Town News

#1792 Project - Proclamation

Details: Published: Thursday, 27 January 2022 12:10

WHEREAS January 15, 2022 is the 230th anniversary of 15 ships departing the harbour of Halifax in 1792, and that the conditions and causes that led to the exodus of 1,196 self-liberated Black Loyalists were conditions of abject institutionalized racism and that this departure took place at the height of the transatlantic chattel slave trade, one of the cruelest chapters in the history of humanity;

WHEREAS the Town of Lunenburg recognizes that people of African descent have been a part of Canadian society since the early 1600s and that their enslavement occurred on this land for centuries and that the Black Loyalists’ departure is linked to the failure of institutional, political, and societal will to fulfill the promises that were made to the communities that left for Sierra Leone;

WHEREAS the Town of Lunenburg is committed to promote histories such as the 15 Ships to Sierra Leone that often have been left in a vacuum of erasure. The resources provided for well-known monumentation have historically been funded at the expense of those erasures;

WHEREAS the Town of Lunenburg continues to recognize the ongoing significance of the UN Decade of African Descent and the importance of recognizing the history of Black Loyalists in Nova Scotia, and how all communities in Nova Scotia continue to be affected by the historic rift of the Black community; and

WHEREAS the Town of Lunenburg recognizes that secure housing and land was promised to these early settlers and very few received what was owed. No one received the promised 100 acres of land for each head of household despite petitions (by Thomas Peters). For many Black Loyalists, shared Mi’kmaq knowledge was key to survival in the first winters.

THEREFORE be it resolved that I, Mayor Matt Risser, declare January 15, 2022 the “Day of Black Loyalist Exodus: 15 Ships to Sierra Leone” in the Town of Lunenburg.

Background

The story of Black Loyalists is a part of our history that all Nova Scotians should know.

The Town of Lunenburg has an unhappy connection with this exodus: Lydia Jackson, a free Black Loyalist settler who arrived in 1783 was tricked into signing an agreement for indenture and thus enslaved. She was "owned" by Dr. John David Bolman of Lunenburg, where she was severely abused. She was brave enough to escape, walk to Halifax, and attempt to have her case heard in court. It failed. She joined the Black Loyalist emigration from Nova Scotia to Sierra Leone.

For more on the #1792 Project:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/black-loyalists-15-ships-sierra-leone-230-anniversary-nova-scotia-students-1.6313780

For more on the Black Loyalists:

For more on Lydia Jackson:

Flag Raising

Please join us for the Pan-African Flag raising on Wednesday, February 2nd at noon in honour of African Heritage Month.
https://townoflunenburg.ca/21-town-events/174-pan-african-flag-raising-2022.html

Town Council Meeting - Jan 25, 2022

Details: Published: Monday, 24 January 2022 15:05

Council head 01 25 22

The next Town Council Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 25th at 6:00 p.m., and will be held online only due to current Provincial gathering restrictions. (Please note that the Public Hearings originally scheduled for this date have been CANCELLED due to the applications being withdrawn by the proponent.)

The public is welcome to watch through the following links:

a) Zoom Webinar link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82455451159

No Zoom account is required, but you will be asked to enter your name and email address. Allows for two-way interaction when appropriate within a meeting (for example, for a public hearing). Alternatively, telephone +16473744685,,82455451159# for audio only; long-distance charges may apply.

b) YouTube live stream on “Town of Lunenburg” channel: https://bit.ly/YouTubeTOL

No account is required. Visit the channel page and a live feed will appear only when the meeting begins. Allows for viewing only. The recording is also archived here post-meeting for later viewing.

The full Agenda package with supporting documents is available on the Town website here: https://townoflunenburg.ca/council-meetings-2022/council-agendas-and-agenda-packages-2022.html

Volunteer Recognition 2022 - Call for Nominations

Details: Published: Thursday, 20 January 2022 13:22

Do you know someone who deserves recognition for their outstanding volunteering and lives in the Town of Lunenburg?

Each year the Town of Lunenburg, the Mayor and Council recognize the extraordinary contributions of volunteers who give of their time and skills to provide services and programs in our community.

The Town invites and encourages nominations of volunteers to be recognized by the Town during our Volunteer Appreciation. In addition, a Representative Volunteer is selected annually to be recognized at the Provincial Volunteer Awards ceremony.

Please submit a pdf nomination form (78 KB) to the Recreation Director at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or mailed to Kelly Cunningham, Recreation Director, PO Box 129, Lunenburg, NS, B0J 2C0.

Deadline for nominations is: February 28, 2022.

Call for Volunteers: Anti-Racism & Housing

Details: Published: Wednesday, 19 January 2022 15:39

The Town of Lunenburg Council requests applications from interested citizens to serve on the Town’s Anti-Racism Special Committee and to represent the Town on the Western Regional Housing Authority.

• The Anti-Racism Special Committee has a limited mandate for 2022 and meets once a month at 6:00 p.m. or on an as-required basis. The following THREE vacancies are available for volunteers who may or may not live in the Town:

- 1 citizen at large who has knowledge/expertise in African Nova Scotian or Indigenous affairs
- 1 representative from the African Nova Scotian community
- 1 representative from the Mi’kmaq community

• The Western Region Housing Authority is responsible for the administration and management of rental housing units. It meets five times yearly and has ONE vacancy. This appointment is a three-year term ratified by the Minister of Community Service.

Lunenburg encourages applications from Indigenous persons, African Nova Scotians, racially visible persons, women (applying for non-traditional volunteer positions), persons with disabilities, and persons of the LGBTQ+ community.

The Committee Volunteer Application Form and the Committees’ Terms of Reference are available from the Lunenburg Town Office, 119 Cumberland Street, or by contacting Ann Covey at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The application form is also downloadable from the Town website here,

Please return completed application forms by February 2, 2022 to the attention of Ann Covey as above.

Town of Lunenburg Releases 2022 Prospectus

Details: Published: Wednesday, 12 January 2022 16:27

January 12, 2022 -- The Town of Lunenburg has released a 2022 Prospectus to inform and encourage potential businesses and residents to locate in our beautiful town.

The Prospectus is a living document that highlights the unique characteristics and vitality of the Town, with the aim of attracting investment, development and business opportunities that benefit us all. The document outlines: Lunenburg Prospectus cover 1.063 x 1.375 in

Attractions
Services
Economy
Lifestyle amenities
History
Culture
Future aspirations

Businesses and residents are welcome to use the Prospectus with their own networks. It will be updated to stay current.

For a copy of the 2022 Prospectus, visit the Town website at: https://townoflunenburg.ca/economic-development.html

Questions or updates? Contact Devin Casario at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 902-634-4410, ext. 232.

Town of Lunenburg Launches Online Zoning Look-up Map

Details: Published: Monday, 10 January 2022 13:28

The Town of Lunenburg’s Planning team has been developing digital mapping capabilities to support our residents and businesses in their land use needs.

An online tool has been developed to assist the public in finding what zone(s) applies to their property under the three-layer lot/form/use designations in our innovative new Land Use Bylaw.

To look up a property, use the street address, Property ID number, or simply click on the map.

Visit the site here: https://bit.ly/ArcGIS-TOLZoning or click on the image below:

For questions about the map, please contact Trevor Hume, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 902-634-4410, ext.233. To apply for a permit, contact Ann Covey, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 902-634-4410, ext. 225.

For a PDF copy of the Land Use Bylaw and other Planning documents, visit our website: https://townoflunenburg.ca/planning-and-development.html

Screen shot:

LUBOnlineMap

Mayor's Monthly Update - Dec 2021

Details: Published: Friday, 31 December 2021 12:00

Mayors Monthly Update header capture

Happy holidays, neighbours! For Mayor Risser's message for December 2021, click here: https://townoflunenburg.ca/mayors-monthly-update.html

Download the PDF pdf here (85 KB) .

Lunenburg Recreation Facilities Update - Dec 22, 2021

Details: Published: Tuesday, 21 December 2021 19:17

The Lunenburg Arena and Community Centre continue to be open over the holidays, but with new restrictions beginning on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at 6:00 a.m. until at least January 12, 2022. The updated Arena and Community Centre facility COVID-19 protocols can be found on the website pages for the Arena and Community Centre.

Public skates can have a maximum of 50 participants. Rentals can have a maximum of 10 participants. Proof of vaccination is required.

Physical activity is essential to our physical and mental health. In an effort to encourage physical activity, the Arena hourly rental fee for all renters will be $122/hour, tax included. This will be in effect until the gathering limit of 10 people increases, which is until at least January 12, 2022.

For rental inquiries over the holidays, please contact the Lunenburg Arena directly at (902) 634-8744.

Sign up for Finance e-Services

Details: Published: Thursday, 16 December 2021 08:00

FB 1

Click "Read More" for text version and links.

Winter Parking Advisory 2021-22

Details: Published: Wednesday, 08 December 2021 12:32

Please help us keep Town streets free of ice and snow by ensuring your vehicle is parked off-street during winter storm and snow removal operations. The Public Works Department can do the job more efficiently if your vehicles are not left on the street during this time. Please arrange off-street parking locations during snow clearing and salting operations. The Town of Lunenburg operates several parking lots where overnight (5:00 p.m. - 8:00 a.m.) parking is permitted for a fee ($26.25/month + HST). Parking passes may be purchased at the Lunenburg Town Hall, 119 Cumberland Street (902-634-4410).

Residents and businesses are also reminded to keep sidewalks clear of furniture or other obstacles that may block the sidewalk plow.

In the Town of Lunenburg the RCMP enforce the Nova Scotia Motor Vehicle Act winter parking ban which:

FACT SHEET: Proposed Lunenburg Expansion Project

Details: Published: Wednesday, 08 December 2021 11:24

The Town of Lunenburg held two recent committee meetings in response to four Heritage/Planning applications from the owners of the Lunenburg Arms Hotel (Richburg LP Management Inc.) as part of a proposal to expand the hotel.

A PDF of this Fact Sheet is available pdf here (335 KB) .

1. The Planning Advisory Committee and Heritage Advisory Committee have considered the applications at their meetings of November 24 and 29 respectively and made recommendations to Council. Committee recommendations are not binding on Council.

2. Two of the four applications will appear on the Council Agenda of December 14, 2021: the demolition application (Heritage) and Municipal Planning Strategy (MPS) amendment application (Planning).

Council may move any or none of the requests to the Public Hearing stage, which requires that they give First Reading. First Reading allows the continuation of public consultation and does not imply approval or disapproval. The December 14 meeting is not a Public Hearing.

Demolition MPS process

Call for Volunteers: Heritage & Planning Committees

Details: Published: Thursday, 02 December 2021 15:01

The Town of Lunenburg Council requests applications from interested citizens to serve on the Town’s 2022 Heritage Advisory Committee (HAC) and Planning Advisory Committee (PAC). Each committee has one vacancy.

The HAC meets the third Monday of every second month at 6:00 p.m., or on an as-required basis. The PAC meets on an as-required basis.

Please return completed application forms by January 4, 2022 to the attention of Ann Covey as above.

Project Lunenburg wins 2021 API Award

Details: Published: Wednesday, 17 November 2021 12:34

The Town of Lunenburg’s Project Lunenburg/Comprehensive Community Plan project has won an award in the category of “Comprehensive Policies and Plans” at the 2021 Atlantic Planners Institute Awards of Excellence.

https://atlanticplanners.org/news/winners-announced-2021-api-awards-for-planning-excellence/

The Awards of Excellence honour the best in professional planning projects undertaken by members across Atlantic Canada, and were given out in four categories. The award was given to UPLAND Planning + Design on behalf of the Town.

Congratulations to the Project Lunenburg Steering Team, UPLAND, and all of you who contributed to the project.

Chief Administrative Officer/Town Clerk News

Details: Published: Tuesday, 09 November 2021 16:18

Bea Renton, the Town of Lunenburg’s CAO/Clerk, retires as of November 9, 2021. She has most ably served the citizens of Lunenburg for many years, and along the way participated in the revitalization of the waterfront, the UNESCO designation, and most recently Project Lunenburg implementation. She has served on numerous Provincial and Municipal committees to assist in drafting and updating significant legislation including the Municipal Government Act, Municipal Elections Act, model Municipal Bylaws and Policies, and others. Her many accolades include Dalhousie’s Guy Hanson Gold Medal in Public Administration, and Screen Nova Scotia’s Community Recognition Award for her film and TV industry support. Bea’s dedication to the Town has been extraordinary and we thank her warmly for her years of service and wish her well in retirement.

Stepping in temporarily as Interim CEO/Clerk is Kevin Malloy, who retired as the CAO of the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg (MODL) in 2019. Kevin was CEO of Housing Nova Scotia and Deputy Minister of Service Nova Scotia prior to his time at MODL. Lunenburg continues to be in good hands as Town Council completes the recruitment process for a permanent CAO.

Lunenburg Plans for Upgraded Wastewater Treatment

Details: Published: Monday, 18 October 2021 12:30

The Town of Lunenburg is proceeding with a phased plan for comprehensive upgrades to its Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) and system.

Town Council’s decision was based on findings from extensive engineering and water studies over the past three years by CBCL Ltd., Dillon Consulting Ltd., and Dalhousie University’s Centre for Water Resource Studies.

CBCL’s final recommended Implementation Plan was presented to Council on September 28, 2021 and approved. Funding opportunities from all levels of government will be pursued.

The Plan incorporates the following three areas:

1. Wastewater Outfall Extension: Relocate the effluent outfall from its current location at Fishermen’s Wharf in the inner harbour to Burma Road at the outer harbour to allow for good dispersion. The Implementation Plan targets 2023/24 for the relocated outfall to be operational.

2. WWTP Near-Term Upgrades: Upgrades needed in the next few years include headworks modifications, building aeration and other maintenance, online instrumentation, polymer pumps, UV disinfection, standby generator, building mechanical upgrades, and flood control.

3. WWTP Long-term Expansion: Transition the plant to a Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR)-based treatment system which does not require polymer use and provides good effluent quality at a reduced operational cost. Strategic separation of stormwater and wastewater sewers along with combatting salt water intrusion will allow for increased capacity as the town grows. It is hoped that the upgraded plant would be operational by 2025/26.

The Council-approved Implementation Plan must be submitted for review to Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change. Next steps will include conducting geotechnical investigations, developing final engineering designs, and seeking funding.

The Town will also continue public and business education efforts about what not to dump in the wastewater system to improve the quality of influent coming into the plant for better treatment outcomes and fewer repairs.

Lunenburg’s Wastewater Treatment Plant was built in 2003, and is regulated by federal and provincial operating licenses.

Resources

The Implementation Plan document and final reports are available on the Town of Lunenburg website here: https://townoflunenburg.ca/wastewater-treatment.html
Infographic “Timeline of Wastewater Treatment in the Town of Lunenburg is also available here: https://townoflunenburg.ca/wastewater-treatment.html
YouTube link to the September 28, 2021 Council Meeting archive video: https://youtu.be/oAPVEIW_Ois

Page 1 of 2