Public Notices
District 9 Councillor Ben Brooks resigns from Council
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The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg received the resignation of District 9 Councillor Ben Brooks on July 14, 2026, effective immediately.
Councillor Brooks was first elected to Council in 2024 and has served the residents of District 9 throughout his term. Council thanks him for his service and contributions to the Municipality and wishes him well in the future.
In accordance with the Municipal Elections Act, Council will determine a date for a special election to fill the vacant Council seat within four weeks. Staff are currently reviewing options and will bring recommendations forward to Council. The date of the by-election will be announced following Council approval.
To ensure residents continue to have access to Council support, Deputy Mayor Chasidy Veinotte has been assigned to assist District 9 residents until a new councillor is elected.
Mayor Elspeth McLean-Wile said the Municipality's priority is ensuring residents continue to receive the representation and services they expect.
"On behalf of Council, I want to thank Ben Brooks for his service and contributions during his time on Council. Public service requires dedication and commitment, and we recognize the effort involved in representing your community. While we are sorry to see him leave Council, we respect his decision and wish him all the best in the future. Our focus now is on supporting District 9 residents and ensuring a smooth transition as we move through the by-election process." – Mayor Elspeth McLean-Wile
Residents can continue to access municipal services, programs, and support through regular municipal channels.
Further information about the process to fill the vacant council seat will be shared with the public as details are confirmed.
Additional Information
Municipal Elections Act: Municipal Elections
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Municipal Planning Strategy and Municipal Wide Land-use By-law
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First Reading Passed and Public Hearing Notice:
Please take notice:
On July 14, 2026, Municipal Council conducted First Reading of the proposed replacement Municipal Planning Strategy and new Municipal-Wide Land Use By-Law. Council passed motions to give notice of its intention to repeal the existing Municipal Planning Strategies (By-law 035) and Municipal-Wide Land Use By-law (By-law 049), including all subsequent amendments, and replace them with the new Municipal Planning Strategy (MPS) and Municipal-Wide Land Use By-Law (LUB).
A PUBLIC INFORMATION SESSION will be held regarding the proposed final draft of the Municipal Planning Strategy and Municipal-Wide Land Use By-Law. The purpose of the Information Sessions is to present the proposed documents to the public and provide residents with an opportunity to learn more about the proposed regulations.
Date: Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Council Chambers, Municipal Office, 10 Allée Champlain Drive, Cookville, NS
A PUBLIC HEARING regarding the proposed Municipal Planning Strategy and Municipal-Wide Land Use By-Law will be held on:
Date: Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Council Chambers, Municipal Office, 10 Allée Champlain Drive, Cookville, NS
The public can make formal written or oral submissions to Council. Written submissions will be received until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, July 27, 2026, and may be submitted to April Whynot-Lohnes, Municipal Clerk, 10 Allée Champlain Drive, Cookville, NS B4V 9E4 or by email:
Copies of the proposed Municipal Planning Strategy, Municipal-Wide Land Use By-Law, and supporting reports are available for review at the Municipal Office, 10 Allée Champlain Drive, Cookville, during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), or online at: Engage MODL.
For additional information, please contact Planning Staff at
Municipalities launch shared online Building Permit Portal
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New service makes it easier for builders and residents to apply for and track permits online.
The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg (MODL), the Town of Bridgewater, the Town of Lunenburg, and the Region of Queens Municipality have launched a shared online permit application portal, making it easier for residents, contractors, and developers to apply for and track permits across the region.
Opened July 13, 2026, the new portal allows users to create a single account and submit building and development permit applications in any of the four participating municipalities. Applications can be completed anytime, from any device, with real-time updates available throughout the review process.
“This is a smart regional partnership that improves service, reduces duplication, and helps us use municipal resources more efficiently. It's a win for residents, builders, and staff,” says Mayor Elspeth McLean-Wile.
The new portal streamlines how permit applications are submitted and managed while maintaining existing inspection services and standards. The Region of Queens Municipality will continue to conduct building inspections within its jurisdiction, while MODL will continue providing building inspection services for MODL, Bridgewater, and Lunenburg.
Residents and contractors who prefer traditional methods will still be able to access in-person service and paper application forms.
Read more: Municipalities launch shared online Building Permit Portal
Notice of Pesticide Treatment at Municipal Parks
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The District of Lunenburg is advising residents that pesticide treatment for hemlock woolly adelgid is scheduled at three municipal parks during the week of July 13, 2026.
Treatment dates are weather-dependent and may change. Updates will be shared if the schedule changes.
Park Closure Schedule
Pine Grove Park
- Closed Tuesday, July 14 and Wednesday, July 15
- Reopening Thursday, July 16
Wiles Lake Park
- Closed Tuesday, July 14 and Wednesday, July 15
- Reopening Thursday, July 16
Miller Point Peace Park
- Closed Wednesday, July 15 and Thursday, July 16
- Reopening Friday, July 17
Council directs revisions to Draft Land Use Plan
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Following a public hearing on June 25, 2026, the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg Council passed a motion directing planning staff to revisit and revise Draft 3 of the Land Use Planning framework in response to public submissions and discussion, particularly regarding the proposed Agriculture Potential Zone.
The decision follows a lengthy hearing where residents shared feedback on several aspects of the draft plan, including agricultural land designation, permitted land uses, and the potential impact on property rights and future development opportunities.
Council acknowledged the importance of the concerns raised and agreed that additional review is needed before the plan proceeds to second reading.
