The Town of Lunenburg adopts by-laws under the authority of Nova Scotia’s Municipal Government Act.
Most by-laws require two readings by Council, with at least 14 days between first and second reading.
Proposed by-laws and by-law amendments are advertised on the Town’s website and social media, and this notice provides information on how and when the public can share feedback.
During the proposal stage, members of the public may submit written comments or speak at a public hearing. Once a by-law receives second reading, it is considered adopted and comes into effect on the date set out in the by-law.
Proposed bylaws will be posted below. No new bylaws or amendments are being proposed if no bylaws are posted.
There are two by-laws that have received first reading that will go forward for public hearings on Feb. 24, 2026:
1) Marketing Levy By-law
2) Tour and Horse-Drawn Vehicle By-law
Information on both proposed by-laws is provided below:
Public Hearing: Proposed Marketing Levy By-law
Town of Lunenburg Council will hold a public hearing as part of its regularly scheduled Council meeting to gather public feedback on the proposed Marketing Levy By-law.
Date: Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Town Hall (please use the back entrance on Townsend Street)
How to Provide Feedback
Members of the public are welcome to share their input in one of the following ways:
- In writing: Email your comments to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by Feb. 18 at 12 p.m. Written submissions received after this date will be shared with Council, but not included in the public record.
- In person: Attend the meeting and sign up to speak using the sign-up sheet available upon entering the meeting
- Virtually: Members of the public may participate virtually by registering in advance. To register, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. no later than Monday, February 23 at 12:00 p.m.
About the Proposed Marketing Levy
The proposed by-law would establish a 3% marketing levy on all short-term accommodations located within the Town of Lunenburg.This includes traditional hotels and inns, as well as short-term rentals listed on platforms such as Airbnb.
If adopted:
- The levy would be collected by operators at the time of booking
- Operators would remit the levy to the Town on a monthly basis
- The levy would be paid by the guest, not absorbed by the operator
Under provincial legislation, all short-term accommodations must be registered with the Province. This registration system will assist the Town in identifying operators who are required to collect and remit the levy.
Use of Levy Funds
If approved, funds collected through the marketing levy may only be used for tourism promotion purposes authorized under provincial legislation. This can include:
- Marketing and advertising campaigns
- Visitor guides and digital promotion
- Supporting festivals and events that attract visitors
- Contributions to tourism-focused organizations
Implementation Timing
If adopted, the levy would take effect January 1, 2027, providing operators with time to prepare their systems and processes.
Council Consideration and Next Steps
Council gave first reading of the Marketing Levy By-law on February 10, 2026. At that meeting, Council requested the following changes be made before second reading:
- That the name of the by-law be updated to more clearly reflect its application to short-term accommodations
- That a new clause be added to ensure operators are engaged and collaborated with when determining how marketing levy funds are spent
Following the February 24 public hearing, Council is scheduled to consider second reading of the by-law in March. If second reading is approved, the by-law is considered adopted.
Key Dates
- First Reading: February 10, 2026
- Public Hearing: February 24, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. (Town Hall)
- Proposed Second Reading (By-law Approval): March 10, 2026
Documents
The Feb. 10 version of the draft by-law and the accompanying staff report can be found here:
pdf
First Reading: Marketing Levy Bylaw & Staff Report(325 KB)
Questions?
If you have questions about the proposed by-law, please contact:
Kayla Byrne
Municipal Clerk
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
902-521-0016
Public Hearing: Proposed Tour and Horse-Drawn Vehicle By-law
Town of Lunenburg Council will hold a public hearing as part of its regularly scheduled Council meeting to gather public feedback on the proposed Tour and Horse-Drawn Vehicle By-law.
Date: Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Town Hall (please use the back entrance on Townsend Street)
How to Provide Feedback
Members of the public are welcome to share their input in one of the following ways:
- In writing: Email comments to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by Feb. 18 at 12 p.m. Written submissions received after this date will be shared with Council, but not included in the public record.
- In person: Attend the meeting and sign up to speak using the sign-up sheet available upon entering the meeting
- Virtually: Members of the public may participate virtually by registering in advance. To register, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. no later than Monday, February 23 at 12:00 p.m.
About the Proposed By-law
The proposed Tour and Horse-Drawn Vehicle By-law would replace the Town’s existing Hack and Trolley By-law and modernize the framework for licensing and regulating commercial tour vehicles and horse-drawn carriage operations in Lunenburg.
Council directed staff to review the existing by-law in 2025, following public concerns related to animal welfare during periods of extreme heat and dry weather. In response, the updated draft strengthens animal welfare protections while also improving clarity, transparency, and enforceability.
The proposed by-law includes clearer provisions related to:
- ensuring horses are fit for work, including veterinary certification;
- requiring access to water, rest, and humane treatment during operations; and
- allowing the Town to restrict or suspend operations during extreme weather or environmental conditions that may pose a risk to animal welfare.
At the same time, the updated draft consolidates existing rules into a single, modern by-law and clarifies licensing, operational, and oversight requirements for both horse-drawn carriage operations and tour vehicles.
Council Consideration and Next Steps
Council gave first reading of the proposed by-law on February 10, 2026. Following the February 24 public hearing, Council is scheduled to consider second reading of the by-law in March. If second reading is approved, the by-law is considered adopted and would replace the existing Hack and Trolley By-law.
Key Dates
- First Reading: February 10, 2026
- Public Hearing: February 24, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. (Town Hall)
- Proposed Second Reading (By-law Approval): March 10, 2026
Documents
The Feb. 10 version of the draft by-law and the accompanying staff report can be found here:
pdf
First Reading: Tour and Horse Drawn Vehicle Bylaw & Staff Report(402 KB)
Questions?
If you have questions about the proposed by-law, please contact:
Kayla Byrne
Municipal Clerk
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
902-521-0016