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Residents
Property Tax Exemption for Non-Profit Organizations
The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg is committed to supporting non-profit organizations that provide meaningful service to our communities. Through the Tax Exemption By-law, the Municipality offers partial or full property tax exemptions to eligible non-profit groups, at the discretion of Council.
Who Can Apply:
Non-profit organizations that own property and provide a clear benefit to the community may qualify for exemption, in accordance with Section 71(1) or 71(2) of the Municipal Government Act. Council approval is required for placement on Schedule "A" or "A-1" of the Tax Exemption By-law.
Important Considerations:
- The primary factor in eligibility is the community service provided by the organization.
- Tax exemptions are granted for a three-year period and are not retroactive.
- Organizations are still responsible for area rates (fire, streetlights, sewer, etc.), tax arrears, and any related interest.
- Properties no longer owned or used by the qualifying organization will lose their exemption immediately, and full property taxes will apply for the remainder of the taxation year.
New Applications:
Organizations wishing to apply for an exemption must submit:
- A completed application form
- A brief report highlighting current programs and their benefits to the community
Applications for the upcoming taxation year must be received by February 28.
Renewals:
Organizations wishing to renew their exemption must submit:
- A completed application form
- An updated list of the Board of Directors
- A brief report highlighting current programs and their benefits to the community
Final decisions on all applications, renewals, and removals are subject to Council approval by motion.
For more information, visit the links below or contact Hailey Authier, Property Tax and Customer Service Assistant at 902-541-1348 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Link: Apply for Tax Exemption for Non-Profit Organizations
Link: By-law 010 Partial Tax Exemption
Property Tax Reduction for Buildings Destroyed by Fire or Natural Disaster
If your building has been damaged or destroyed by fire, or natural disaster, you may be eligible for a property tax reduction. The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg offers a tax relief program for property owners whose assessments do not yet reflect the loss in value due to such damage.
What This Program Offers:
At the discretion of Council, the Municipality may reduce the amount of property taxes payable on a building that has been destroyed or partially destroyed—provided the current property assessment has not yet accounted for this damage. Tax arrears and area rates are not eligible for reduction.
Eligibility Criteria:
- The building must have been damaged or destroyed by fire or natural disaster.
- The current property assessment must not yet reflect the damage.
- The property owner must submit an application with proper documentation.
Application Requirements: To apply for a tax reduction, property owners must submit:
- A completed Damaged Building Application Form
- Proof of damage, such as insurance reports, or fire department documentation
Approval Process:
- Reductions up to $500 may be approved by the Municipal Treasurer.
- Reductions over $500 require approval by Municipal Council.
- Reductions may be applied retroactively but not earlier than April 1, 1999.
How Reductions Are Calculated:
Once satisfactory documentation is received, the Property Tax Assistant will request a revised property valuation from the Director of Assessment, at Property Valuation Services Corporation. Upon approval, any tax overpayments will be reimbursed accordingly.
For more information, visit the links below or contact Hailey Authier, Property Tax and Customer Service Assistant at 902-541-1348 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Link: Apply for Tax Reduction for Buildings Destroyed by Fire or Natural Disaster
Link: By-law 010 Partial Tax Exemption
Property Tax Rebate for Residential Property Owners
2025/26 Rebate for Residential Property Owners
The Property Tax Rebate program helps lower-income households by providing property tax relief in the form of a rebate on the final tax bill. The application deadline is August 1 so the rebate can be applied to the final tax bill.
Property owners who received the rebate in 2024/25 will be mailed a rebate application.
Residents with combined household incomes under $60,000 qualify for a rebate:
- Under $30,750 – maximum rebate value up to $680, up to 100% of the bill
- $30,751 - $45,000 – maximum rebate value up to $475, up to 100% of the bill
- $45,001 - $60,000 – maximum rebate value up to $270, up to 100% of the bill
Property Tax Rebate Application Form 2025-26
Property Tax Rebate Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 2025-26
Please note that you will need your Notice of Assessment from Canada Revenue Agency in order to apply for the rebate. This is the form that Canada Revenue Agency sends back to you after you have filed income tax for the year. You can print a copy from your CRA My Account or call 1-800-959-8281 to have it mailed to you. Click here for a NOA Sample.
For more information please contact Hailey Authier, Customer Service & Property Tax Assistant 902-541-1348 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Other Rebate Programs:
- HomeWarming is a program offered through Efficiency Nova Scotia that offers a no-charge assessment and home upgrade to qualifying homeowners.
- Apply for a provincial property tax rebate: Property Tax Rebate for Seniors
District of Lunenburg Social Media Guidelines
The District of Lunenburg is committed to ensuring employees and elected officials are educated on the appropriate use of social media for professional and personal use. The District recognizes the importance of social media as a valuable tactic in our overall Communications strategy and supports the responsible use of social media by employees, contractors and elected officials.
The social media page is run by staff. This is their digital workplace and we expect the same level of civility as in our physical facilities.
On official social media sites and accounts, the District will uphold participation standards with respect to abusive, hateful, defamatory, anonymous, and other inappropriate content, including information that jeopardizes the privacy of others. A clear statement is posted to make users aware that inappropriate posts are subject to removal. The following types of posting in any media (text, video, image, link, document, etc.) are considered inappropriate:
- comments not related to the District of Lunenburg, its programs or affiliates;
- profane or obscene language or content;
- content that promotes, fosters or perpetuates discrimination on the basis of race, creed, colour, age, religion, gender, marital status, status with regards to public assistance, national origin, physical or mental disability or sexual orientation;
- sexual content or links to sexual content;
- unreasonable solicitations of commerce;
- conduct or encouragement of illegal activity;
- information that may compromise the safety or security of the public or public systems;
- content that violates a legal ownership interest of any other party;
- comments relating to specific election candidate campaigns, platforms or opinions;
- personal information or attacks of a personal nature against staff or Council.
Any inappropriate content will be hidden or deleted. The District of Lunenburg will not moderate or remove user-created content simply because it is negative or criticizes the District, staff or Council.
Our social media page is not a formal channel for feedback. If residents want to ensure their opinions are heard by Council, they should reach out to their Councillor directly. If they have concerns about their comments being removed, they can contact the CAO with their concerns.
2025 Tax Sales
2025 Tax Sales Awarded
Winning Bids:
MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF LUNENBURG
TAX SALE BY TENDER
TENDER # 2024-01-001
Tender Opening: Monday, March 3, 2025
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given in accordance with Sect. 142 of the Municipal Government Act of the Province of Nova Scotia that the lands and premises situated in the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg hereunder described shall be SOLD BY TENDER.
TERMS: SEALED TENDERS are to be submitted on the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg’s Bid Form in a plain envelope marked “Municipality of The District of Lunenburg Tax Sale Property, Tender #2024-01-001”, addressed to The Treasurer, 10 Allee Champlain Drive, Cookville, NS, B4V 9E4 no later than Monday, March 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.
All tenders will be dated, and time stamped when received. In the event two tenders are received for the same amount, bidders will be contacted and given 24 hours to submit a final bid.
The successful bidders will be given three (3) business days after awarding of Tender to pay amount in full or the Tender will be awarded to the next highest bidder(s). The decision of a successful bidder will be final.
Tender Forms and Specifications must be obtained from the Municipal website at www.modl.ca/tax-sales.html. Addendums to the tender package will be issued when the tax sale listing changes and will be only available on the Municipal website. Bidders are responsible for checking the website. Please note that a bid deposit is required for each property equal to the minimum bid in the form of a bank draft or certified cheque. The bid deposit will be applied to purchase price if the bidder is successful; otherwise, it will be returned uncashed. Bid deposits will not be returned if the successful bidder does not follow through with the purchase.
Tenders must be sent by mail or can be dropped off at the above address Monday to Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. It is the responsibility of the bidder to ensure tenders submitted via mail are received by Monday March 3rd, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. The tender opening is not open to the public.
Please note: faxed and electronic tenders are not acceptable and will not be considered. Any late or noncompliant bids will not be accepted.
For more information on properties listed, please go to www.pvsc.ca
Properties may be subject to HST charges, which will be collected from the successful bidder on top of the final bid price. The minimum bid includes certificate of sale fees and tax sale deed fees.
*It is the responsibility of the successful bidder to record the deed with Land Registration.
Properties may be removed from the tax sale process up to 10:00 a.m., March 3, 2025, if payment has been received by the Municipality.
LIST OF PROPERTIES TO BE SOLD:
3. Assessment Account Number 00197823, 7 SILVERS COVE RD
UNION SQUARE, LAND DWELLING, REDEEMABLE
Assessed to SMITH MAXINE ALICE & SMITH JAMES ALBERT
Taxes, Interest and Expenses $5,287.33
8. Assessment Account Number 00597449
MEISNERS SECTION, LAND, REDEEMABLE, HST APPLICABLE
Assessed to CALVIN SNYDER LTD
Taxes, Interest and Expenses $2,178.70
9. Assessment Account Number 00652601, 323 CHARLES HILL RD
FARMINGTON, LOT 2 FARMINGTON, DWELLING BUILDING, REDEEMABLE
Assessed to ARSENEAULT DONALD WAYNE & ARSENEAULT DARREN MICHAEL
Taxes, Interest and Expenses $4,633.22
36. Assessment Account Number 02095238, 5514 NO 10 HWY
NEW GERMANY, LAND DWELLING, REDEEMABLE
Assessed to FISHER PATRICIA L
Taxes, Interest and Expenses $4,188.92
45. Assessment Account Number 03332748
WEST DUBLIN, LAND, REDEEMABLE, HST APPLICABLE
Assessed to CROFT JUSTIN WAYNE & CROFT WAYNE KELLY
Taxes, Interest and Expenses $2,414.34
46. Assessment Account Number 03339068, 5494 HIGHWAY 331
PETITE RIVIERE, LOT 8‑C‑D PETITE RIVIERE, CAMPGROUND
REDEEMABLE, HST APPLICABLE
Assessed to MILLER ROGER
Taxes, Interest and Expenses $7,897.35
55. Assessment Account Number 03933466, LOWER BRANCH RD
LOWER BRANCH, LAND, REDEEMABLE, HST APPLICABLE
Assessed to RHODENIZER MACKAY SHEILA REP ET AL
Taxes, Interest and Expenses $2,344.70
69. Assessment Account Number 04837614, 27 COUNTY LINE STATION RD
MIDDLEWOOD, LAND DWELLING BUILDINGS, REDEEMABLE
Assessed to WILE DARLENE LACEY
Taxes, Interest and Expenses $4,107.10
78. Assessment Account Number 05393612, MOLEGA LAKE RD
CHELSEA, LAND, REDEEMABLE, HST APPLICABLE
Assessed to APPOLLO VENTURE CAPITAL LTD.
Taxes, Interest and Expenses $1,903.45
98. Assessment Account Number 09186816, NO 331 HWY
LAHAVE, LOT 1B LAHAVE, REDEEMABLE, HST APPLICABLE
Assessed to EVANS STEADMAN ALBERT NORMAN
Taxes, Interest and Expenses $2,867.08
101. Assessment Account Number 09481583, HIRTLE RD
MAITLAND, LOT 75 MAITLAND, REDEEMABLE, HST APPLICABLE
Assessed to ARMSTRONG JASMINE & ARMSTRONG JASON
Taxes, Interest and Expenses $2,401.68
104. Assessment Account Number 09720138, 42 JORDINS WAY
HEBBVILLE, LOT 7 HEBBVILLE, DWELLING BUILDING, REDEEMABLE
Assessed to MILLS ELEANOR M. & SILVER JEREMY D.
Taxes, Interest and Expenses $12,914.99
108. Assessment Account Number 09744819, SILVERS COVE RD
UNION SQUARE, LAND, REDEEMABLE, HST APPLICABLE
Assessed to SMITH JAMES ALBERT & SMITH MAXINE ALICE
Taxes, Interest and Expenses $2,374.46
112. Assessment Account Number 09873996, DEAN RD
HEBBVILLE, LAND, REDEEMABLE, HST APPLICABLE
Assessed to SMITH JAMES ROBERT & SMITH BEVERLY ANN
Taxes, Interest and Expenses $2,968.33
114. Assessment Account Number 09877851, JUSTIN DR
LOWER BRANCH, LOT 37 LOWER BRANCH, REDEEMABLE
Assessed to SMITH DEO PAULO SOKEMA ALEEN
Taxes, Interest and Expenses $2,386.42
158. Assessment Account Number 10576350, 24 CONRAD RD
UPPER BRANCH, LAND RETAIL/OFFICE, REDEEMABLE, HST APPLICABLE
Assessed to VAN NORDEN GREGORY ALLAN
Taxes, Interest and Expenses $5,956.18
165. Assessment Account Number 10764211, RUSSELLS COVE RD
PARKDALE, LOT A‑7 PARKDALE, REDEEMABLE, HST APPLICABLE
Assessed to 2167608 ALBERTA CORP.
Taxes, Interest and Expenses $3,881.52
166. Assessment Account Number 10776961, EAST CLIFFORD RD
EAST CLIFFORD, LOT 8‑9 EAST CLIFFORD, REDEEMABLE, HST APPLICABLE
Assessed to BAENSCH JENNY ULRIKE
Taxes, Interest and Expenses $5,518.65
The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg makes no representations or warranties to any purchaser regarding any property sold at tax sale, including but not limited to the environmental condition of any property, the fitness, geographical or environmental suitability of the land(s) offered for sale for any particular use and does not certify the “legal title”, “legal description”, “access” or “boundaries” and the lands offered for sale are BEING SOLD ON AN “AS IS” BASIS ONLY.
TAKE NOTICE that Tax Sales do not in all circumstances clear up defects in title. A tax deed conveys only the interest of the assessed owner, whatever that interest may be. If you are intending to clear up defects in the title of any subject property by way of a Tax Sale, you are advised to obtain a legal opinion as to whether or not this can be done.
PROPERTY TAXES: The purchaser will be responsible for all property taxes beginning the day of the sale. The Treasurer has not made any determination as to whether a survey is or is not required.
Redemption of Tax Sale Property- Section 152(1) MGA
Land sold for non-payment of taxes may be redeemed by the owner, a person with a mortgage, lien or other charge on the land or a person having an interest in the land within six months after the date of the sale. At the time of the tax sale, if any taxes on lands are in arrears for more than six years, no right of redemption exists.
Dated at Cookville, January 22, 2025
Elana Wentzell, Director of Finance
Municipality of the District of Lunenburg
Tender Package below:
Information on Available Properties:
2025 Tax Sales
To be published on January 30, 2025.
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid
The District is working hard to save our Hemlock trees from the invasive species, Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA). We hope this work will prevent the death of the trees and eliminate the need for any cutting and removal in the future — this is the risk if the pest is allowed to remain and trees are left untreated.
What is the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) ?
Hemlock woolly adelgid is an aphid-like insect (aphids suck fluid from plants) that attacks and kills hemlock trees by feeding on nutrient and water storage cells at the base of needles. In Canada, eastern provinces are at-risk due to proximity to HWA populations in the states. In 2017, HWA was found and is now being closely monitored in the southwestern Nova Scotia counties of Digby, Queens, Shelburne, Yarmouth, Annapolis, and, most recently, Lunenburg in 2020.
What can I do to limit the spread of HWA?
- Wear clean footwear and clothes when going into forested areas.
- Clean campers, cars, and gear, including lint rolling and washing clothing when leaving potentially infested areas. This is especially important when travelling from Southwest Nova Scotia to other parts of the province or into other provinces.
- Do not collect or move materials from one site to another, including firewood.
- Do not transport lumber from potentially infested areas.
Are the pesticides being used safe for the public?
The pesticide being used is approved for use by Health Canada and is safe to use.
How can I learn more?
To learn more, contact Kayla Winsor, Climate Action Coordinator, Phone: (902) 930-3490, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
PRO Kids Application form
PRO Fund Application form
For Voters
Qualifications to vote -
- must be 18 years of age and a Canadian citizen on or before October 10, 2024
- must be "ordinarily resident" in Nova Scotia as of April 9, 2024
- is "ordinarily resident" in the District of Lunenburg as of October 9, 2024
Nova Scotia does not have non-resident voting. This means that if you live in a municipal district other than the District of Lunenburg, you may not vote in this election for the District of Lunenburg even though you may own property there or have children who attend school there.
How do I know if I am on the List of Electors? Voters who are on the List of Electors will receive a Voter Information Letter in early October with the information you will need to vote. Voters may contact the Elections Office beginning in early August to verify if they are on the List of Electors.
How to cast your vote -
- You MUST have a Voter Information Letter containing your unique PIN.
- Using your computer, smartphone, or other electronic device through the voting website.
- By phone using a landline or cell phone
When is the voting period?
- 12:00 pm (noon) Thursday, October 10, and ends at 7:00 pm Saturday, October 19
What if I need help voting?
- For support over the phone or online, contact the help line which will be set up at the Elections Office (Suite 308, 197 Dufferin St, Bridgewater)
- Visit the Elections Office at 197 Dufferin St, Bridgewater, Suite 308, between 8:30am and 4:30pm Monday to Friday excluding holidays. The office will also be open between 8:00am and 7:00pm on Saturday, October 19, 2024.
- Visit a Voter Information Centre on Saturday, October 19. District Voter Help Centres will be available for anyone needing a laptop device to vote on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at the following locations. You MUST have your voter information letter to use the device. If you haven’t received or misplaced your letter, contact the Elections Office at 902-530-6652 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Questions? Call 902-530-6652 or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
For Candidates
Qualifications to be a Municipal Candidate (Councillor or Mayor)
- Canadian citizen and 18 years old at the time of nomination
- Ordinarily resident in MODL as of March 9, 2024, and continues to reside there.
Persons disqualified to be Council Members (Councillor or Mayor)
- See section 18 of the Municipal Elections Act.
Is running for Municipal Council right for me? What information do I need?
- pdf Becoming a Municipal Council Candidate (245 KB) This document is for those who are interested in becoming a candidate for council. It explains the process.
- pdf 2024 MODL Candidate Information Guide (14.95 MB) This guide has been written by Elections staff and is MODL-specific.
- pdf Candidate's Guide to Municipal & CSAP Elections 2024 (466 KB) This document has been created by the Department of Municipal Affairs.
Important Dates
- Candidate's packages (paperwork needed to complete the nomination) are available now. They may be picked up during regular office hours at the Elections Office. NOTE - The Elections Office is located at 197 Dufferin St, Bridgewater, Suite 308.
- Aug 29 & 30, Sept 3 to Sept 6, Sept 9 - nominations may be filed with the Returning Officer by appointment only between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm at the Elections Office (Suite 308, 197 Dufferin St, Bridgewater, NS)
- Sept 10, 2024 - Nomination Day - nominations can be filed with the Returning Officer - no appointment required but is recommended - between 9 am to 5 pm at the Elections Office (Suite 308, 197 Dufferin St, Bridgewater, NS). No nomination papers will be accepted after 5 pm on this day.
Form 17 (Appointment of Official Agent)
If campaign contributions are being accepted, an Official Agent must be appointed before Nomination Day even if the candidate has chosen to be their own Agent. Form 17 should be filled out by the candidate and they (the candidate and Official Agent) should make an appointment with the Returning Officer as the Official Agent must take an oath. If no campaign contributions are being accepted, then Form 17 can be submitted on Nomination Day.
Questions? Please contact Leah Zinck, Returning Officer, at 902-530-6652 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Information from other years -
What Does Each Level of Government Do in Canada. This video outlines exactly what each level does in Canada, and why local government is so important.
In the Spring of 2016, Nova Scotia company Springtide teamed up with the Department of Municipal Affairs to deliver three full-day campaign schools. Many of the sessions were captured on video, and are available here: https://www.springtide.ngo/local-decisions/
Council remuneration is set by Motion of Council. Motion 2022-073.
More Articles ...
- Elections Contact
- Volunteer with the Fire Service
- Fire Protection
- IDEA at MODL
- 2024 Tax Sale Awards
- 2024 Tax Sales
- Tax Sale Surplus History
- 2023 Tax Sale Awards
- Requirements for Occupancy – Single Unit Dwellings
- FOIPOP Requests
- Request an Event
- Notice Of Public Hearing Re Number of Councillors and Altering of Boundaries