Community invited to Cape LaHave Island conservation talk

Residents are invited to attend a community open house to learn more about the permanent conservation of Cape LaHave Island and what it means for the future of this important local landscape.

In October 2025, the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg (MODL) signed a conservation easement with the Nova Scotia Nature Trust, ensuring the island’s natural features are protected in perpetuity. The agreement also maintains public access and supports the traditional, low-impact uses that have long defined the island.

The conservation easement follows several years of public engagement, including community sessions and surveys from 2020 through 2025. Through this process, residents consistently expressed a desire to see the island remain natural, undeveloped, and accessible.

Mayor Elspeth McLean-Wile said the agreement reflects what the community values. “Our residents told us clearly that protecting Cape LaHave Island while maintaining access and traditional uses was important to them. This agreement ensures that this special place will be protected for generations to come.”

Bonnie Sutherland, Executive Director of the Nova Scotia Nature Trust, says the project represents both conservation and community in action. “Cape LaHave Island is one of Nova Scotia’s great treasures, not only for the birds and pollinators whose habitat is now protected but also for the countless generations of people – past, present, and future – for whom this island is so precious. It embodies what the Nature Trust is working to protect: intact wild space for nature, and for people.”

The upcoming open house offers an opportunity to:

• Learn what the conservation easement means in practice
• Understand how the island can continue to be used and enjoyed
• Explore ways to get involved through the Nature Trust’s Property Guardian program

The session will include a short presentation from the Nova Scotia Nature Trust, followed by an opportunity for discussion.

Event details:
Wednesday, May 20
6:30–8:00 p.m.
West Dublin Hall

All are welcome.

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Environmental Sensitivities/Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Awareness Month

May is Environmental Sensitivities/Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (ES/MCS) Awareness Month, with May 12, 2026, recognized as Environmental Sensitivities/Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (ES/MCS) Awareness Day.

Click  pdf Proclamation(349 KB) to view in its entirety.

Gaelic Nova Scotia Month

May 2026 marks the 30 anniversary of Gaelic Nova Scotia Month, which is a time to embrace, honour, celebrate, and raise awareness of the language, culture, history, contributions, and achievements of Gaels across the province

Click  pdf Proclamation(345 KB) to view in Gaelic

Click  pdf Proclamation(298 KB) to view in English

Emergency Preparedness Week 2026: Working Together

Emergency Preparedness Week kicks off May 3, 2026, and Lunenburg County REMO is encouraging residents to take simple steps now to be ready for emergencies that can happen in any season. 

From wildfires and floods to storms, drought, and extended power outages, our region is no stranger to emergencies. While municipalities and first responders work together to manage these situations, residents also play an important role in preparing themselves and their families. 

Read the full story in Lunenburg County REMO News. 

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2026 Property Tax Bills Include New Online Portal Info

When property owners receive their 2026 property tax bill from the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, there will be more inside the envelope than just the bill itself. The mailing includes information about a new online eServices portal.

Property tax bills will be mailed on April 30, 2026. On the back of the tax bill, residents will find step‑by‑step instructions for signing up for the Municipality’s new eServices portal, which launches on May 1, 2026. Each bill includes a Sign‑Up Key and Customer Code, required to create an online account.

Once registered, property owners can:

• View their property tax bills, invoices, and receipts online
• Receive email notifications when bills are issued
• Check account balances
• Make secure online payments

“The new eServices portal is designed to make it easier for residents to access their tax information when it’s convenient for them,” said Elana Wentzell, the municipality’s finance director. “This is about improving customer service and giving people more flexible, secure options to manage their property taxes.”

Residents can begin registering for the portal on May 1** once they have their Sign-Up Key and Customer Code at:
https://eservices.modl.ca/login#create

**NOTICE May 13, 2026: The online payment option through the eServices portal is temporarily unavailable. Please follow this link https://modl.ca/paying-your-bill.html for other options to pay your property tax bill. Thank you for your patience as we address the issue. 

The Municipality encourages residents to review their tax bill carefully when it arrives and take advantage of the tools and supports available.

For tax bill inquiries, contact our Tax Information Line at 902-541-1329

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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 Department
• 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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