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.
Jan. 28, 2025
Watch a recording of the meeting on YouTube or read the full agenda package.
Community Recognition – Dave Robb
Council recognized Dave Robb for his years of dedication to the Lunenburg community as he retires from his role at Foodland. Beyond his work at the store, Dave has been an active community leader, contributing to fundraising initiatives and serving as Deputy Chief of the Lunenburg District Fire Department.
Congratulations on your well-earned retirement, Dave!
Lunenburg Traffic and Parking Study
Council received the Lunenburg Traffic and Parking Study, which explores solutions to seasonal traffic and parking challenges.
Recommendations include installing an all-way stop at Dufferin/Lincoln/Falkland, upgrading the Community Centre parking lot, and introducing a pay-by-plate parking system.
Please note: This was just a presentation—Council will discuss the report and other parking and traffic issues in the Town further at a future Committee of the Whole meeting to prioritize recommendations and consider solutions.
The full study can be found in the agenda package from this meeting.
Council also directed staff to work with the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg and the local MLA to advocate for improvements to the Trunk 3/Route 332 intersection, where sightlines and stop sign compliance are concerns.
CUPE Local 1780 Collective Agreement
Council ratified the 2024–2028 collective agreement with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 1780. The agreement, approved by CUPE members on January 14, 2025, reflects a collaborative effort to address labour priorities and support municipal operations.
The Interim Chief Administrative Officer has been authorized to execute the agreement on behalf of the Town of Lunenburg.
For more details, please refer to the release: https://townoflunenburg.ca/town-of-lunenburg-signs-new-four-year-collective-agreement-with-cupe-local-1780.html
Curbside Waste Collection Services Contract
Council awarded the Curbside Waste Collection Services Contract to GE’s All Trucking Limited for a seven-year term. The decision followed a regional Request for Proposal (RFP) led by the Lunenburg Regional Municipal Joint Services Board.
Annual cost increases of up to 2.89% will be included in future budgets. The new agreement now includes provisions for storm debris and electronic waste collection, enhancing service delivery.
Stormwater Separation Masterplan – RFP Award
Council approved an additional $17,000 for the Stormwater Separation Masterplan Project funded by Sewer Reserves for a total of $127,000. They also awarded the Request for Proposal (RFP) to CBCL Limited for $109,975 + HST. The updated budget includes $12,000 in contingency funds to cover any unforeseen costs.
This project is a key step in developing Lunenburg’s Asset Management Plan by creating detailed models of the town’s stormwater infrastructure. The masterplan will provide street-by-street recommendations to improve stormwater and sewer systems, ensuring they can handle future growth and address saltwater intrusion.
Accessible Housing Incentive Policy
Council gave notice to approve a new Accessible Housing Incentive Policy aimed at encouraging the development of accessible housing in Lunenburg.
The policy provides financial incentives by reimbursing developers for municipal service hookup and subdivision fees when they include accessible units exceeding Nova Scotia Building Code requirements. These fees can represent significant costs, averaging $3,500 per unit for hookups and $2,000–$5,000 for subdivisions.
The policy applies to all building types requiring permits, including new builds, renovations, and accessory units, and will run as a three-year pilot program.
This policy is scheduled to be approved at the Feb. 11 Regular Council meeting.
Jan. 14, 2025
Watch a recording of the meeting on YouTube or read the full agenda package.
January is Alzheimer Awareness Month
Council proclaimed January as Alzheimer Awareness Month in recognition of the growing impact of dementia in Nova Scotia.
The proclamation highlights the vital work of the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia, which is dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by dementia while promoting research into its causes and potential cures.
For more information, visit the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia website.
Council to Schedule Public Hearing to Discuss Potential Sites for New Daycare Facility
At last night’s meeting, Council reviewed several possible locations for a new daycare facility to address the growing childcare needs in Lunenburg. After discussing various options, Council identified two potential sites for further consideration:
- Starr Street: Land near Hillcrest Cemetery, close to the existing Dog Park.
- Blue Building: Located at 87 Victoria Road
A public hearing will be held to gather community input on the use of these sites for the daycare project. The hearing date will be determined and advertised on the Town’s website and social media pages.
The proposed new facility, spearheaded by the Lunenburg Daycare Centre (LDCC), aims to add 96 licensed childcare spaces to alleviate a waiting list of over 230 children. The Blue Building site offers proximity to recreation facilities but would require Public Works to relocate. The Starr Street site is centrally located but would need significant infrastructure upgrades, including sidewalks and utilities.
The hearing will provide an opportunity for residents to share their thoughts on these locations as Council moves forward with this community project. LDCC’s presentation to Council is available within the agenda package from this meeting.
Support for Regional Housing Market Study
Council expressed its support for collaborating with the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg (MODL) on a comprehensive housing market study, which MODL will manage. The study aims to gather accurate data on rental rates, vacancy rates, and other key metrics to address housing challenges and support affordable housing projects.
The Town of Lunenburg’s expected contribution to the $50,000 study is between $3,000 and $5,000, with final approval and funding allocation to be determined through the Town’s budget process. This initiative will provide vital information to guide housing strategies and access federal funding opportunities.