The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, is giving residents one last chance to weigh in on a new zoning plan that would assign a land-use category to every property for the first time. The final draft of the plan was given a first reading by council on July 14, 2026, and residents have until July 27 to submit written comments before a public hearing on July 29.
The draft, known as Draft 4, is the fourth version produced since the Municipal-Wide Land Use Planning Project kicked off in 2020. The project is required by the Province of Nova Scotia, which has directed all municipalities to create consistent planning standards. If approved, it would replace the current planning documents and introduce zoning across the entire municipality, meaning every property owner would have a specific zone designation.
The plan has faced pushback over the years, especially around rules for farming. Draft 1, released in March 2025, sparked anger over restrictions on livestock, small-scale agriculture, and home-based businesses. After that, council restarted the engagement process with community meetings. The latest changes came after a June 25 public hearing on Draft 3, when council told staff to rework the Agriculture Potential Zone in response to residents’ concerns.
Residents can learn more at a public information session on July 21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Municipal Office, Council Chambers, located at 10 Allée Champlain Drive, Cookville. Planning staff will be present to answer questions. Formal written submissions can be sent to Municipal Clerk April Whynot-Lohnes by 5 p.m. on July 27. The public hearing is set for July 29 at 6 p.m., where people can speak directly to council before a final vote.
Mayor Elspeth McLean-Wile, a former farmer and businesswoman who was elected in October 2024, has overseen the latest revisions. Planning and Development Services Director Jeff Merrill is the main contact for questions at 902-530-2802 or [email protected]. The full draft documents are available online through the municipality’s engagement page.
