The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg Council is sending its proposed land use plan back to staff after residents packed a public hearing with concerns about how new farming zones could affect their properties. At a meeting on June 25, 2026, Council directed planning staff to revisit Draft 3 of the Land Use Planning framework, particularly the proposed Agriculture Potential Zone.
The municipality reports that residents shared worries about agricultural land designation, what uses would be allowed, and how the rules could impact property rights and future development. Mayor Elspeth McLean-Wile said the feedback was “thoughtful and, in some cases, very personal,” and that Council wants a careful, balanced approach before any decisions are made.
An updated draft is expected on July 14, 2026, with more public information sessions before Council proceeds to Second Reading. The plan must also be approved by the Province of Nova Scotia. This is the first time zoning will apply across the whole municipality, meaning every property will get a zone.
The municipality’s engagement page notes that in earlier feedback, “the overwhelming majority of comments expressed deep concern over possible restrictions on small scale agriculture.” In March 2025, Council had already asked staff to make a second draft less restrictive after residents said the initial documents were too tight. The project began in 2020 and is required by provincial rules known as Statements of Provincial Interest.
Council approved First Reading of the Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law on June 9, 2026. The Planning Advisory Committee had recommended approval in May 2026, with two amendments about cluster developments and subdivision limits. The revised plan will still need Second Reading and provincial sign-off before it takes full effect.
