Coastal Protection
Consultation has concluded
The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg (MODL) is developing new rules that will impact how development occurs along our coast. MODL has a responsibility to its residents and our environment to ensure that new homes, businesses, and other structures are not placed in areas that could be at risk of coastal flooding or erosion, while protecting our natural assets from potential harms caused by development. The new regulations are intended to meet two primary objectives:
- Protecting our communities from our coast: Keeping human activity away from the risks posed by coastal erosion and flooding.
- Protecting our coastline fromContinue reading
The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg (MODL) is developing new rules that will impact how development occurs along our coast. MODL has a responsibility to its residents and our environment to ensure that new homes, businesses, and other structures are not placed in areas that could be at risk of coastal flooding or erosion, while protecting our natural assets from potential harms caused by development. The new regulations are intended to meet two primary objectives:
- Protecting our communities from our coast: Keeping human activity away from the risks posed by coastal erosion and flooding.
- Protecting our coastline from us: Protecting our sensitive coastal ecosystems from the impacts of human activity and development.
Why is MODL doing this?
Regulations controlling where and how coastal development can occur in MODL are needed now. We are facing a climate emergency that is causing rising sea levels and an increase in extreme weather events. At the same time, development pressures and land values have resulted in unsustainable forms of development along our coast. In some cases, due to their size and location, substantial levels of rock armouring or other hardened shoreline treatments are required to protect these properties, potentially causing negative impacts on local ecosystems and public spaces.
Much of the unsustainable development currently occurring is being driven by a lack of existing regulations. Most coastal communities in MODL have no regulations on how close structures can be to the coastline or coastal wetlands, or how elevated above sea level new structures must be built. While the Province of Nova Scotia passed the Coastal Protection Act four years ago, regulations to implement this legislation have still not been introduced. In the absence of provincial action, MODL is moving forward to fill this gap.
What regulations are being proposed?
The Municipality is considering regulations to ensure that new development is not placed in areas that are at risk of coastal erosion, coastal flooding, or that would cause harm to sensitive ecosystems such as coastal wetlands or sand dunes. More specifically, regulations could introduce special requirements or limit new building in the following areas:
1. Areas at risk of coastal erosion
Regulations to protect structures such as houses from the risks of coastal erosion are typically in the form of horizontal setbacks from the water or edge of a cliff. The goal of the setback would be to ensure that new structures are located in areas that are safe and where they could remain in place for the lifespan of the structure (typically 70-100 years). There are different methods to establishing these horizontal setbacks that range from one-size-fits-all approaches to site-by-site evaluations. To learn more about coastal erosion click here. To help shape the regulations you would like to see please fill out our survey here.
2. Areas at risk of coastal flooding
Regulations to protect structures such as houses from the risks of coastal flooding are typically in two forms:
1. A vertical elevation requirement for new buildings, or
2. Limiting building within areas deemed to be at risk of coastal flooding.
The goal of these regulations would be to ensure that new structures are located in areas that are safe. It would also be intended to ensure those buildings could remain in place for the lifespan of the structure (typically 70-100 years), and to ensure human lives and emergency responders are not put at risk. There are different methods to establishing these regulations, but all of them take into account the impacts of sea level rise and storm surge. To learn more about how vertical elevations deal with coastal flooding click here. To help shape the regulations you would like to see please fill out our survey here.
3. Areas within or near sensitive coastal ecosystems
Regulations to protect sensitive coastal ecosystems such as coastal wetlands and dunes are typically in the form of conservation zones that limit development, and setbacks from the edge of these features to lessen the impact of nearby development. The goal of these regulations would be to help protect the integrity and function of these important natural assets and to preserve them into the future. To learn more about sensitive coastal ecosystems click here. To help shape the regulations you would like to see, please fill out our survey here.
Where will these regulations apply?
All properties directly bordering either the ocean or along the LaHave River (to the border with the Town of Bridgewater) are currently being considered within the project area. In addition, environmental features such as coastal wetlands or sand dunes that have a direct function which relates to the ocean are also being considered as part of the project area. However, the exact geography of where any new rules would apply has not yet been determined, as this partly depends on the type of regulatory approach used.
When will the regulations be approved?
The Municipality is looking to introduce these new regulations as soon as possible, while also ensuring that the process gives ample time and opportunity for public input and education. The current timeline aims to have the regulations approved by the end of 2023.
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Notice of Approval - Coastal Protection Regulations
Share Notice of Approval - Coastal Protection Regulations on Facebook Share Notice of Approval - Coastal Protection Regulations on Twitter Share Notice of Approval - Coastal Protection Regulations on Linkedin Email Notice of Approval - Coastal Protection Regulations linkThe amended Municipal Planning Strategy and new Municipal-Wide Land use By-Law pertaining to Coastal Protection Regulations were reviewed and approved by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing on Friday, August 9, 2024. These regulations came into effect on August 13, 2024, when the official notice was posted on the municipal website.
To inspect the amended Municipal Planning Strategy and new Municipal-Wide Land Use By-Law, visit the MODL Municipal Services Building at 10 Allée Champlain Drive, Cookville, NS from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or access the documents online at www.modl.ca/zoning. If you have any questions, please email planning@modl.ca.
Tina Robichaud-Bond
Acting Municipal Clerk
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Council Passes New Coastal Protection Regulations
Share Council Passes New Coastal Protection Regulations on Facebook Share Council Passes New Coastal Protection Regulations on Twitter Share Council Passes New Coastal Protection Regulations on Linkedin Email Council Passes New Coastal Protection Regulations linkIn April of 2023, the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg (MODL) began developing new land use regulations that would impact how development occurs along our coast.Since this time, MODL Council and staff have engaged with the community and experts to shape these regulations. The regulations are intended to protect development on the coast from the effects of climate change and to protect the coast from human development by addressing concerns such as coastal erosion, flooding, and the preservation of sensitive ecosystems.At a Special Council meeting on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, Council passed the Second Reading to amend MODL’s Municipal Planning Strategy and introduce a revised Municipal Planning Strategy and a new Municipal-Wide Land Use By-law that includes coastal protection regulations. These regulations are now in effect."Today marks a significant step forward in safeguarding our coastal communities for future generations," said Mayor Carolyn Bolivar-Getson. "These new coastal regulations reflect our commitment to addressing the challenges of climate change and ensuring that our coastlines remain resilient and protected. We have worked closely with our residents and experts to develop these regulations, and their input has been invaluable in shaping a sustainable future for the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg."The new Municipal Planning Strategy and Municipal-Wide Land Use Bylaw can be found in the Background Documents section of the project website by clicking this Link. -
Upcoming Public Hearing Information
Share Upcoming Public Hearing Information on Facebook Share Upcoming Public Hearing Information on Twitter Share Upcoming Public Hearing Information on Linkedin Email Upcoming Public Hearing Information linkA Public Hearing on the proposed Coastal Protection regulations will be held on Thursday, June 13, 2024.
At the Public Hearing, the public can make a formal oral submission to Council. Interested members of the public are highly encouraged to attend the Public Hearing as this is a critical part of the decision-making process. Regardless of any feedback you may have previously given, this is the key and final opportunity to provide input that will formally be considered by Council. Once the Hearing has concluded, Council is not permitted to consider any additional information until they make a final decision on the regulations at Second Reading.
The Public Hearing will consist of two separate sessions, with a break around 6:00 p.m. Residents do not need to attend both sessions. Those who wish to speak to Council at the Hearing will be allowed five minutes. Additional information will be given at the registration desk in the Municipal Office lobby.
Registration Begins/Doors Open: Thursday, June 13, 2024, at 3:15 p.m.
Hearing Starts: Thursday, June 13, 2024, at 4:00 p.m.
Evening Session Starts: Thursday, June 13, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.
Hearing Location: Council Chambers, located at 10 Allée Champlain Drive, Cookville, NS
The Public Hearing will also be streamed live on YouTube. The public can access the stream by clicking on this Link.
Finally, a Special Council Meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. at which time Council will consider Second Reading and subsequent approval of the amended Municipal Planning Strategy and the new Municipal-Wide Land Use By-law.
Copies of the proposed regulations and related reports are available to view at the Municipal Office at 10 Allée Champlain Drive, Cookville, during normal office hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) or found in the Background Documents section of the project website by clicking this Link.
For further information, contact the Planning Department office at 902-530-2802.
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Link to Virtual Information Session
Share Link to Virtual Information Session on Facebook Share Link to Virtual Information Session on Twitter Share Link to Virtual Information Session on Linkedin Email Link to Virtual Information Session linkStarting at 3:00pm today!
Staff presentation and Q&A with residents. Presentation will be recorded and posted online.
Click the Meeting link or email sarah.kucharski@modl.ca to receive a direct email invitation.
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Public Hearing Notice - Revised
Share Public Hearing Notice - Revised on Facebook Share Public Hearing Notice - Revised on Twitter Share Public Hearing Notice - Revised on Linkedin Email Public Hearing Notice - Revised linkA Public Hearing will be held on Thursday, June 13, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. regarding the proposed amended Municipal Planning Strategy and the new Municipal-Wide Land Use By-law. The Public Hearing will break at 6:00 p.m. and resume at 7:00 p.m. This is regarding Coastal Protection regulations.The public may make formal written or oral submissions to Council. Written submissions will be received until 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 by email to planning@modl.ca or by mail to April Whynot-Lohnes, Municipal Clerk, 10 Allée Champlain Drive, Cookville, NS B4V 9E4. Oral submissions may be received at the Public Hearing.The public is invited to attend the Public Hearing which will be held at the Municipal Services Building, 10 Allée Champlain Drive, Cookville. Learn more about this project at https://engage.modl.ca/coastal-protection -
Dates and Times of Coastal Protection Regulation Public Information Sessions
Share Dates and Times of Coastal Protection Regulation Public Information Sessions on Facebook Share Dates and Times of Coastal Protection Regulation Public Information Sessions on Twitter Share Dates and Times of Coastal Protection Regulation Public Information Sessions on Linkedin Email Dates and Times of Coastal Protection Regulation Public Information Sessions linkDates and times have now been confirmed for the Public Information Sessions regarding Coastal Protection regulations and will be held as follows:
- Riverport Community Centre on Thursday, May 23rd, 2024 Doors to open at 6:30 p.m. and a staff presentation starting at 7:00 p.m.
- Lahave and District Fire Hall on Tuesday, May 28th, 2024 Doors to open at 6:30 p.m. and a staff presentation starting at 7:00 p.m.
- Big Tancook Island ferry wharf (on the island) on Wednesday, May 29th, 2024 starting at 12:00 p.m. An informal opportunity for residents to ask questions to planning staff.
- Virtual public information session on Tuesday, June 4th, 2024 starting at 3:00 p.m. Staff presentation and Q&A with residents. Presentation will be recorded and posted online. Link and information will be posted at https://engage.modl.ca/coastal-protection
A Public Hearing will take place following the Public Information Sessions on Thursday, June 13, 2024. More information on the Public Hearing can be found under the Community Events section on the right of this page.
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PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
Share PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE on Facebook Share PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE on Twitter Share PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE on Linkedin Email PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE linkOn Tuesday, May 14, 2024, Municipal Council gave Notice of its intent to establish Coastal Protection regulations by amending the Municipal Planning Strategy and adopting a new Municipal-Wide Land Use By-law.
The proposed regulations will guide how development occurs along the coast to ensure that new homes, businesses, and other structures are not placed in areas that could be at risk of coastal flooding or erosion, while protecting natural assets from potential harms caused by development.
PUBLIC INFORMATION SESSIONS will be held prior to the public hearing to give residents opportunities to learn about the regulations and ask questions. Dates and times for these sessions will be posted at engage.modl.ca/coastal-protection shortly.
A PUBLIC HEARING on the amended Municipal Planning Strategy and the new Municipal-Wide Land Use By-law will be held as follows:
Hearing Starts: Thursday, June 13, 2024, at 4:00 p.m.
Evening Session: Thursday, June 13, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.
Hearing Location: Council Chambers, located at 10 Allée Champlain Drive, Cookville, NS
The public can make formal written or oral submissions to Council. Written submissions will be received until 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday June 11, 2024 to April Whynot-Lohnes, Municipal Clerk, 10 Allée Champlain Drive, Cookville, NS B4V 9E4 or by email: planning@modl.ca. Oral submissions will be received at the time and place of the Hearing. Council can make a decision regarding the adoption of the amended Municipal Planning Strategy and the new Municipal-Wide Land Use By-law following the Public Hearing.
Copies of the proposed regulations and related reports are available to view at the Municipal Office at 10 Allée Champlain Drive, Cookville, during normal office hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) or found in the Documents section of this page.
For further information, contact the Planning Department offices at 902-530-2802.
April Whynot-Lohnes, Municipal Clerk
Wednesday, May 15, 2024
Municipal Services Building,
10 Allée Champlain Drive, Cookville, NS
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Council First Reading for Coastal Protection Regulations
Share Council First Reading for Coastal Protection Regulations on Facebook Share Council First Reading for Coastal Protection Regulations on Twitter Share Council First Reading for Coastal Protection Regulations on Linkedin Email Council First Reading for Coastal Protection Regulations linkOn May 14, 2024, during a regularly scheduled Council meeting, the Coastal Protection regulations will be brought forward to Council in the form of an amended Municipal Planning Strategy and a new Municipal-Wide Land Use By-law. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. and will be held in Municipal Council Chambers at 10 Allee Champlain Drive, Cookville. Council meetings are open to the public and any interested residents are encouraged to attend. Click the following link to view Council's agenda for May 14, 2024: link
The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg's (MODL) current Municipal Planning Strategy needs to be repealed and replaced with a new document that includes edits to older sections and the addition of new sections pertaining to the Coastal Protection policies. To view the proposed amended Municipal Planning Strategy, please click here.
In addition, a new Municipal-Wide Land Use By-law document has also been prepared which contains Coastal Protection regulations. The document contains standard regulatory information such as title and purpose, definitions, administration, and a general provisions section that includes specific Coastal Protection regulations. To view the proposed new Municipal-Wide Land Use By-law, click here.
An interactive map that residents can use to see where the new Coastal Protection regulations will be applied in their community is also available. To view the map, click here.
A staff report is available by clicking here. Next steps in this process involve public information meetings and a formal public hearing. This website will be updated as soon as dates and times are confirmed.
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Upcoming Council Meeting to Discuss the Proposed Coastal Protection Regulations
Share Upcoming Council Meeting to Discuss the Proposed Coastal Protection Regulations on Facebook Share Upcoming Council Meeting to Discuss the Proposed Coastal Protection Regulations on Twitter Share Upcoming Council Meeting to Discuss the Proposed Coastal Protection Regulations on Linkedin Email Upcoming Council Meeting to Discuss the Proposed Coastal Protection Regulations linkCouncil will discuss the proposed Coastal Protection regulations at a regularly scheduled Council meeting on Tuesday April 23, 2024. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. and will be held in Council Chambers at the Municipal Office (10 Allee Champlain Drive, Cookville).
Council meetings are open to the public, and any interested residents are encouraged to attend to learn more about the proposed Coastal Protection regulations. Click the following link to view Council’s agenda for April 23, 2024.
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Upcoming Council Meeting to Discuss the Draft Coastal Flooding Map
Share Upcoming Council Meeting to Discuss the Draft Coastal Flooding Map on Facebook Share Upcoming Council Meeting to Discuss the Draft Coastal Flooding Map on Twitter Share Upcoming Council Meeting to Discuss the Draft Coastal Flooding Map on Linkedin Email Upcoming Council Meeting to Discuss the Draft Coastal Flooding Map linkCouncil will discuss the Draft Coastal Flooding Map pertaining to the proposed Coastal Protection regulations at a regularly scheduled Council meeting on Tuesday April 9, 2024. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. and will be held in Council Chambers at the Municipal Office (10 Allee Champlain Drive, Cookville).
Council meetings are open to the public, and any interested residents are encouraged to attend to learn more about the proposed Coastal Protection regulations. Click the following link to view Council’s agenda for April 9, 2024. Draft maps can be found at the top right of this page.
Background Documents
- 2024-05-14 Municipal Planning Strategy (446 KB) (pdf)
- 2024-05-14 Municipal-Wide Land Use Bylaw (291 KB) (pdf)
- 2024-04-09 First Reading Report (205 KB) (pdf)
- 2024-04-09 Slides from Council Presentation.pdf (619 KB) (pdf)
- Coastal Protection Open Houses - Carolyn's Speaking Notes (122 KB) (pdf)
- Staff Report - Coastal Protection (1.06 MB) (pdf)
- Coastal Protection Open House Staff Presentation.pdf (11.7 MB) (pdf)
- 2024-01-09 Coastal Protection Regulation Options Report (1.43 MB) (pdf)
- PAC Coastal Protection Recommendations Report.pdf (449 KB) (pdf)
- Coastal Protection What We Heard Report 2023 (15.5 MB) (pdf)
- Coastal Protection Summary One Pager (496 KB) (pdf)
Maps
- How to use the Interactive Map.pdf (371 KB) (pdf)
- Map 1 MODL Secondary Plan Areas (7.11 MB) (pdf)
- Map 2 Designated Coastal Protection Area (7.81 MB) (pdf)
- Schedule A Designated Coastal Protection Area (2.37 MB) (pdf)
- Schedule B Development Constraints Map (28.2 MB) (pdf)
- Schedule C Flood Risk Area (4.48 MB) (pdf)
- Map 3 Municipal-Wide Land Use (6.99 MB) (pdf)
FAQs
- I live in a coastal area. What does this mean for me?
- Will the coastal development regulations apply to existing structures? (ex. I built my house in 2002, will the regulations apply?)
- How will you ensure compliance with the regulations?
- Do you have the capacity internally to handle the increase in demand for development permits?
- Will the coastal development regulations apply to freshwater shorelines (ex. Lakes, rivers, streams)?
- Why are sea walls or rock armouring less effective than a living shoreline?
- Why are coastal development regulations important?
- How will the coastal development regulations affect property values?
- Can the coastal development regulations impact my insurance coverage?
- What about boathouses, fish shacks and other uses that need access to the water?
- I live in an area with an existing Land Use By-law. Which rules will apply?
- Are the coastal regulations in effect currently?
- What if there are roads near me that are at risk for coastal flooding and erosion?
- Do I need a permit to install armour rock along my shoreline?
- What is the Coastal Erosion Area?
- What is the Coastal Flood Risk Area?
- What is the Vegetative Buffer?
- What are Sensitive Coastal Ecosystems?
- What counts as a vegetated buffer? How dense does it need to be?
- How did you determine the 3.97 m vertical elevation setback for the Coastal Flood Risk Area and why didn’t you just round up to 4 m?
- How do I know where to measure from to meet the erosion risk setback?
- Where did the data on coastal wetlands come from?
- What is the process for challenging a Designated Coastal Wetland?
- Are there opportunities to add wetlands to the Development Constraints Map?
- What proportion of the people you engaged with were coastal property owners?
- Other municipalities and the province have decided against going forward with their coastal regulations. Why is MODL doing it?
- Were the studies you reviewed to inform the regulations specific to Nova Scotia’s unique coastline?
Videos
- A short audio-only interview with Izzy Clarke, Conservation Program Specialist, about how the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg can use coastal wetlands to better protect the coast from flooding and sea level rise.
- A short audio-only interview with Dr. Eric Rapaport, Professor of the School of Planning at Dalhousie University, about how the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg can prepare for increased coastal flooding and inundation.
Who's Listening
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Phone 902-530-2802 Email planning@modl.ca -
Phone 902-530-2802 Email planning@modl.ca -
Phone 902-530-2802 Email planning@modl.ca
Approvals process timeline
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Initial Community Engagement
Coastal Protection has finished this stageCommunity engagement to gather public input on the new policies and regulations.
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Review and Report
Coastal Protection has finished this stageStaff will review all information and comments received during the engagement process and report back to Council in a What We Heard Report. This report will be presented at a public Council Meeting and posted on this website.
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Public Information Meeting - Planning Advisory Committee
Coastal Protection has finished this stageA public information meeting is held by the Planning Advisory Committee to present and explain the proposed policies and regulations. The committee may pass a motion recommending the amendments go to Council for First Reading.
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Drafting Regulations
Coastal Protection has finished this stageBased on the research and public and Council input received to date, MODL planning staff will draft new Municipal Planning policies and Land Use By-law regulations related to coastal development.
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First Reading - Council
Coastal Protection has finished this stageCouncil conducts First Reading with the new Municipal Planning policies and Land Use By-law regulations related to coastal development.
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Information Sessions on Draft Regulations
Coastal Protection has finished this stageThe proposed new Municipal Planning policies and Land Use By-law regulations related to coastal development will be presented at public information sessions.
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Formal Public Hearing
Coastal Protection has finished this stageCouncil conducts a formal public hearing on the new Municipal Planning policies and Land Use By-law regulations related to coastal development.
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Second Reading - Council
Coastal Protection has finished this stageCouncil conducts Second Reading on the new Municipal Planning policies and Land Use By-law regulations related to coastal development.
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Amendments Sent to Province
Coastal Protection has finished this stageAmendments and documents are sent to the Province of Nova Scotia for formal Ministerial approval.
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Formal Notice Published
Coastal Protection is currently at this stagePolicies and regulations are in effect as of the date of the notice being published on the Municipal website.