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.  
-30- 

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

-30-

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.

-30-

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

South Shore Public Libraries to Lead Hub Programming

Residents across the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg will soon have access to an expanded range of free and inclusive programs, all managed and delivered by South Shore Public Libraries, inside the new Community and Business Hub under construction at the WellTide Health Centre in Osprey Village in Cookville.

This partnership places South Shore Public Libraries in a lead role, responsible for managing the space, operating the programs, and creating a vibrant, community‑served hub that reflects the way people live, work, and connect today.

The District of Lunenburg is fully financing the programming space — including staffing, equipment, technology, and fit‑up — so the library system can focus on what it does best: delivering high‑impact programs that benefit families, seniors, youth, newcomers, people of all abilities, and local entrepreneurs.

A memorandum of understanding was signed after Council voted in favour of the initiative during its March 23, 2026 meeting.

A Growing Region, a Growing Need

Demand for library services has never been higher. In 2025, South Shore Public Libraries welcomed more than 156,000 in‑person visits and supported more than 14,200 program participants, demonstrating a clear and growing need for additional programming space across Lunenburg and Queens Counties.

As demand grows, this initiative also advances Council’s strategic priority of strengthening community development by investing in shared spaces that support connection, learning, and wellbeing across the District.

Local Leadership at the Heart of the Hub

By placing South Shore Public Libraries at the centre of programming and day‑to‑day management in the Hub, the space will become a lively anchor for Osprey Village — supporting health, collaboration, business development, digital literacy, and community connection.

“We know libraries are central to healthy communities,” said Elspeth McLean‑Wile, mayor of the District of Lunenburg. “We’re investing beyond our mandated funding for public libraries because we know the impact this will have on residents, from access to learning, technology, safe gathering spaces, and creative programs that support wellbeing and local business. South Shore Public Libraries is the perfect partner to lead programming in this new Hub.”

Library Leadership: Meeting Community Demand Head‑On

South Shore Public Libraries will take on responsibility for managing the programming space and supporting collaboration among Hub tenants. This includes coordinating programs, overseeing the daily use of the space, and ensuring that services are welcoming and accessible.

“Across the entire region, demand for library services continues to rise,” said Ashley Nunn‑Smith, CEO & Chief Librarian of South Shore Public Libraries. “We’re offering more programs and welcoming more people than ever. Whether it’s early literacy, digital support, community partnerships, or providing a warm, safe place to gather — we are being called on to do more, and we are rising to that challenge. This new MOU with the District of Lunenburg provides a reliable investment that makes it possible for us to lead programming and manage this new space at a time when growth would otherwise be out of reach.”

A Hub Built for Real Community Life

The WellTide Collaborative Care Building and Community Hub is designed as a modern, accessible, purpose‑built destination that reflects the mix of real community life — young and old, health and creativity, business and play. The Hub will bring together a wide range of services, making it easier for residents to find the support they need in one place.

“This MOU with South Shore Public Libraries is more than a partnership,” added Mayor McLean‑Wile. “It’s a commitment to ensuring everyone in our region has access to opportunity — whether they’re learning to read, starting a business, building digital skills, or looking for a safe and welcoming place to gather.”

-30-

Media Contact

Sherri Turner
Communications and Public Engagement Officer
Municipality of the District of Lunenburg
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Special Council Meeting re Budget - March 31

A Special Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. to present the 2026-2027 Municipal Budget.  The agenda for the meeting will be available on the Municipality's website by end of day on Thursday, March 26 

The meeting will be held at the Municipal Services Building at 10 Allee Champlain Drive in Cookville.  This is a public meeting and residents are invited to attend.

pdf  Public Notice(93 KB)

Special Council Meeting re BUDGET - March 31, 2026

A Special Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. to present the 2026-2027 Municipal Budget.  The agenda for the meeting will be available on the Municipality's website by end of day on Thursday, March 26 

The meeting will be held at the Municipal Services Building at 10 Allee Champlain Drive in Cookville.  This is a public meeting and residents are invited to attend.

  pdf Public Notice(93 KB)

Proclamation - Kidney Health Month

Mayor McLean-Wile proclaimed March as Kidney Health Month and March 12, 2026 as World Kidney Day to raise awareness of the importance of our kidneys to our overall health.

Click  pdf Proclamation(297 KB) to see it in its entirety.

Proclamation - Amyloidosis Awareness Month

Mayor McLean-Wile proclaimed March 2026 as Amyloidosis Awareness Month, a month dedicated to raising awareness,
funding research, and supporting those living with amyloidosis and their loved ones.

Click  pdf Proclamation(309 KB) to view in full.

Public Invited to Explore Updated Municipal-Wide Land Use Planning Drafts

The District of Lunenburg has released updated second drafts of its Municipal‑Wide Land Use Planning documents. These updates reflect input from residents, along with direction from Council following an extensive feedback process.

The updated drafts will be presented to Council on March 10 at 6 p.m. in the Municipal Chambers at 10 Allée Champlain Drive, Cookville. All are welcome to attend in person, or watch the livestream on our YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@modlnovascotia

A series of open houses will also be held across the Municipality throughout March and early April. Residents are invited to review the updated documents, explore the revised mapping, and speak directly with planning staff about how the draft plan may relate to their property or community.

Event Dates:

March 12 – LaHave Fire Hall, 6–8 p.m. (presentation 6:30)
March 18 – Municipal Services Building, 3–7 p.m. (drop‑in)
March 19 – New Germany Legion, 6–8 p.m. (presentation 6:30)
March 23 – Municipal Services Building, 3–7 p.m. (drop‑in)
March 25 – Virtual Open House, 1–2 p.m.
March 30 – Municipal Services Building, 3–7 p.m. (drop‑in)
April 1 – Northfield Fire Hall, 6–8 p.m. (presentation 6:30)
April 8 – Big Tancook Island Recreation Centre 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. (drop-in)

Learn more and view the documents at engage.modl.ca/MODL2040.

Office Closed - Tuesday, February 24

Due to weather conditions, the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg offices are closed today, and staff are working remotely. We remain available by phone and email to assist you. Contacts are here: modl.ca/contact.htm 

Today’s 9 a.m. Council meeting will be held virtually only. There will be no in‑person attendance at the Municipal Services Building. Audio of the meeting will be available within 24 hours.

The full agenda is available here: https://www.modl.ca/index.php?option=com_docman&view=download&alias=9863-2026-02-24-council-agenda-package&category_slug=2026-council-agenda-minutes&Itemid=1160

Watch the livestream here: https://www.youtube.com/@modlnovascotia/streams