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News & Events

News release: Municipality Passes 2020/21 Budget

Details: Published: Tuesday, 12 May 2020 18:20

May 12, 2020 / For Immediate Release

MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF LUNENBURG, NOVA SCOTIA – The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg approved the 2020/21 operating and capital budgets at its Special Council meeting on Tuesday, May 12, 2020.

The Municipality approved its annual operating budget of $31,176,000 with no projected surplus. The capital budget is $14,208,700 including $3,250.600 investment in non-owned infrastructure, such as roads, Internet and trails.

“Through the budget process, Council must balance provincial and federal legislation, long-term initiatives, immediate needs and opportunities, and feedback from public engagement sessions,” said Mayor Carolyn Bolivar-Getson.

“We are spending prudently in the areas that are a clear priority to our residents. We have heard loud and clear that access to high speed Internet, improving our roads, cleaning up the lower LaHave River and battling Lyme Disease are important to residents, and to the economy, and we have invested wisely in these areas. On each of these issues, we have developed strong partnerships with other municipalities and other levels of government.”

“We’re also acutely aware of the financial challenges facing some residents due to the economic impacts of COVID-19. We have delayed the property tax deadline, and interest on the newly issued interim invoice will not be applied until September 1, 2020. We’ve made a cash donation to our local food banks, and increased our Community Investment Fund by 50%, from $100,000 to $150,000.”

The approved budget continues the Municipality’s track record of strong financial management, while continuing to meet the needs of residents. Council continues to be on track to be debt free by 2021 while maintaining stable tax rates and contributions to reserves.

The 2020/21 budget focuses on four key themes:

Making Life Affordable–by maintaining tax rates, reducing sewer rates, and delaying the interim tax deadline by 90 days due to COVID-19.

Building the Local Economy–through partnerships with the business community and initiatives such as high-speed Internet, significant investment in rural roads, and investment attraction and agriculture.

Protecting the Environment–through the LaHave River Straight Pipe Program and investments in wastewater treatment, floodplain mapping, and incentives for community litter clean-up.

Investing in our Community–by supporting a tick awareness campaign and bait station research program, continuing to invest in the Fire Services Recruitment and Retention campaign, and by providing various recreational opportunities across the Municipality through programming, parks and facilities.

The Municipality ended the 2019/20 fiscal year with a forecasted surplus of $1.6M, which is the fifteenth consecutive year with an operating surplus.

Budget highlights

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Media contact

Elana Wentzell, CPA CMA
Director of Finance and Municipal Treasurer
Municipality of the District of Lunenburg
(902) 541-1322
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

News release: Municipality Announces First Community Hero

Details: Published: Tuesday, 05 May 2020 08:50

May 5, 2020 / For Immediate Release

MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF LUNENBURG, NOVA SCOTIA – The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg has named their first Community Hero.

“Each week, we’re asking residents to submit the name of an individual or organization that is deserving of recognition for the positive things they’re doing in our community during this challenging time,” said Mayor Carolyn Bolivar-Getson. “Every Monday we’ll randomly select a winner from the names submitted, and our very first recipient is Audrey Wheeler.”

Audrey was nominated for having sewn 247 face masks, which she distributed herself to those who need them throughout the South Shore. Audrey is well known in the community for her fundraising and charitable work.

How to Nominate a Community Hero

Anyone can submit the name of an individual, family or group in the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg that they consider a ‘hero’ (example: front line workers, essential services workers, a helpful neighbour, those creating positivity, etc.) The nominees will be entered into a weekly draw for a $50 gift certificate from a local business.

How to submit a nomination:

Provide three pieces of information

Name of individual, family or group
Associated organization (if applicable)
Reason for nomination

You can nominate in one of the following ways

Comment on each weekly Monday Facebook post
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: (902) 541-1343

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Media contact

Sarah Kucharski
Communications Officer
(902) 541-1328
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

News release: Municipality to Cost Share in Road Upgrades

Details: Published: Thursday, 30 April 2020 08:14

April 30, 2020 / For Immediate Release

MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF LUNENBURG, NOVA SCOTIA – The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg has committed to cost-sharing the paving of four J Class Roads: Charlie Lane, Lohnes Drive, Hillside Drive and Pernette Drive. These roads will be paved with the cost shared between MODL and the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal.

In addition, Council has confirmed its willingness to participate in the Province’s recently announced $10M Paving Project. After reviewing road priorities, Council has provided a Road Submission List for consideration. The Road Submission List includes the following roads: Gail Avenue, Bell Avenue, MacCulloch Road, Harold Whynot Road, Jubilee Road, River Lane, William Hebb Road, Fire Hall Road and Delong Lane.

“I’m pleased to see additional money being allocated for road improvements,” says Mayor Carolyn Bolivar-Getson. “The J Class roads are confirmed, and we’ll move ahead with paving those roads this year. We hope to receive confirmation on the other nine roads submitted for consideration in the near future. Well maintained, good quality roads are essential for our communities; for safety, to maintain property value and for tourism.”

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Media contact

Sarah Kucharski
Communications Officer
(902) 541-1328

News release: Municipality Launches Community Heroes Initiative

Details: Published: Wednesday, 29 April 2020 09:11

April 29, 2020 / For Immediate Release

BRIDGEWATER, NOVA SCOTIA – Inspired by the Municipality of Shelburne’s initiative, the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg has launched a Community Heroes Initiative.

“We want to show appreciation and highlight the positive things people are doing and support local businesses during this challenging time,” said Mayor Carolyn Bolivar-Getson. “We understand the importance of social support and being a part of bringing the community together.”

How to submit a nomination

Provide with three pieces of information

Name of individual, family or group
Associated organization (if applicable)
Reason for nomination

You can nominate in one of the following ways

Comment on each weekly Monday Facebook post
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: (902) 541-1343

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Media contact

Sarah Kucharski
Communications Officer
(902) 541-1328

News release: Municipality Operational Update – Wednesday, April 22, 2020

Details: Published: Wednesday, 22 April 2020 09:25

April 22, 2020 / For Immediate Release

BRIDGEWATER, NOVA SCOTIA – The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg offers the following operational update.

MODL successfully completed what we believe is the first virtual public hearing in Nova Scotia history through Facebook Live and a conference call.
Council meetings are being held virtually, with audio recordings available at modl.ca after the meeting.
Building permits continue to be processed. We continue to meet our 14-day processing standard.
Bi-weekly bulky waste collection will begin April 27 throughout the Municipality, replacing Spring and Fall cleanup.
The Recreation Department is supporting the recreational and cultural pursuits of residents while showcasing the incredible talent within our communities. These courses and classes are led through videos and live classes on Facebook by local instructors, musicians and organizations, continuing our support of the local economy.
Work with TNC on installation plans for our fixed wireless towers project continues.
The interim tax deadline has been moved from May 31, 2020 to August 31, 2020. The interim tax bills will be mailed at the end of April; however, no interest will be applied until September 1, 2020. We encourage those residents who are able to pay their tax bill upon receipt to do so.

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Media contact

Sarah Kucharski
Communications Officer
(902) 541-1328
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

News release: MODL Launches Public Engagement Website

Details: Published: Thursday, 02 April 2020 09:49

April 2, 2020 / For Immediate Release

BRIDGEWATER, NOVA SCOTIA – While residents continue to follow vital physical distancing guidelines, the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg has been working to find creative ways to connect with residents online.

The Municipality accelerated their planned launch of their new public engagement website, EngageMODL (engage.modl.ca), and the site is now live with three projects.

“We’ve experienced a noticeable decline in attendance at our public meetings, town halls and other engagement events over the past few years, and an increase in online discussion through our online surveys and Facebook page,” said Mayor Carolyn Bolivar-Getson. “With more than 50 municipalities across Canada using online engagement sites successfully, we felt it would be a welcome addition to our public engagement practices. The plan is not to replace in-person or phone engagement, but to complement it.”

EngageMODL is designed to engage discussion between residents and the Municipality on specific topics. It provides a platform for residents to read summaries or background reports about specific projects, discuss their questions or concerns about municipal projects and initiatives, and stay more informed.

The site is moderated by a third party to ensure the conversations remain appropriate, on topic and free from any harassment or inappropriate content. Users register and post comments, with their anonymity protected through their own chosen screen name. The Municipality does not have the ability to see personal information or email addresses submitted to the site.

EngageMODL currently hosts three projects that residents can engage with: Staying Connected during COVID-19, Private Roads By-law, and Stonemont Retirement Living Complex.

Future projects will utilise some of the many tools offered by the site, including surveys, stories, Q&A and a mapping tool allowing residents to pin locations and add comments.

Projects will be continuously added to the site to keep the community updated on current projects and events.

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Media contact

Sarah Kucharski
Communications Officer
(902) 541-1328
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

News release: Municipality Donates $10,000 to Local Food Banks

Details: Published: Tuesday, 31 March 2020 09:50

March 31, 2020 / For Immediate Release

BRIDGEWATER, NOVA SCOTIA – The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg has donated $10,000 in emergency funding to local food banks to assist families that have been affected by COVID-19. Food banks in New Germany and the towns of Bridgewater, Mahone Bay and Lunenburg will receive a portion of the funding based on the number of residents served by each food bank.

“We want residents to know that we understand how important it is that they can continue to put food on their table during this difficult time,” said Mayor Carolyn Bolivar-Getson. “Council voted unanimously to make this donation to help our local food banks support those residents experiencing urgent need.”

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Media contact

Sarah Kucharski
Communications Officer
(902) 541-1328
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

News release: MODL to Delay Interim Tax Deadline

Details: Published: Tuesday, 24 March 2020 09:52

March 24, 2020 / For Immediate Release

BRIDGEWATER, NOVA SCOTIA - In order to offset the financial impact on residents and businesses during the COVID-19 situation, the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg will delay the interim tax deadline by 90 days. The interim tax deadline will move from May 31, 2020 to August 31, 2020. The interim tax bills will be mailed at the end of April; however, no interest will be applied until September 1, 2020.

Additionally, the Municipality will offer a deferral of PACE and Straight Pipe Loan payments of up to 90 days upon request.

“This is a proactive measure to help individuals and businesses during the COVID-19 situation,” said Mayor Carolyn Bolivar-Getson. “We understand that a significant number of our residents are facing reduced hours, loss of employment, and loss of business during this time, and Council is taking measures to alleviate the financial stress put on residents and business owners.”

Residents are encouraged to visit Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) to stay up-to-date on the provincial response to COVID-19.

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Media contact

Sarah Kucharski
Communications Officer
(902) 541-1328
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

News release: Changes Coming to Waste Collection

Details: Published: Thursday, 05 March 2020 08:37

March 5, 2020 / For Immediate Release

BRIDGEWATER, NOVA SCOTIA – Big changes are coming to waste collection next month. Effective April 1, two bulky landfill items will be collected every two weeks on pickup day. Spring and Fall clean up has been eliminated–now residents can dispose of bulky landfill items with every garbage day.

Accepted items will include couches, mattresses, box springs, rugs, upholstered chairs, vacuum cleaners, plastic furniture, toilets, sinks, windows and more. Beginning in the fall, wood and metal collection will take place once a year during a two-week period on regular pickup days. Accepted items will include wooden furniture, wooden doors, pallets, boards, barbecues, washing machines, dryers, stoves and metal furniture.

De-humidifiers, freezers and fridges should not be put roadside unless drained and stickered. They can be dropped off at the Lunenburg Regional Community Recycling Centre.

“As a result of these changes, the Municipality will save about $300,000 annually, or $1.8 million over the six-year waste contract,” said Mayor Carolyn Bolivar-Getson.

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Media contact:

Stephanie Smits
Supervisor – Outreach & Communications
Municipal Joint Services Board, Lunenburg Region
Office (902) 543-2913
www.communityrecycling.ca

News release: The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg declares climate emergency, joins national climate protection program

Details: Published: Tuesday, 22 October 2019 12:11

The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg declares climate emergency, joins national climate protection program

October 22, 2019 / For immediate release. At the October 22 Council meeting, the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg declared a climate emergency and made a public commitment to taking action on climate change by joining the Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) program. PCP is a network of Canadian municipal governments that have committed to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and protecting our climate.

Climate change poses a serious threat to the natural environment, human health, jobs and the economy. In 2016, more than 190 countries — including Canada — signed the Paris Agreement and committed to lowering GHG emissions to help reduce the most severe effects of climate change. Achieving this goal will require ambitious action by national and subnational governments, businesses and citizens. By joining the PCP program, the Municipality is joining over 400 municipal governments across Canada in taking a leadership role and making a significant contribution to reducing Canada’s overall GHG emissions.

“The impacts on our communities from more severe weather is undeniable. Climate change is affecting our communities and the Municipality must take a leadership role to address this crisis,” says Mayor Carolyn Bolivar-Getson.

In 2018, PCP member municipalities voluntarily reported over 160 projects to reduce GHG emissions, representing over 720,000 tonnes in annual GHG reductions. Along with reducing GHG emissions, municipalities saw other community benefits and savings, including $2.88 million in annual cost savings generated by reducing emissions municipally-owned vehicles and buildings and infrastructure.

About the PCP program

The Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) program is managed and delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI Canada).
Since 1994, PCP has provided municipalities of all sizes with the tools, resources and guidance they need to progress through a five-milestone process to lower GHG emissions and reduce the impacts of climate change. The five milestones are:

Milestone 1 — Create a baseline emissions inventory and forecast
Milestone 2 — Set emissions reduction targets
Milestone 3 — Develop a local action plan
Milestone 4 — Implement the local action plan
Milestone 5 — Monitor progress and report results

There are PCP members in all provinces and territories, and member municipalities represent more than 65 per cent of the Canadian population. PCP receives financial support from the Government of Canada and ICLEI Canada.

For more information

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Contact

Alex Dumaresq
Deputy CAO
Municipality of the District of Lunenburg
Phone: (902) 541-1332

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