Council Highlights

Welcome to Council Highlights, a concise digest of newsworthy decisions and issues from Town of Lunenburg Council meetings. For a more detailed account of Council meetings, check Council agendas and minutes on the Council Meetings page.

Feb. 10, 2026 

A full recording of the meeting is available on YouTube. The full agenda package is available here: pdf 02 10 2026 Council Agenda(10.46 MB)

Mayor Addresses Recent Power Outage

At the start of the meeting, the Mayor acknowledged the frustration many residents experienced during the recent power outage, particularly during winter conditions.

The Mayor also addressed reports that frontline utility workers restoring power were verbally harassed. While frustration with outages is understandable, abuse directed at workers in the field is not acceptable.

Utility crews are not responsible for corporate or infrastructure decisions and often work long hours in difficult conditions to restore service as quickly and safely as possible.

Council encouraged residents to continue to treat frontline workers with respect, especially during challenging circumstances.

Council Approves First Reading of Marketing Levy By-law

Council approved first reading of the proposed Marketing Levy By-law.

The by-law would establish a 3% marketing levy on all short-term accommodations located within the Town of Lunenburg. This includes traditional hotels, inns, and short-term rentals listed on platforms such as Airbnb. The levy would be collected by operators at the time of booking and remitted to the Town on a monthly basis.

Under provincial legislation, all short-term accommodations must be registered with the Province. This registration system will assist the Town in identifying operators who are required to collect and remit the levy.

If approved, funds collected through the levy may only be used for tourism promotion purposes authorized under provincial legislation. This can include activities such as marketing and advertising campaigns, visitor guides and digital promotion, supporting festivals and events that attract visitors, and contributions to tourism-focused organizations.

If adopted, the levy would take effect January 1, 2027, providing operators time to prepare their systems.

Council will schedule a public hearing in the coming weeks to provide an opportunity for public input. Following the public hearing, Council will consider second reading. Approval of second reading would formally adopt the by-law.

Further details, including public hearing information, will be shared once scheduled.

The draft by-law can be found in the agenda package for this meeting.

Council Approves First Reading of Tour and Horse-Drawn Vehicle By-law

Council approved first reading of the proposed Tour and Horse-Drawn Vehicle By-law.

This by-law would replace the Town’s existing Hack and Trolley By-law and modernize the framework for licensing and regulating commercial tour vehicles and horse-drawn carriage operations in Lunenburg.

Council directed staff to review the current by-law in 2025 following public concerns related to animal welfare during periods of extreme heat and dry weather. The updated draft strengthens animal welfare protections while also improving clarity, transparency, and enforceability.

The proposed by-law also consolidates requirements that were previously spread across multiple documents and Council resolutions into a single, modern by-law.

Council will schedule a public hearing in the coming weeks to provide an opportunity for public input. Following the public hearing, Council will consider second reading. Approval of second reading would formally adopt the by-law and repeal the existing Hack and Trolley By-law.

Further details, including public hearing information, will be shared once scheduled.

The draft by-law can be found in the agenda package for this meeting.

Council Approves Sponsorship for Jennifer Collins Classic

Council approved providing a Diamond-level in-kind sponsorship for the Jennifer Collins Classic Hockey Tournament for the next three years (2026–2028).

The Jennifer Collins Classic is a volunteer-run, community-based event that includes recreational hockey and golf tournaments and social events. The tournament was originally created to support Jennifer Collins following a life-altering injury and has since grown into a major community homecoming event. To date, the Classic has raised over $570,000 for individuals and causes facing financial hardship in the Lunenburg area, with 100% of proceeds returned to the local community.

Council approved in-kind support that includes:

  • Waiving non-prime time and weekend morning ice rental fees at the War Memorial Arena
  • Waiving the Community Centre rental fee for the event dance
  • Promoting the event through the Town’s communication channels

The 2026 hockey tournament will take place March 26–29, with additional related events throughout the season.

Council Approves Sponsorship for Lunenburg County Music Festival

Council approved a $200 Platinum-level sponsorship for the Lunenburg County Music Festival.

The Lunenburg County Music Festival is an annual youth-focused event that provides local students with opportunities for public performance, growth, and mentorship from professional adjudicators. In 2025, more than 350 local youth participated, with the final gala concert drawing a full audience of families and community supporters.

Feb. 2, 2026 Special Capital Budget Meeting

A full recording of the meeting is available on YouTube. The full agenda package is available here:  pdf 02 02 2026 Budget Agenda(19.83 MB)

APPROVED: 2026/27 Town & Water Utility Capital Budgets

Following the initial presentation of the 2026/27 Capital Budget on January 12, Council held its second capital budget meeting on February 2, where decisions were made on both the Town General Capital Budget and the Water Utility Capital Budget.

At this meeting, Council approved both capital budgets, with a small number of adjustments to the Town’s General Capital Budget.

Changes to the Town General Capital Budget

Council approved the 2026/27 Town’s General Capital with the following changes:

  • Removed:
    • $70,000 for the Recreation Master Plan
    • $10,000 for the Lunenburg Academy Public Washroom site preparation
  • Moved ahead:
    • $20,000 for the Back Harbour (Maple Stairway Removal – Accessibility Improvements) project

This project was originally scheduled for 2027, but will now move forward sooner. The work will improve accessibility and connectivity between the Back Harbour Trail and the Bay to Bay Trail, supporting safer and more inclusive trail access.

All other previously presented capital projects remained unchanged and were approved as part of the 2026/27 Capital Budget.

Approved Capital Budgets

  • Town General Capital Budget: $3.815 million
    Focused on maintaining and upgrading core infrastructure such as roads, sidewalks, buildings, recreation facilities, and accessibility improvements.
  • Water Utility Capital Budget: $777,000
    Focused on maintaining a safe, reliable, and resilient drinking water system, including major work at the Water Treatment Plant, ongoing meter installation, and system upgrades.

Council’s review process included two dedicated meetings to allow time for questions, discussion, and public feedback before final decisions were made.

The full budget documents can be found in the agenda package from this meeting:  pdf 02 02 2026 Budget Agenda(19.83 MB)

Jan. 27, 2026

A full recording of the meeting is available on YouTube. The full agenda package is available here:  pdf 01 27 2026 Council Agenda(8.08 MB)

Council Supports Pilot “Young Chefs” Program

Council received a presentation on the Young Chefs program, a volunteer-run, free cooking and nutrition initiative for children and youth. The program focuses on teaching basic cooking skills, healthy eating, and social connection through hands-on, and screen-free sessions.

Following the presentation, Council agreed to support a short-term pilot by partnering with Town staff to allow the use of the Community Centre kitchen for trial sessions of the program.

Property Valuation Services Corporation (PVSC) Presentation

Council received a presentation from the Property Valuation Services Corporation (PVSC) on the 2026 Property Assessment Roll for the Town of Lunenburg. The presentation outlined PVSC’s role in assessing property values across Nova Scotia, how assessments are determined based on market conditions and property characteristics, the application of the Capped Assessment Program (CAP), and the process available to property owners who have questions or wish to appeal their assessment.

Good to Know Information:

  • Property assessments are based on market value and are set by PVSC under provincial legislation, not by the Town.
  • The Capped Assessment Program (CAP) limits annual increases to taxable residential assessments for eligible properties; the 2026 cap rate is 2.6%.
  • An increase in assessment does not automatically result in the same increase in property taxes.
  • Property owners with questions about their assessment are encouraged to contact PVSC directly at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 1-800-380-7775
  • The deadline to appeal a 2026 assessment is February 12, 2026.

Jan. 13, 2026

Council Recognizes Local Workers for Life-Saving Action

Council recognized Tony Schleihauf and Sourav Sourav of William Gerhardt Property Improvement for their actions during an emergency in Bayswater on December 31, 2025.

The two men witnessed a serious incident involving a vehicle in the water and immediately took action to help. Using their training and quick thinking, they assisted a person in distress until first responders arrived.

Council thanked Tony and Sourav for their courage, calm response, and willingness to step forward in a critical moment, noting that their actions reflect the very best of community spirit.

Council Recognizes Restaurateurs Martin and Sylvie Ruiz Salvador

Council recognized Martin and Sylvie Ruiz Salvador, co-owners of Lunenburg Restaurants, including Beach Pea Kitchen & Bar, The South Shore Fish Shack, Salt Shaker Deli, and others, for their recent Taste of Nova Scotia Award.

The Taste of Nova Scotia Awards celebrate excellence across the province’s food and beverage sector, recognizing restaurants, producers, and industry leaders from communities across Nova Scotia.

Council congratulated Martin and Sylvie on this provincial recognition, noting their leadership in Lunenburg’s food and hospitality sector and their long-standing contribution to the community and local economy.

Jan. 12, 2026 Special Capital Budget Meeting 

2026/27 Capital Budget Presentation: What Council Reviewed on January 12

At a Special Council Meeting on January 12, Council received the first presentation of the 2026/27 Capital Budget for both the Town and the Water Utility

A capital budget is different from the Town’s operating budget. It focuses on large, long-term investments in infrastructure and assets, including roads, sidewalks, buildings, water and wastewater systems, equipment, and major facility upgrades.

This meeting was the first step in Council’s review of the capital budget and was specifically scheduled to give the public an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback before any decisions are made.

What’s in the 2026/27 Draft Capital Budget?

Town General Capital Budget: $3.895 million

Staff presented a draft capital plan focused on maintaining and improving core Town infrastructure, including:

  • Public Works infrastructure and equipment ($1.6M)
  • Wastewater and stormwater projects ( $587,000, not including the major wastewater plant upgrade already underway)
  • Recreation facilities ($484,000)
  • Town buildings and facilities ($1.23M)

Some of the notable projects Council reviewed include:

  • Lunenburg Academy roof repairs ($1.039M, pre-approved in December)
  • Town Hall interior restoration planning to improve efficiency and accessibility
  • Sidewalk renewals on Pelham Street and Victoria Road
  • Street reconstruction on Pelham Street and design work for Maple Avenue
  • Accessibility upgrades to sidewalks, parking, and the Community Centre
  • Arena ice plant replacement to prevent breakdowns

Water Utility Capital Budget: $777,000

The Water Utility budget focuses on keeping the Town’s drinking water system safe, reliable, and resilient.

Key projects include:

  • Tank bypass line at the Water Treatment Plant ($586,000) to allow water to flow even if the storage tank is offline
  • Water meter rollout (multi-year project already approved)
  • Hydrant replacements and new services
  • Design work for Maple Avenue watermain renewal
  • Planning for future transmission main upgrades to protect long-term water supply reliability

The full budget presentation is available in the agenda for this meeting:  pdf 01 12 2026 Budget Agenda(19.42 MB)

Reviewing Reserves

Alongside the Capital Budget, Council also reviewed how much money the Town has set aside for future repairs and major projects.

Staff explained that the Town has many large infrastructure needs coming up, like fixing Town Hall and upgrading stormwater systems, and that current savings aren’t keeping up with what those projects will cost. While the Town applies for grants whenever possible, grant funding isn’t guaranteed, so the Town also needs to plan for how it will pay for these projects over time.

To start that conversation, staff proposed:

  • Setting up a new capital reserve fund, funded through the tax rate, at a proposed rate of $0.10 per $100 of assessment to help pay for major infrastructure projects
  • Adding a part-time grants position to help bring more outside funding into the Town

These were early proposals only. Council will review these options as part of the full 2026/27 budget process, including the Operating Budget, and no decisions have been made yet.

What Happens Next?

This was the first presentation of the 2026/27 Capital Budget and the public’s first chance to comment.

The Capital Budget is scheduled to return to Council on Monday, January 26 at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers, where Council is expected to vote on the capital budgets.

Council may also choose to defer or amend parts of the budget if more discussion or information is needed before final approval.

How to share your feedback

Residents who were unable to attend the January 12 meeting, or who have additional comments, are welcome to email their questions or feedback to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. no later than Tuesday, January 20 at 12:00 p.m.

All submissions received by that deadline will be shared with Council as part of the capital budget review.