt Cluster Development Regulations

On, January 28, 2025, Municipal Council passed First Reading on an amendment to establish Cluster Development regulations. The proposed regulations will guide how development of six or more units on one partially or entirely unserviced lot are permitted through the development agreement approvals process.

A public information session will be held prior to a public hearing and second reading to give residents opportunities to learn about the regulations and ask questions. Details about this session will posted in the coming weeks.

The public hearing will be held on Tuesday, March 11. The meeting will begin at 8:30 am and will be held in Municipal Council Chambers at 10 Allee Champlain Drive, Cookville.

To stay updated about this project, including times and dates for the information session, please click here where you can sign up for our newsletter updates in the Stay Informed section of our engagement website for this project.

For further information, contact the Planning Department offices at 902-530-2802, or visit engage.modl.ca/cluster-development-regulations.

Posted January 28, 2025 at 11:03am.

Council First Reading for Cluster Development Regulations

On January 28, 2025, the Cluster Development regulations will be brought forward to the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg's (MODL) Council in the form of amendments to the Municipal Planning Strategy and Municipal-Wide Land Use By-law. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. and will be held in Municipal Council Chambers at 10 Allee Champlain Drive, Cookville. Council meetings are open to the public and any interested residents are encouraged to attend. To view Council's agenda for January 28, 2025, click here.

The amendments to MODL’s planning documents contain the regulations for cluster developments. The Land Use By-law will define what developments these regulations apply to. To view the proposed Land Use By-law, click here. 

The Municipal Planning Strategy outlines the procedure by which cluster developments are permitted by development agreement, the requirements that such a development agreement can contain, and the provisions for non-conforming (grandfathered) bare land condominiums, among other policies. To view the proposed Municipal Planning Strategy, click here.

A staff report is available by clicking here. Next steps in this process involve a public information session and a formal public hearing. This website will be updated as soon as dates and times are confirmed.