Public Notices
Special Election for District 9 set for October 17
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The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg (MODL) will hold a Special Election this fall to fill the vacant District 9 Council seat following the resignation of Councillor Ben Brooks, which was effective on July 14, 2026.
At a special meeting on August 4, 2026, Council approved the dates and administrative requirements required to conduct the election in accordance with Nova Scotia's Municipal Elections Act.
Residents of District 9 will be able to cast their ballots using electronic voting, which has been successfully used in previous municipal elections and provides a secure, convenient, and accessible way for eligible voters to participate online or via telephone.
The Municipality has established a dedicated District 9 Special Election page on Engage MODL, which will serve as the central source of information for residents, candidates, and voters throughout the election process.
Key election dates
- Nomination Day: Tuesday, September 22, 2026
- Advance Polling Day: Thursday, October 8, 2026
- Election Day (Ordinary Polling Day): Saturday, October 17, 2026
Council also appointed April Whynot-Lohnes, Municipal Clerk, as Returning Officer for the Special Election and delegated authority to the Chief Administrative Officer to appoint an Assistant Returning Officer if required.
Read more: Special Election for District 9 set for October 17
Council adopts municipal-wide planning strategy
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Council for the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg has approved a new Municipal Planning Strategy and Municipal-Wide Land Use By-law, completing a five-year planning process that will guide growth and development across the municipality.
The approval marks a significant milestone in its Municipal-Wide Land Use Planning Project, launched in 2020 to establish a comprehensive land use framework and meet provincial planning requirements.
Mayor Elspeth McLean-Wile said the final documents reflect extensive public participation and years of community input.
"I want to thank everyone who took the time to participate throughout this process," McLean-Wile said. "We heard valuable feedback from residents, property owners, community organizations and stakeholders, and those conversations helped strengthen the final documents."
The District of Lunenburg will be the last municipality in Nova Scotia to complete municipal-wide zoning, a provincial requirement intended to ensure all municipalities have consistent land use regulations in place.
"We had a responsibility to take the time needed to build a framework that reflects our communities and prepares us for the future," McLean-Wile said. "This plan provides clear direction for growth and development while helping ensure the municipality preserves the things that our residents appreciate about living here.”
The project underwent multiple rounds of public consultation and revisions before reaching Council for final approval. The adopted documents represent the fourth draft of the planning framework and incorporate feedback gathered through public meetings, workshops, open houses, and consultation sessions with residents, community organizations, and stakeholders.
A key element of the framework is the introduction of municipal-wide zoning, bringing consistent land use regulations to all areas of the municipality and providing greater clarity for property owners, residents, and future development proposals.
McLean-Wile also praised the municipality's planning department for its role in developing the framework over the course of the project.
"This was a tremendous undertaking," she said. "Our planning team brought a deep understanding of our communities to this work, and their expertise and dedication were instrumental in creating a planning strategy that reflects local priorities.”
During the public hearing process, residents raised concerns about several aspects of the proposed regulations, including how some requirements could affect future development opportunities on certain properties.
Council reviewed written and verbal submissions before making its decision, acknowledging the challenges of balancing private property interests, environmental considerations, future growth pressures, and the long-term needs of communities across the municipality.
Municipal officials say the approved planning framework is intended to provide long-term direction for growth and development while helping protect the natural and community assets valued by residents.
The Municipal Planning Strategy and Municipal-Wide Land Use By-law will now be submitted to the Province of Nova Scotia for review and approval.
More information about the Municipal-Wide Land Use Planning Project is available at Engage MODL.
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NOTICE Council Meeting Cancellations - Summer 2026
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This Notice is to advise that the following meetings of Municipal Council and its Committees are cancelled for the month of August.
August 4, 2026 Finance Committee
August 11 & 25, 2026 Council
August 18, 2026 Policy & Strategy Committee
August 27, 2026 Planning Advisory Committee
The public will be notified should a Special Council meeting be required and held during this time.
April Whynot-Lohnes
Municipal Clerk
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For publication on MODL Website, Facebook, and E-board – July 23 & 28, 2026
Proposed final draft of Land Use Planning moving forward
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The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg is inviting residents to review and provide feedback on the proposed final draft of its new Municipal Planning Strategy (MPS) and Municipal-Wide Land Use By-law (LUB).
At its July 14, 2026 meeting, Council conducted First Reading of the proposed replacement Municipal Planning Strategy and Municipal-Wide Land Use By-law and passed motions to give notice of its intention to repeal the existing Municipal Planning Strategy (By-law 035) and Municipal-Wide Land Use By-law (By-law 049), including all amendments, and replace them with updated planning documents.
The proposed documents represent the fourth draft developed through the Municipal-Wide Land Use Planning Project and incorporate feedback received from Council, the Planning Advisory Committee, residents, community stakeholders, and technical reviews conducted throughout the planning process.
During Council's review, discussion focused on several proposed changes, including regulations affecting agricultural land uses and updated definitions related to recreational vehicles.
Residents are encouraged to review the proposed final draft documents and take part in upcoming public engagement opportunities before Council considers adoption.
Public Information Session
A Public Information Session will provide residents with an opportunity to learn more about the proposed final draft documents, ask questions, and speak with Planning Staff about how the proposed regulations may affect their property or community.
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Council Chambers
Municipal Office
10 Allée Champlain Drive, Cookville
Read more: Proposed final draft of Land Use Planning moving forward
Planning Advisory Committee Meeting – July 23, 2026
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Public Meeting Notice: Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
A meeting of the Municipality’s Planning Advisory Committee (PAC) is scheduled for Thursday, July 23, 2026, starting at 7:00 p.m. at 10 Allee Champlain Drive, Cookville, Nova Scotia. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the following matters:
(1) Proposed Redesignation and Rezoning of PID 60631009 for Commercial and Open Space Uses - Osprey Village Secondary Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law. (2) Any other planning matters.
All PAC meetings are open to the public, and the public is encouraged to attend. For further information, please contact Rosemary Young, Planner I, at 902-521-9327.
