Town News

Spring 2025 Newsletter

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Published: Wednesday, 16 April 2025 07:14

The Spring 2025 Town of Lunenburg Newsletter is here! It’s been delivered to all local PO boxes—check yours if you haven’t already.

The current Town of Lunenburg Council was elected in October 2024 and is looking at ways to better connect with the community. One option we’re exploring is this mail-out newsletter to help keep you informed about key decisions, upcoming meetings, and opportunities to get involved. This is a trial format, and we’ll be exploring more permanent communication methods over the coming months.

Along with being delivered to your PO box, this newsletter is also available online:  pdf 2025 Spring Newsletter(231 KB)

The newsletter includes updates on:

  • Budget meetings and public input opportunities
  • Proposed changes to the Noise By-law
  • Volunteer Appreciation Award nominations

Did you know we have an online Town Calendar?

To keep in the know with all Council, Committee and other Town meetings and events, check out our online calendar: townoflunenburg.ca/town-government/meeting-schedule.html

Public Washrooms on Bluenose Drive Opening for the Season

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Published: Tuesday, 15 April 2025 15:29

We are pleased to announce that the public washrooms located on Bluenose Drive will be opening for the season on Friday, April 18th.

These facilities will be open daily from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM, providing convenient access for residents and visitors enjoying the waterfront, local shops, and attractions in the area.

We kindly ask all users to help us keep the washrooms clean and accessible by using them responsibly and reporting any maintenance concerns to Town staff.

Thank you for your cooperation, and we look forward to welcoming everyone to another great season on Bluenose Drive.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING: Electric Utility Rate Application

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Published: Thursday, 10 April 2025 13:29

As approved by Council on March 25, 2025, the Town of Lunenburg has submitted a rate application to the Nova Scotia Energy Board (formerly the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board) on behalf of the Lunenburg Electric Utility.

A public hearing for this application has been scheduled by the Board for July 22, 2025. As part of the application, the Town has requested that the rate increase for General Service customer classes be phased in, with a 15% increase pending approval, and the remaining 6% deferred.

See the official Nova Scotia Energy Board Public Hearing Notice (PDF) here:  pdf Notice of Public Hearing(98 KB)

Here are the hearing details and how you can take part:

  • Hearing starts: Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at 10:00 AM
    (Continuing Wednesday, July 23, 2025, if necessary)

  • Evening Session: Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at 7:00 PM

  • Hearing Location: Town of Lunenburg Council Chambers, 120 Townsend Street (Town Hall Back Entrance), Lunenburg, Nova Scotia

How to Participate in the Public Hearing

  • Speak at the Hearing
    If you would like to speak during the hearing, you must let the Board know by Monday, June 23, 2025.

  • Submit Written Comments
    You can share your views in writing by sending a letter to the Clerk of the Board:
    • Mail: P.O. Box 1692, Unit “M”, Halifax, NS B3J 3S3
    • Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
    • Fax: (902) 424-3919

      All written submissions must be received by Monday, June 23, 2025.
  • Request Intervenor Status
    If you wish to take a more active role—such as presenting evidence or asking questions—you can apply for formal standing as an Intervenor. This request must be submitted by Monday, April 28, 2025, and is subject to Board approval.

What Does This Mean for Customers? 

Domestic (Household) Customers: Based on an average monthly usage of 837 kWh, households can expect their bills to increase by approximately $17.80 per month, from $152.17 to $169.97. 
 
Even with the increase, Lunenburg’s proposed rates are still 2.7% lower than Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NSPI) rates for the same usage. 

General Service (Business) Customers: The proposed 21% increase will be phased in to reduce financial pressure: 

  • 15% applied immediately upon Nova Scotia Energy Board approval. 
  • The remaining 6% will be recovered over a period determined by the Nova Scotia Energy Board.  

These increases must be approved by the Nova Scotia Energy Board before they can take effect. If approved, the new rates are expected to take effect in the fall of 2025. 

The Nova Scotia Energy Board is an independent, quasi-judicial body responsible for regulating utilities and ensuring that rates are fair, reasonable, and in the public interest. In this case, the Nova Scotia Energy Board will review the Town’s proposed rate increases to determine if they are justified and reasonable. 

Why is This Increase Necessary?  

This is the first General Rate increase proposed since 2013. The Town has managed to avoid a general increase as new capital expenditures have been low and relying on smaller adjustments related to power cost flow-throughs. However, rising costs and urgent infrastructure needs have made a rate increase unavoidable. 

The proposed increase will help cover operational costs and fund essential capital investments aimed at improving grid reliability, expanding capacity, and modernizing the system to support future growth and meet climate resilience standards. 

Town of Lunenburg 2025/26 Budget Review & Public Input

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Published: Wednesday, 09 April 2025 15:30

The Town of Lunenburg’s proposed 2025/26 Capital and Operating Budgets will be presented and discussed at a series of upcoming Council meetings. Members of the public are invited to attend and share their input.

The upcoming meeting dates are:

 1. Tuesday, April 29 at 6:00 p.m. – Budget Review & Public Input (Committee of the Whole Meeting)

  • Council will receive the first review of the proposed 2025/26 Capital and Operating Budgets.
  • A public input session will follow the staff review, providing an opportunity for residents to share their feedback.
  • This is a Committee of the Whole meeting, which is intended for discussion and information sharing. No formal decisions can be made at this meeting.

2. Tuesday, May 13 at 6:00 p.m. – Council Meeting & Public Input

  • Council will continue its discussion of the proposed 2025/26 Capital and Operating Budgets.
  • A second public input session will provide another opportunity for residents to share their feedback.

3. Tuesday, May 27 at 6:00 p.m. – Budget Approval (Council Meeting)

  • Council is scheduled to approve the 2025/26 Capital and Operating Budgets at this meeting.
  • If Council needs more time or has additional questions, approval may be postponed to a future meeting. Updates will be shared on the Town’s website and social media channels if this occurs.
  • There is no budget-specific public input session scheduled. However, the regular 20-minute public input period for any municipal matter will still take place at the start of the meeting.

Attend in Person or Watch Online

Council meetings are open to the public and held in Town Hall. Please use the accessible back entrance at 120 Townsend Street.

Meetings are also livestreamed through Zoom. The Zoom link is included in the agenda package for each meeting.


Where to Find the Budget Documents

The proposed 2025/26 Capital and Operating Budgets will be included in the April 29 Committee of the Whole agenda package. The agenda will be published on the Town’s website on Thursday, April 24.

Agendas are available here: townoflunenburg.ca/town-government/council-meetings.html

What’s the Difference between Operating and Capital Budgets?

  • Operating Budget: Covers the day-to-day costs of running the Town, such as salaries, maintenance, and services like snow clearing and waste collection.
  • Capital Budget: Focuses on long-term investments in infrastructure and major projects, such as roads, buildings, equipment, and facility upgrades.

Now Hiring: Public Works Facilities Labourer

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Published: Wednesday, 09 April 2025 14:09

The Town of Lunenburg is currently accepting applications for the position of Public Works Facilities Labourer.

This key role supports the Public Works Department by carrying out a wide range of maintenance duties related to buildings, infrastructure, equipment, and public grounds. The successful candidate will contribute to the ongoing safety, functionality, and visual appeal of our historic town.

Responsibilities include:

  • Performing general maintenance tasks such as carpentry, painting, minor repairs, plumbing, and crack filling

  • Landscaping and groundskeeping duties including spring clean-up, mowing, trimming, and placing mulch

  • Operating and maintaining equipment and machinery safely and in compliance with all regulations

  • Conducting facility safety inspections and hazard assessments

  • Assisting contractors and participating in construction or maintenance projects

  • Responding to after-hours call-outs when requested

The ideal candidate will be familiar with industry best practices for building and infrastructure maintenance and be able to work independently with minimal supervision.

Wage: $28.69/hour
Application Deadline: This position will remain open until filled.

If you're a motivated individual with a strong work ethic and a commitment to public service, we encourage you to apply and help us keep the Town of Lunenburg running smoothly and looking its best.

Apply now: https://townoflunenburg.ca/employment/

TWO NEW SETS OF RAPID FLASHING CROSSWALK BEACONS ON VICTORIA ROAD

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Published: Wednesday, 02 April 2025 14:33

As a part of ongoing improvements to pedestrian safety, we are pleased to confirm the installation of two new sets of rapid flashing crosswalk beacons on Victoria Road. One is at the crosswalk near Hall St, the other at the crosswalk near the Hardware Store (refer to photographs).

When the buttons on either side of the crossing are activated, the lights shall flash for approximately 20 seconds. Pedestrians should always use caution and make eye contact with road users prior to entering onto the crosswalk.

Supply issues are affecting the other two installations (Green at High and Dufferin at Churchill), but Town Staff are actively working to resolve these items and hope to be able to proceed with the installations in the near future.

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