Japanese Knotweed

Japanese Knotweed is considered an invasive species in Nova Scotia

Japanese Knotweed grows mainly in urban habitats but may also be found in natural watercourse areas. It thrives in full sunlight, preferring open exposure, but can also survive in deep shade. Look for Japanese Knotweed along roadsides, ditches, fence lines, and around old homesteads. This invasive species grows in thick clumps that block out sunlight, effectively shading out native species and reducing biodiversity.

What Can You Do?

• Promote the use of native plants for gardens and landscaping; avoid planting invasive species.
• When removing Knotweed from your property, do not burn the plant, or place it in a backyard compost pile or your green cart.
• Double bag it and leave it in the sun to rot, then discard.
• Remove the entire root system, or the plant will resprout from remaining roots.
• Dig up young Knotweed plants to prevent further spread.
• Cover the plant with dark material to block out the sun and cook the plant. This process, called tarping, is best done when started in late spring. This is not recommended for low light areas.
• If you spot this invasive species, report the location to the Nova Scotia Invasive Species Council or iNaturalist.ca.

For more information, visit the Nova Scotia Invasive Species Council website: https://nsinvasives.ca/

Notice of Approval: Coastal Protection Regulations

The amended Municipal Planning Strategy and new Municipal-Wide Land Use By-Law pertaining to Coastal Protection Regulations were reviewed and approved by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing on Friday, August 9, 2024. The regulations are effective as of the date of this advertisement.

To inspect the amended Municipal Planning Strategy and new Municipal-Wide Land Use By-Law, visit the MODL Municipal Services Building at 10 Allée Champlain Drive, Cookville, NS from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or access the documents online at www.modl.ca/zoning. If you have any questions, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Tina Robichaud-Bond
Acting Municipal Clerk

Published online – August 13, 2024 8:21am

Notice of Intention to Adopt Cluster Development Regulations

On July 30, 2024, Municipal Council conducted First Reading of the amended Municipal Planning Strategy (MPS) and Municipal Wide Land Use By-law (LUB) to establish Cluster Development regulations in the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg. This notice is to advise residents that the amended MPS and LUB are effective as of the date of First Reading.

A public information session and public hearing will be held at a date to be determined.  The Public will be given notice of the date/time when available. 

Click pdf Public Notice (552 KB) to view it in its entirety. 

Published Wednesday, July 31, 2024.

Indian Falls Stair Replacement Project

This summer, MODL will be replacing the wooden stairway at Indian Falls. Unfortunately, we do expect unavoidable disruption to park users.

The current wooden stairway has been in place for many years and is heavily used by park users wishing to gain access to the rocky beach. Although the stairway has been regularly maintained, it is a wooden structure and has now reached the end of its life. The stairway is currently closed.

In the 2024-2025 capital budget, funds have been allocated for the design, construction, and installation of a new set of steel stairs. This will address the safety concerns and enable the public to safely access the riverfront. Using steel will aid in the maintenance and longevity of the stairs.

We will be removing the stairs soon and there will be periods of time this summer when the park trails may be closed to facilitate construction. We expect to provide dates shortly for the stair removal and foundation construction. Dates for the stair installation will be provided at a future time.

Park users can expect interruptions throughout the season. We will work with the successful bidder on this project to minimize interruptions and provide public notice as far in advance as possible through our MODL and Recreation Facebook pages.

Historic Investment in Municipalities

All 49 municipalities across the province will see the benefits of a new service exchange agreement signed March 28, 2024. To view the news release from the province, please visit https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2024/03/28/historic-investment-municipalities.

Water Supply Upgrade Program

Are you experiencing a dry well issue? Homeowners in the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg can now apply for financing to upgrade their water supply. Learn more: https://cleanfoundation.ca/energy/water-supply-upgrade/