Conservation District & By-laws

Heritage Conservation District

The Town of Lunenburg's Heritage Conservation District (HCD) Plan and By-law protect the Old Town Lunenburg area for current and future generations.

The Town is reviewing its heritage regulations and plans. This review intends to simplify heritage management regulations and rules. The review included hiring heritage experts to conduct a built-form assessment, reviewing the Heritage Conservation District Plan and By-law, and the Architectural Control Area policies in the Municipal Planning Strategy. On August 9, 2022, Town Council approved the  pdfHCD Background Study (2.54 MB) document for submission to the Province for review in accordance with the Heritage Property Act. This study outlines the approach to the new HCD Plan & Bylaw.

pdf Draft Old Town Heritage Conservation District Plan and By-law (8.36 MB)

pdf Maps (5.59 MB)

We invite everyone to help shape the laws and guidelines guiding heritage conservation in our community. Together, we can ensure that the Old Town Lunenburg Heritage Conservation District Plan and By-law reflect our shared vision for responsible heritage management.

The Town of Lunenburg has scheduled a pdf Public Hearing on November 28, 2023 (326 KB) , to receive public input on the proposed Old Town Lunenburg Heritage Conservation District Plan and By-law. The meeting will commence at 6:00 p.m. at the Council Chambers at Town Hall, 119 Cumberland Street.Please use the Townsend Street entrance or click the Zoom link to join virtually: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88956545878.

Council is eager to address any inquiries and receive your comments on the draft Old Town Lunenburg Heritage Conservation District Plan and By-law. You have three opportunities to provide feedback:

Town of Lunenburg

c/o Kayla Byrne

119 Cumberland Street, PO Box 129

Lunenburg, NS Canada B0J 2C0

  • Public Hearing: You can participate in the Public Hearing in person at Town Hall on November 28, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. You can sign up to speak before Council in person on the day of the hearing or in advance by contacting Kayla Byrne at kbyrne@townoflunenburg or 902-634-4410 x240.

If you’d like to have a written submission included in the public agenda, please send it us by November 20. Any written submissions received after November 20 will be forwarded to Council for its consideration but not included in the public record.

Preserving the legacy of our town is a collective endeavour. Your participation and written contributions are invaluable in shaping the future of our historic community.

From October 18, 2023, to February 15, 2024, any developments, including demolitions of or alterations to existing buildings and the construction of new buildings within the expanded district boundary, must comply with the draft Old Town Lunenburg Heritage Conservation District Plan and By-law. This is required under the Heritage Property Act. This requirement protects properties while Council reviews the draft Plan and By-law.

For more information on Old Town Lunenburg’s protection, you can read the [2023 State of Conservation Report] or contact Hilary Grant at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 902-634-4410.

pdf State of Conservation Report May 2023 (6.08 MB)

Town By-laws

NS Legislation