Municipal-Wide Land Use Planning

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The Municipality has been actively working on municipal-wide land use planning to help shape vibrant, sustainable communities for the future. Launched in 2020, this multi-year project focuses on updating key planning documents, including the Municipal Planning Strategy (MPS) and Land Use By-law (LUB), to guide development, support community needs, and meet the province’s mandate for land use planning across Nova Scotia. This project is in response to provincial legislation requiring that all municipalities in Nova Scotia introduce land use planning. A key part of this project is introducing zoning for all areas of the municipality, affecting every property. Zoning helps

The Municipality has been actively working on municipal-wide land use planning to help shape vibrant, sustainable communities for the future. Launched in 2020, this multi-year project focuses on updating key planning documents, including the Municipal Planning Strategy (MPS) and Land Use By-law (LUB), to guide development, support community needs, and meet the province’s mandate for land use planning across Nova Scotia. This project is in response to provincial legislation requiring that all municipalities in Nova Scotia introduce land use planning. A key part of this project is introducing zoning for all areas of the municipality, affecting every property. Zoning helps manage growth, protect important resources, and ensure our communities are thoughtfully planned for the years ahead.

What has happened?

In March 2025, the first draft documents (a draft Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law) were posted as part of the Planning Advisory Committee agenda on the Engage site and distributed to Council and the public. The documents were intended as drafts, to be reviewed and discussed by both the Planning Advisory Committee, Council, and the public over a series of months through extensive public engagement. At the March 25, 2025 Council meeting, Council passed a motion “that Municipal Council direct staff to prepare a second draft of the Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law that is less restrictive and closer in line to the mandatory minimum planning requirements outlined in the Municipal Government Act.” You can watch Council's discussion at the meeting here.

Over the spring and summer of 2025, we held dozens of formal and informal events throughout every district. We synthesized what we heard from these events into a What We Heard Report, which you can find here. The findings of the What We Heard Report were presented to Council on October 27, 2025. You can watch this discussion here. During November and December of 2025, staff presented Council with three Direction Reports over four meetings. After several months of continued work, on February 17, 2026, the second draft of the Municipal Planning Strategy (MPS) and Land Use By-law (LUB) were released to the public. A series of public engagement events followed the release of Draft #2.

Based on input from the public, Council, and the Planning Advisory Committee, planning staff compiled a list of proposed revisions to the second draft. At its May 5, 2026, meeting, the Planning Advisory Committee provided a positive recommendation to Council to approve staff’s proposed revisions to the draft planning documents. The Committee also recommended two additional amendments: prohibiting cluster developments in the Rural Agricultural Potential (RU-2) Zone and removing the two-per-year subdivision limit in the Agricultural Potential Zone to allow the total number of permitted subdivisions to occur at any time.

At a Special Council meeting on May 12, 2026, Council considered the Planning Advisory Committee’s recommendations regarding the direction of the third draft of the Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law. Following discussion, Council passed a motion approving the recommendations of the Planning Advisory Committee, including the proposed amendments to the Rural Agricultural Potential (RU-2) Zone.

At its regular meeting on June 9, 2026, Council approved First Reading of Draft #3, a proposed new Municipal Planning Strategy (MPS) and Municipal-Wide Land Use By-law (LUB). After a public information and a public hearing, Council directed staff to revisit and revise Draft 3 of the Land Use Planning framework in response to public submissions and discussion, particularly regarding the proposed Agriculture Potential Zone. Revisions were presented to Council on July 14, 2026. On July 14, 2026, Municipal Council conducted First Reading of the proposed replacement Municipal Planning Strategy and new Municipal-Wide Land Use By-Law (Draft #4). On July 29, 2026, Council conducted Second Reading of the planning documents.

  • Council adopts municipal-wide planning strategy

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    Council for the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg has approved a new Municipal Planning Strategy and Municipal-Wide Land Use By-law, completing a five-year planning process that will guide growth and development across the municipality.

    The approval marks a significant milestone in its Municipal-Wide Land Use Planning Project, launched in 2020 to establish a comprehensive land use framework and meet provincial planning requirements.

    Mayor Elspeth McLean-Wile said the final documents reflect extensive public participation and years of community input.

    "I want to thank everyone who took the time to participate throughout this process," McLean-Wile said. "We heard valuable feedback from residents, property owners, community organizations and stakeholders, and those conversations helped strengthen the final documents."

    The District of Lunenburg will be the last municipality in Nova Scotia to complete municipal-wide zoning, a provincial requirement intended to ensure all municipalities have consistent land use regulations in place.

    "We had a responsibility to take the time needed to build a framework that reflects our communities and prepares us for the future," McLean-Wile said. "This plan provides clear direction for growth and development while helping ensure the municipality preserves the things that our residents appreciate about living here.”

    The project underwent multiple rounds of public consultation and revisions before reaching Council for final approval. The adopted documents represent the fourth draft of the planning framework and incorporate feedback gathered through public meetings, workshops, open houses, and consultation sessions with residents, community organizations, and stakeholders.

    A key element of the framework is the introduction of municipal-wide zoning, bringing consistent land use regulations to all areas of the municipality and providing greater clarity for property owners, residents, and future development proposals.

    McLean-Wile also praised the municipality's planning department for its role in developing the framework over the course of the project.

    "This was a tremendous undertaking," she said. "Our planning team brought a deep understanding of our communities to this work, and their expertise and dedication were instrumental in creating a planning strategy that reflects local priorities.”

    During the public hearing process, residents raised concerns about several aspects of the proposed regulations, including how some requirements could affect future development opportunities on certain properties.

    Council reviewed written and verbal submissions before making its decision, acknowledging the challenges of balancing private property interests, environmental considerations, future growth pressures, and the long-term needs of communities across the municipality.

    Municipal officials say the approved planning framework is intended to provide long-term direction for growth and development while helping protect the natural and community assets valued by residents.

    The Municipal Planning Strategy and Municipal-Wide Land Use By-law will now be submitted to the Province of Nova Scotia for review and approval.

    Council for the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg has approved a new Municipal Planning Strategy and Municipal-Wide Land Use By-law, completing a five-year planning process that will guide growth and development across the municipality.

    The approval marks a significant milestone in its Municipal-Wide Land Use Planning Project, launched in 2020 to establish a comprehensive land use framework and meet provincial planning requirements.

    Mayor Elspeth McLean-Wile said the final documents reflect extensive public participation and years of community input.

    "I want to thank everyone who took the time to participate throughout this process," McLean-Wile said. "We heard valuable feedback from residents, property owners, community organizations and stakeholders, and those conversations helped strengthen the final documents."

    The District of Lunenburg will be the last municipality in Nova Scotia to complete municipal-wide zoning, a provincial requirement intended to ensure all municipalities have consistent land use regulations in place.

    "We had a responsibility to take the time needed to build a framework that reflects our communities and prepares us for the future," McLean-Wile said. "This plan provides clear direction for growth and development while helping ensure the municipality preserves the things that our residents appreciate about living here.”

    The project underwent multiple rounds of public consultation and revisions before reaching Council for final approval. The adopted documents represent the fourth draft of the planning framework and incorporate feedback gathered through public meetings, workshops, open houses, and consultation sessions with residents, community organizations, and stakeholders.

    A key element of the framework is the introduction of municipal-wide zoning, bringing consistent land use regulations to all areas of the municipality and providing greater clarity for property owners, residents, and future development proposals.

    McLean-Wile also praised the municipality's planning department for its role in developing the framework over the course of the project.

    "This was a tremendous undertaking," she said. "Our planning team brought a deep understanding of our communities to this work, and their expertise and dedication were instrumental in creating a planning strategy that reflects local priorities.”

    During the public hearing process, residents raised concerns about several aspects of the proposed regulations, including how some requirements could affect future development opportunities on certain properties.

    Council reviewed written and verbal submissions before making its decision, acknowledging the challenges of balancing private property interests, environmental considerations, future growth pressures, and the long-term needs of communities across the municipality.

    Municipal officials say the approved planning framework is intended to provide long-term direction for growth and development while helping protect the natural and community assets valued by residents.

    The Municipal Planning Strategy and Municipal-Wide Land Use By-law will now be submitted to the Province of Nova Scotia for review and approval.

  • First Reading Passed and Public Hearing Notice:

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    Please take notice:

    On July 14, 2026, Municipal Council conducted First Reading of the proposed replacement Municipal Planning Strategy and new Municipal-Wide Land Use By-Law. Council passed motions to give notice of its intention to repeal and the existing Municipal Planning Strategies (By-law 035) and Municipal-Wide Land Use By-law (By-law 049), including all subsequent amendments, and replace them with the new Municipal Planning Strategy (MPS) and Municipal-Wide Land Use By-Law (LUB).

    A PUBLIC INFORMATION SESSION will be held regarding the proposed final draft of the Municipal Planning Strategy and Municipal-Wide Land Use By-Law. The purpose of the Information Sessions is to present the proposed documents to the public and provide residents with an opportunity to learn more about the proposed regulations.

    Date: Tuesday, July 21, 2026
    Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
    Location: Council Chambers, Municipal Office, 10 Allée Champlain Drive, Cookville, NS

    A PUBLIC HEARING regarding the proposed Municipal Planning Strategy and Municipal-Wide Land Use By-Law will be held on:

    Date: Wednesday July 29, 2026
    Time: 6:00 p.m.
    Location: Council Chambers, Municipal Office, 10 Allée Champlain Drive, Cookville, NS

    The public can make a formal written or oral submissions to Council. Written submissions will be received until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, July 27, 2026, and may be submitted 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 Municipal Planning Strategy and Municipal-Wide Land Use By-Law following the Public Hearing.

    Copies of the proposed Municipal Planning Strategy, Municipal-Wide Land Use By-Law, and supporting reports are available for review at the Municipal Office, 10 Allée Champlain Drive, Cookville, during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), or online at: https://engage.modl.ca/modl2040.

    For additional information, please contact Planning Staff at planning@modl.ca or (902) 530-2802

    Posted July 14, 2026

    Please take notice:

    On July 14, 2026, Municipal Council conducted First Reading of the proposed replacement Municipal Planning Strategy and new Municipal-Wide Land Use By-Law. Council passed motions to give notice of its intention to repeal and the existing Municipal Planning Strategies (By-law 035) and Municipal-Wide Land Use By-law (By-law 049), including all subsequent amendments, and replace them with the new Municipal Planning Strategy (MPS) and Municipal-Wide Land Use By-Law (LUB).

    A PUBLIC INFORMATION SESSION will be held regarding the proposed final draft of the Municipal Planning Strategy and Municipal-Wide Land Use By-Law. The purpose of the Information Sessions is to present the proposed documents to the public and provide residents with an opportunity to learn more about the proposed regulations.

    Date: Tuesday, July 21, 2026
    Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
    Location: Council Chambers, Municipal Office, 10 Allée Champlain Drive, Cookville, NS

    A PUBLIC HEARING regarding the proposed Municipal Planning Strategy and Municipal-Wide Land Use By-Law will be held on:

    Date: Wednesday July 29, 2026
    Time: 6:00 p.m.
    Location: Council Chambers, Municipal Office, 10 Allée Champlain Drive, Cookville, NS

    The public can make a formal written or oral submissions to Council. Written submissions will be received until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, July 27, 2026, and may be submitted 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 Municipal Planning Strategy and Municipal-Wide Land Use By-Law following the Public Hearing.

    Copies of the proposed Municipal Planning Strategy, Municipal-Wide Land Use By-Law, and supporting reports are available for review at the Municipal Office, 10 Allée Champlain Drive, Cookville, during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), or online at: https://engage.modl.ca/modl2040.

    For additional information, please contact Planning Staff at planning@modl.ca or (902) 530-2802

    Posted July 14, 2026

  • July 14, 2026 - Consideration of First Reading of planning documents

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    Following a public hearing on June 25, 2026, the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg Council passed a motion directing planning staff to revisit and revise Draft 3 of the Land Use Planning framework in response to public submissions and discussion, particularly regarding the proposed Agriculture Potential Zone.

    Draft 4 of the Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-Law are scheduled to return to Council for consideration of First Reading at the upcoming Council meeting on July 14th, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Municipal Office Council Chambers. The documents for discussion can be found under the Important Docs section of this webpage: https://engage.modl.ca/modl2040. The report to Council can be found here. All are welcome to attend.

    Date: Tuesday, July 14, 2026

    Time: 6:00 p.m.

    Location: Council Chambers, Municipal Office, 10 Allée Champlain Drive, Cookville NS

    For more information, please contact Planning Staff at planning@modl.ca or (902) 530-2802.

    Following a public hearing on June 25, 2026, the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg Council passed a motion directing planning staff to revisit and revise Draft 3 of the Land Use Planning framework in response to public submissions and discussion, particularly regarding the proposed Agriculture Potential Zone.

    Draft 4 of the Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-Law are scheduled to return to Council for consideration of First Reading at the upcoming Council meeting on July 14th, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Municipal Office Council Chambers. The documents for discussion can be found under the Important Docs section of this webpage: https://engage.modl.ca/modl2040. The report to Council can be found here. All are welcome to attend.

    Date: Tuesday, July 14, 2026

    Time: 6:00 p.m.

    Location: Council Chambers, Municipal Office, 10 Allée Champlain Drive, Cookville NS

    For more information, please contact Planning Staff at planning@modl.ca or (902) 530-2802.

  • Council directs revisions to Draft Land Use Plan

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    Following a public hearing on June 25, 2026, the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg Council passed a motion directing planning staff to revisit and revise Draft 3 of the Land Use Planning framework in response to public submissions and discussion, particularly regarding the proposed Agriculture Potential Zone.


    The decision follows a lengthy hearing where residents shared feedback on several aspects of the draft plan, including agricultural land designation, permitted land uses, and the potential impact on property rights and future development opportunities.


    Council acknowledged the importance of the concerns raised and agreed that additional review is needed before the plan proceeds to second reading.


    “Residents took the time to come forward and share thoughtful and, in some cases, very personal concerns,” said Mayor McLean-Wile. “Council wants to ensure we fully consider that input and take a careful, balanced approach before making any decisions.”


    As part of this next phase, planning staff will review public submissions and Council discussion to identify potential revisions, provide additional clarity, and ensure the proposed framework aligns with provincial requirements while considering the impacts on property owners.


    The Municipality has been working on the Land Use Planning framework since 2020, with multiple opportunities for public participation throughout the process. Feedback from the public hearing will play an important role in shaping the next version of the draft.


    “We recognize that these are important decisions for our communities,” said McLean-Wile. “This review will help ensure the plan reflects both community input and long-term planning objectives.”


    An updated draft will be presented to Council on July 14, and additional public information sessions will be conducted before Council proceeds to Second Reading. The plan must be sent to the Province for final approval.


    The Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law are scheduled to return to Council for consideration of First Reading on July 14, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Municipal Office Council Chambers. All are welcome to attend.

    Date: Tuesday, July 14, 2026

    Time: 6:00 p.m.

    Location: Council Chambers, Municipal Office, 10 Allée Champlain Drive, Cookville NS

    For more information, please contact Planning Staff at planning@modl.ca or (902) 530-2802.

    Following a public hearing on June 25, 2026, the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg Council passed a motion directing planning staff to revisit and revise Draft 3 of the Land Use Planning framework in response to public submissions and discussion, particularly regarding the proposed Agriculture Potential Zone.


    The decision follows a lengthy hearing where residents shared feedback on several aspects of the draft plan, including agricultural land designation, permitted land uses, and the potential impact on property rights and future development opportunities.


    Council acknowledged the importance of the concerns raised and agreed that additional review is needed before the plan proceeds to second reading.


    “Residents took the time to come forward and share thoughtful and, in some cases, very personal concerns,” said Mayor McLean-Wile. “Council wants to ensure we fully consider that input and take a careful, balanced approach before making any decisions.”


    As part of this next phase, planning staff will review public submissions and Council discussion to identify potential revisions, provide additional clarity, and ensure the proposed framework aligns with provincial requirements while considering the impacts on property owners.


    The Municipality has been working on the Land Use Planning framework since 2020, with multiple opportunities for public participation throughout the process. Feedback from the public hearing will play an important role in shaping the next version of the draft.


    “We recognize that these are important decisions for our communities,” said McLean-Wile. “This review will help ensure the plan reflects both community input and long-term planning objectives.”


    An updated draft will be presented to Council on July 14, and additional public information sessions will be conducted before Council proceeds to Second Reading. The plan must be sent to the Province for final approval.


    The Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law are scheduled to return to Council for consideration of First Reading on July 14, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Municipal Office Council Chambers. All are welcome to attend.

    Date: Tuesday, July 14, 2026

    Time: 6:00 p.m.

    Location: Council Chambers, Municipal Office, 10 Allée Champlain Drive, Cookville NS

    For more information, please contact Planning Staff at planning@modl.ca or (902) 530-2802.

  • Materials for June 25 Public Hearing

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    Below, you'll find links to the materials for the June 25 Public Hearing on the Municipal-Wide Land Use Planning Project.

    2026.06.25 Public Hearing Agenda Package

    2026.06.25 Public Hearing Written Submissions

    2026.06.25 Special Council Agenda

    All can be found here.

    Below, you'll find links to the materials for the June 25 Public Hearing on the Municipal-Wide Land Use Planning Project.

    2026.06.25 Public Hearing Agenda Package

    2026.06.25 Public Hearing Written Submissions

    2026.06.25 Special Council Agenda

    All can be found here.

  • Draft #3 Engagement Slides

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    Here you can watch a recording of the public information session held virtually on June 18, 2026, which provides an overview of the project, highlights key changes in Draft #3, and outlines next steps.

    Here you can watch a recording of the public information session held virtually on June 18, 2026, which provides an overview of the project, highlights key changes in Draft #3, and outlines next steps.

  • Public Hearing Set for June 25

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    First Reading Passed and Public Hearing Notice:

    Please take notice:

    On June 9, 2026, Municipal Council conducted First Reading of the proposed replacement Municipal Planning Strategy and new Municipal-Wide Land Use By-Law. Council passed motions to give notice of its intention to repeal and the existing Municipal Planning Strategies (By-law 035) and Municipal-Wide Land Use By-law (By-law 049), including all subsequent amendments, and replace them with the new (draft 3) Municipal Planning Strategy (MPS) and Municipal-Wide Land Use By-Law (LUB).

    TWO PUBLIC INFORMATION SESSIONS will be held regarding the proposed final draft of the Municipal Planning Strategy and Municipal-Wide Land Use By-Law. The purpose of the Information Sessions is to present the proposed documents to the public and provide residents with an opportunity to learn more about the proposed regulations.

    In-Person Public Information Session

    Date: Tuesday, June 16, 2026
    Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
    Location: Council Chambers, Municipal Office, 10 Allée Champlain Drive, Cookville, NS

    Virtual Public Information Session

    To register, please email planning@modl.ca. A meeting link will be provided to registered participants. The presentation will be recorded and made available for public viewing afterward.

    Date: Thursday, June 18, 2026
    Time: 6:00 p.m.

    Location: Microsoft Teams

    A PUBLIC HEARING regarding the proposed Municipal Planning Strategy and Municipal-Wide Land Use By-Law will be held on:

    Date: Thursday, June 25, 2026
    Time: 6:00 p.m.
    Location: Council Chambers, Municipal Office, 10 Allée Champlain Drive, Cookville, NS

    The public can make a formal written or oral submissions to Council. Written submissions will be received until 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, and may be submitted 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 Municipal Planning Strategy and Municipal-Wide Land Use By-Law following the Public Hearing.

    Copies of the proposed Draft 3 Municipal Planning Strategy, Municipal-Wide Land Use By-Law, and supporting reports are available for review at the Municipal Office, 10 Allée Champlain Drive, Cookville, during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), or online at: https://engage.modl.ca/modl2040

    For additional information, please contact Planning Staff at planning@modl.ca or (902) 530-2802.

    Posted on modl.ca: June 9, 2026

    First Reading Passed and Public Hearing Notice:

    Please take notice:

    On June 9, 2026, Municipal Council conducted First Reading of the proposed replacement Municipal Planning Strategy and new Municipal-Wide Land Use By-Law. Council passed motions to give notice of its intention to repeal and the existing Municipal Planning Strategies (By-law 035) and Municipal-Wide Land Use By-law (By-law 049), including all subsequent amendments, and replace them with the new (draft 3) Municipal Planning Strategy (MPS) and Municipal-Wide Land Use By-Law (LUB).

    TWO PUBLIC INFORMATION SESSIONS will be held regarding the proposed final draft of the Municipal Planning Strategy and Municipal-Wide Land Use By-Law. The purpose of the Information Sessions is to present the proposed documents to the public and provide residents with an opportunity to learn more about the proposed regulations.

    In-Person Public Information Session

    Date: Tuesday, June 16, 2026
    Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
    Location: Council Chambers, Municipal Office, 10 Allée Champlain Drive, Cookville, NS

    Virtual Public Information Session

    To register, please email planning@modl.ca. A meeting link will be provided to registered participants. The presentation will be recorded and made available for public viewing afterward.

    Date: Thursday, June 18, 2026
    Time: 6:00 p.m.

    Location: Microsoft Teams

    A PUBLIC HEARING regarding the proposed Municipal Planning Strategy and Municipal-Wide Land Use By-Law will be held on:

    Date: Thursday, June 25, 2026
    Time: 6:00 p.m.
    Location: Council Chambers, Municipal Office, 10 Allée Champlain Drive, Cookville, NS

    The public can make a formal written or oral submissions to Council. Written submissions will be received until 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, and may be submitted 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 Municipal Planning Strategy and Municipal-Wide Land Use By-Law following the Public Hearing.

    Copies of the proposed Draft 3 Municipal Planning Strategy, Municipal-Wide Land Use By-Law, and supporting reports are available for review at the Municipal Office, 10 Allée Champlain Drive, Cookville, during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), or online at: https://engage.modl.ca/modl2040

    For additional information, please contact Planning Staff at planning@modl.ca or (902) 530-2802.

    Posted on modl.ca: June 9, 2026

  • May 12, 2026 - Council discussion on planning documents

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    Please take notice:

    On May 12, 2026, Council discussed the Planning Advisory Committee’s recommendation for the direction of the third and final draft of the Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-Law. After a thorough discussion, Council passed the following motion:

    “Moved by Councillor Bell, seconded by Councillor Oickle, that the Municipal Council accept the recommendation of the Planning Advisory Committee and approve the Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-Law as presented at the May 5th, 2026, Planning Advisory Committee meeting with the following amendments to the Rural Agricultural Potential Zone (RU-2):

    • allow up to six lots to be created at one time, to a maximum of six lots total for any parcel of land; and
    • further forbid cluster developments within the RU2 zone.

    Motion is carried.”

    The Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-Law are scheduled to return to Council for consideration of First Reading at the upcoming Council meeting on June 9th, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Municipal Office Council Chambers.

    The documents for discussion can be found here. The report to Council can be found here.

    All are welcome to attend.

    Date: Tuesday, June 9, 2026

    Time: 6:00 p.m.

    Location: Council Chambers, Municipal Office, 10 Allée Champlain Drive, Cookville NS

    For more information, please contact Planning Staff at planning@modl.ca or (902) 530-2802.

    Please take notice:

    On May 12, 2026, Council discussed the Planning Advisory Committee’s recommendation for the direction of the third and final draft of the Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-Law. After a thorough discussion, Council passed the following motion:

    “Moved by Councillor Bell, seconded by Councillor Oickle, that the Municipal Council accept the recommendation of the Planning Advisory Committee and approve the Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-Law as presented at the May 5th, 2026, Planning Advisory Committee meeting with the following amendments to the Rural Agricultural Potential Zone (RU-2):

    • allow up to six lots to be created at one time, to a maximum of six lots total for any parcel of land; and
    • further forbid cluster developments within the RU2 zone.

    Motion is carried.”

    The Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-Law are scheduled to return to Council for consideration of First Reading at the upcoming Council meeting on June 9th, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Municipal Office Council Chambers.

    The documents for discussion can be found here. The report to Council can be found here.

    All are welcome to attend.

    Date: Tuesday, June 9, 2026

    Time: 6:00 p.m.

    Location: Council Chambers, Municipal Office, 10 Allée Champlain Drive, Cookville NS

    For more information, please contact Planning Staff at planning@modl.ca or (902) 530-2802.

  • Public Notice – Council Discussion on Planning Advisory Committee Recommendations

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    Please take notice:

    At the upcoming Council Meeting, there will be a discussion on the motion advised by the Planning Advisory Committee during the meeting on May 5th, 2026. The purpose of this meeting is for Council to decide on the direction for the third and final draft of the Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-Law.

    The motions carried out in the Planning Advisory Committee meeting on May 5th, 2026, are as follows:

    “Moved by Mr. Mailman, seconded Councillor Smith to amend the motion on the floor to include removing the two per year limit on the number of subdivisions in the Agricultural Potential Zone to permit the total number of subdivisions allowed to occur at any time. Carried unanimously.”

    “Moved by Mayor McLean-Wile, seconded by Councillor Bell to amend the motion on the floor to prohibit cluster development in the Agricultural Potential Zone. Carried unanimously.”

    “Moved by Councillor Bell, seconded by Keith Drysdale, that the Planning Advisory Committee approves the revisions recommended by planning staff noted in the Discussion section of this report for inclusion in the third and final draft of the Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law as amended at the May 5, 2026 meeting of the Plannning Advisory Committe. Carried unanimously.”

    The upcoming council meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m. on May 12th, 2026, in the Municipal Office Council Chambers. Council meetings are open to the public, and any interested residents are encouraged to attend.

    Date: Tuesday, May 12, 2026

    Time: 6:00 p.m.

    Location: Municipal Office Council Chambers, 10 Alle Champlain Drive, Cookville NS

    If you have questions or need clarification about this item or the project, contact us at planning@modl.ca or 902-530-2802.

    Please take notice:

    At the upcoming Council Meeting, there will be a discussion on the motion advised by the Planning Advisory Committee during the meeting on May 5th, 2026. The purpose of this meeting is for Council to decide on the direction for the third and final draft of the Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-Law.

    The motions carried out in the Planning Advisory Committee meeting on May 5th, 2026, are as follows:

    “Moved by Mr. Mailman, seconded Councillor Smith to amend the motion on the floor to include removing the two per year limit on the number of subdivisions in the Agricultural Potential Zone to permit the total number of subdivisions allowed to occur at any time. Carried unanimously.”

    “Moved by Mayor McLean-Wile, seconded by Councillor Bell to amend the motion on the floor to prohibit cluster development in the Agricultural Potential Zone. Carried unanimously.”

    “Moved by Councillor Bell, seconded by Keith Drysdale, that the Planning Advisory Committee approves the revisions recommended by planning staff noted in the Discussion section of this report for inclusion in the third and final draft of the Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law as amended at the May 5, 2026 meeting of the Plannning Advisory Committe. Carried unanimously.”

    The upcoming council meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m. on May 12th, 2026, in the Municipal Office Council Chambers. Council meetings are open to the public, and any interested residents are encouraged to attend.

    Date: Tuesday, May 12, 2026

    Time: 6:00 p.m.

    Location: Municipal Office Council Chambers, 10 Alle Champlain Drive, Cookville NS

    If you have questions or need clarification about this item or the project, contact us at planning@modl.ca or 902-530-2802.

  • May 5, 2026 Planning Advisory Committee Meeting

    Share May 5, 2026 Planning Advisory Committee Meeting on Facebook Share May 5, 2026 Planning Advisory Committee Meeting on X (formerly Twitter) Share May 5, 2026 Planning Advisory Committee Meeting on Linkedin Email May 5, 2026 Planning Advisory Committee Meeting link

    At 7 p.m. on May 5, 2026, the Planning Advisory Committee will discuss a report that summarizes engagement results and outlines proposed edits to the second draft of the Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law. The report can be found here.

    The public is welcome to attend this meeting.

    Copies of the Municipal Planning Strategy, Land Use By-law, and related staff reports are available at the Municipal Office, 10 Allée Champlain Drive, Cookville, NS, during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), and online at the Municipal-Wide Land Use Planning page on Engage MODL.

    For more information, please contact Planning Staff at planning@modl.ca or (902) 530-2802.

    At 7 p.m. on May 5, 2026, the Planning Advisory Committee will discuss a report that summarizes engagement results and outlines proposed edits to the second draft of the Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law. The report can be found here.

    The public is welcome to attend this meeting.

    Copies of the Municipal Planning Strategy, Land Use By-law, and related staff reports are available at the Municipal Office, 10 Allée Champlain Drive, Cookville, NS, during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), and online at the Municipal-Wide Land Use Planning page on Engage MODL.

    For more information, please contact Planning Staff at planning@modl.ca or (902) 530-2802.

Page last updated: 05 Aug 2026, 06:06 AM