Town News

UPDATE ON Trot In Time Carriage Tours

Details

Published: Monday, 25 August 2025 09:31

As noted in the August 19th Council Meeting, Town staff have had correspondence with the operator of Trot in Time Carriage Tours regarding the welfare of the horses and inquiries the Town had been receiving throughout the year. Earlier this year, the operator provided a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Horse Care During Heat and Humidity, as well as other documentation pertaining to the wellbeing and care of the animals to town staff. The Town of Lunenburg was also in receipt of veterinary health certificates, which were provided prior to the issuance of an operating permit for 2025. 

A request was made by the town earlier this month for an updated veterinary health certificate for all of the working horses, in response to concerns raised by members of the public. Town officials further confirmed that the operator was following the SOPs previously provided. On August 20th, a veterinarian inspected the operations of Trot in Time at the operator's expense. They provided a detailed report on the horses' living conditions, as well as their workload and suitability for the job. The Town is in receipt of the report. 

The report concluded that, “Care will need to be taken during the summer with regards to heat, but it sounds like a protocol is in place for this. The horses are up to date on veterinary care. According to the Animal Protection Act of Nova Scotia, the horse’s needs are currently being appropriately met. Overall, the owners of Trot in Time do seem genuinely committed to caring for the horses well and improving animal welfare. They were very transparent today and answered my questions eagerly. Since working with this business, they have been prompt to call about any concerns with the horses and we have maintained a good relationship."

The Town is also in receipt of a July 4, 2025 visit from the Inspector Specialist; Agriculture Inspection Services Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture. This report noted, “As a result of this investigation, I found the operation to be well-managed, with the horses’ wellbeing seeming to be at the forefront of the business model. The horses themselves all appeared to be in excellent health, well-muscled and of good weight, and up to date on farrier/veterinary care. They are the appropriate type, build and fitness level for the type of work required.”

“While I understands the concerns regarding the horses being overworked/worked in hot weather, I am confident that the horses are not overworked, are cared for and maintained in ways that mitigate distress while being worked, and if the horses were to show signs of distress they would be immediately and adequately tended to”

Overall, based on the information we have, the Town feels that Trot In Time is operating within good safety parameters, and we will continue to communicate with them as the season progresses.

While The Town and its staff have done everything it can to make sure that things are being handled in a safe manner, the current Hack and Trolley By-law will be reviewed in the coming months. At the August 19 meeting, Council directed staff to review the Hack and Trolley By-law, taking into account regulations from other jurisdictions with similar climates and tourism activities, and bring the review back for discussion at an upcoming Committee of the Whole meeting. 

If anyone from the public wishes to have more education on the business practices and understanding of the care and welfare of the horses with Trot in Time, they are encouraged to visit Trot in Time at the waterfront or reach out to Mary Gilson atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by texting 902-298-1895.

CUMBERLAND STREET CLOSURE - AUGUST 19

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Published: Monday, 18 August 2025 13:06

Cumberland Street will be closed from Prince Street to King Street, for work on the Bandstand Rehabilitation Project.

The closure will be from approx. 7:30am to 5:00pm on Tuesday, August 19.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

Thank You for Staying Out of the Woods and Off the Trails

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Published: Friday, 15 August 2025 17:00

Thank you for doing your part by staying off the trails and out of the woods due to the elevated wildfire risk. We recognize it is an inconvenience, but your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Please note that the wooded area behind the Academy falls under the areas outlined in the government of Nova Scotia’s announcement prohibiting activities in wooded areas. To avoid any confusion, signs have been posted.

These and other measures are in place on provincial Crown and private

land until October 15 or until conditions allow them to be lifted.

The provincial fine for violating the restrictions is $25,000.

Next Council meeting: Aug.19 at 6 p.m.

Details

Published: Thursday, 14 August 2025 11:43

The agenda package for this meeting is now available:   pdf 08 19 2025 Council Agenda(3.22 MB)

Agenda items include: 

• Sale of 18 Dufferin Street (Old Train Station)
• HSMBC Review of Designation
• Request for Direction: Marketing Levy By-law
• Request to Defer: Lunenburg Academy Roof Repairs
• RFP Award: Water Meter Supply & Installation
• 100^th Fishers’ Memorial Service
• Verbal Report: Community Climate Capacity (CCC) Program
• Councillor Notices of Motion

Meetings are also livestreamed through Zoom. To livestream this meeting starting at 6 pm, use this link:  https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88956545878 

STAYING SAFE DURING A HEAT WARNING/ADVISORY

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Published: Tuesday, 12 August 2025 17:36

With a Heat Warning is in effect for Lunenburg County and much of Nova Scotia, here are some steps residents can take to stay safe.

• Take action to protect yourself and others – extreme heat can affect everyone’s health. Determine if you or others around you are at greater risk of heat illness.
• Check on older adults, those living alone and other at-risk people in-person or on the phone multiple times a day.
  
  
• Watch for the early signs of heat exhaustion in yourself and others. Signs may include headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine and intense fatigue. Stop your activity and drink water.
• Heat stroke is a medical emergency! Call 9-1-1 or your emergency health provider if you, or someone around you, is showing signs of heat stroke which can include red and hot skin, dizziness, nausea, confusion and change in consciousness. While you wait for medical attention, try to cool the person by moving them to a cool place, removing extra clothing, applying cold water or ice packs around the body.
  
  
• Drink water often and before you feel thirsty to replace fluids.
• Close blinds, or shades and open windows if outside is cooler than inside.
• Turn on air conditioning, use a fan, or move to a cooler area of your living space. If your living space is hot, move to a cool public space such as a cooling centre, community centre, library or shaded park.

Town Hall and Council take the health and welfare of our residents very seriously, and that includes the many pets, service and working animals in Town. Our four-legged, feline and furry friends can’t speak for themselves, so it is important to keep them in mind during a heat warning. As such, we’ve included a slide with tips on preventing pets from heatstroke.

Recently some concerns have been raised about working animals in Old Town during heat warning/advisory days. Town staff have consulted with one business – in July and again this week – to assess the situation and ensure their horses were being cared for properly. After reviewing their Safe Operating Procedure (SOP) for Horse Care During Heat and Humidity, consulting with the Department of Agriculture, and based on the information we have, the Town feels that they are operating within good safety parameters.

With the increasing frequency of heat warning days, fire bans and evolving climate in general, the Town is committed to reviewing it’s By-Laws and procedures to ensure the health and safety of the town and its citizens over the coming months.

A Note From The Property Valuation Services Corporation

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Published: Monday, 11 August 2025 15:53

Property Valuation Services Corporation Assessors are especially busy this time of year, conducting exterior property inspections across Nova Scotia. They are reviewing building permit progress and gathering up-to-date information as part of the annual assessment process. 

For your safety and peace of mind, Assessors are easy to identify with PVSC-marked vehicles, PVSC-issued ID, and high-visibility vests. 

You don’t need to be home for these visits. The Assessor will leave contact information and next steps if a follow-up is needed.  Learn more about their fieldwork: bit.ly/3U5E5ZJ