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Volunteer Summit 2025

Learning Together.  Leading Together. Thriving Together.

Bridgewater, Nova Scotia – November 8, 2025

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Project Volunteer – an inter-municipal partnership bringing back the buzz in volunteering across Lunenburg and Queens Counties – is excited to bring you the first-ever Volunteer Summit, taking place Saturday, November 8, 2025, at NSCC Bridgewater.  This one-day event will bring together 100 community volunteers from across Lunenburg/Queens counties for inspiration, skills-building, and connection.

Highlights include interactive workshops, an inspiring keynote, and practical sessions on recruiting volunteers, fundraising, grant writing, and more. Lunch, refreshments, and a welcome gift are included — plus a $500 prize to support one lucky organization (must be present to win).

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Thanks to Municipal and Provincial government support, registration is just $15, with some subsidized spots available (please enquire at registration).

Register between October 1 and October 31.  

Space is limited; to give more groups a chance to attend, please limit registration to two people per organization.

To register, select your breakout sessions from the details below, and call 902-275-3490 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

A .pdf document of the table below can be found here:  pdf Volunteer Summit Details(59 KB)

VOLUNTEER SUMMIT DETAILS 2025

 Time

 Activity
 8:30 -   9:00
 Registration & Networking
 9:00 -   9:15
 Welcome
 9:15 -   10:00   
Keynote Speaker: The Power of Local: Reigniting Volunteerism in Rural Communities with Max Chauvin  

In rural Nova Scotia, volunteers remain the heartbeat of strong, connected communities. While the realities of volunteerism have shifted in the 2020s, the spirit behind it hasn’t changed. Max's keynote will celebrate the resilience and generosity of local volunteers, explore new trends and challenges, and highlight why the heart of community still lies in those who give their time, skills, and energy to make a difference.
 10:00 -   10:15   
Coffee Break
 10:15 -   11:00  
Summit Session #1: Don't Just Recruit Volunteers, Let's Build A Community! with Heather Killen, Volunteer Nova Scotia

Want to create a space where volunteers feel seen, supported, and motivated to stay? With a bit of planning and preparation, you can create a powerful network of passionate people who are truly invested in your mission. We'll dive into the latest trends in volunteering, both nationally and right here in Nova Scotia. We'll talk about who's volunteering, what motivates them, and how they prefer to give their time and skills. We'll show you how to shift your focus from simply filling spots to strategically planning for your volunteers. This means creating clear, compelling volunteer job descriptions, setting up an effective onboarding process, and providing the tools and support people need to succeed. When volunteers feel valued and prepared, they're more likely to feel a sense of ownership and purpose.
 11:10 -   12:15    
Breakout #1: Please choose from 1 of the following four options (pre-registration is required)

1. Grant Writing 101 - If you are new to writing grants, or have some experience and want some tips, this workshop is for you! Anna Haanstra, Regional Manager on the South Shore with the Province of NS, will share information on what to before searching for grants, where to find grants, tips and insight into how to submit a strong application and demystify some common questions about what makes a successful application. This session will include a presentation, discussion and list of local grant sources to take with you.

2. Community Halls Revitalization - Community Halls and other similar gathering spaces are a cornerstone of our rural communities. This presentation, with Andy Thompson and   Meagan MacDonald from Aging Well Nova Scotia, will provide an overview of local transformation projects, before and after photos of community halls in rural Nova Scotia, an exploration of working collectively to source funding, and first-steps on community hall transformation in your area!

3. Fun-Fueled Fundraising: Turning Good Times into Great Results - When fundraising’s fun, everyone wins. Join Kristi McKee and Lisa Tanner from the Jennifer Collins Classic to discover creative ways to connect with your audience, make giving enjoyable, and maximize your funds raised.

4. Social Media and Basics of Marketing & Promotion - Kelly Duggan and Olivia Malley from Sport Nova Scotia will guide you through the fundamentals - like creating a marketing  strategy, brand building, advertising, and leveraging digital and social media channels to build awareness of your organization in the community.
 12:15 -   1:15
Lunch
 1:15 -   2:20 
Breakout #2: Please choose one of the following four options (pre-registration is required)

1. Grant Writing 101 - If you are new to writing grants, or have some experience and want some tips, this workshop is for you! Anna Haanstra, Regional Manager on the South Shore with the Province of NS, will share information on what to do before searching for grants, where to find grants, tips, and insight into how to submit a strong application and demystify some common questions about what makes a successful application. This session will include a presentation, discussion, and list of local grant sources to take with you.

2. Uniting for Impact: Collaborative Strategies in Volunteering - This informative, interactive, and action-orientated session, brought to you by Louise Pomfrey-Talbot and Louise  Hopper from Nova Scotia Health, will share insights about the factors that impact volunteering and participation in community. On their own, organizations may find it hard to tackle the challenges facing their communities. In this training, we will explore how working together can help us use our combined strength. Participants will learn practical ways to collaborate as volunteer organizations and work towards shared goals.

3. Bookkeeping for Non-Profits 101 - During this session, Cy Mayo from Belliveau Veinotte will discuss various topics for non-profit entities relating to day-to-day operations types of non-profits, accounting basics, governance responsibilities, and financial and tax reporting. Covering such things as:

  • Non-Profit vs Registered Charity
  • Responsibilities of Board Members
  • Basics of Bookkeeping; Basics of Financial Reporting
  • Budgeting
  • Discuss what financial statements are
  • Tax reporting for Non-Profits...and much more!

4. Social Media and Basics of Marketing & Promotion - Kelly Duggan and Olivia Malley from Sport Nova Scotia will guide you through the fundamentals - like creating a marketing strategy, brand building, advertising, and leveraging digital and social media channels to build awareness of your organization in the community.
 2:30 -   3:40
Summit Session #2: Welcoming Newcomers: Engaging through Volunteerism with South Shore Multiculturism Society, YReach, and the Town of Bridgewater. 

This interactive workshop will help you gain insights into the benefits of involving newcomers, explore their unique challenges, and discover practical recruitment strategies. This session  will feature first person newcomer narratives, multimedia presentations, small group brainstorming, and will provide you with the knowledge to facilitate strategic planning to attract  newcomers to your organization. 
 3:40 -   4:00
Closing, Door Prizes and Grand Prize

Thanks to Municipal and Provincial government support, registration is just $15, with some subsidized spots available (please enquire at registration).

Register between October 1 and October 31.  

Space is limited; to give more groups a chance to attend, please limit registration to two people per organization.

To Register, select your breakout sessions from the details above, and call 902-275-3490 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

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Winter Activities

winter activity opportunities in the Municipality

 

Public Art

public art locations in the Municipality

 

Water Recreation

waves
 
 
 
 
 
lake parks in the Municipality

LAKES:

ocean parks in the Municipality

OCEAN:

public river locations in the Municipality

RIVERS:

 

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WATERFALLS:

Play Parks, & Sports

play parks and sport field opportunities in the Municipality

 

Biking

biking opportunities in the Municipality

 

Hiking / Walking

hiking/walking opportunities in the Municipality

 

Trails - Multi-Use

Multi-Use trail opportunities in the Municipality
 

 

Coastal Protection

Coastal protection regulations are now in effect in the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg. On June 18, 2024, Council passed the Second Reading to amend MODL’s Municipal Planning Strategy and introduce a new Municipal-Wide Land Use By-law that includes coastal protection regulations. These changes were approved by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing on August 9, 2024. The regulations aim to protect coastal development from the effects of climate change and to protect the coastline from human development by addressing concerns such as coastal erosion, flooding, and the preservation of sensitive ecosystems.   

If a development is proposed within the Designated Coastal Protection Area (see the Coastal Development Permit Area on the Zoning Map), it is subject to the regulations of the Municipal-Wide Land Use By-law.  

pdf Municipal Planning Strategy & Maps(5.29 MB)

pdf Municipal Wide LUB & Maps(2.72 MB)

Coastal Protection Regulations Summary 

The Land Use By-law primarily identifies development setbacks that are tied to different areas within the Designated Coastal Protection Area.  

Erosion Risk Area: The Coastal Erosion Risk Area is designed to protect properties from erosion and preserve ecosystems. Development cannot occur within 30 m from the top of the bank or the ordinary high watermark if the bank is indiscernible. No natural vegetation may be removed within 15m from the top of the bank or the ordinary high watermark.  

Flood Risk Area: The Flood Risk Area identifies coastal regions most vulnerable to flooding from tides, sea level rise, and storm surge, projecting total inundation by 2100. No buildings in these areas can have habitable spaces below 3.97m of CGVD 2013. Institutional uses are strictly prohibited within the Coastal Flood Risk Area, regardless of elevation.  

Wetlands: Development within 30 metres of Coastal Wetlands is prohibited.  

Looking to develop or renovate near the Coast? Take a look at the flow chart below to understand potential next steps: 

Flowchart for coastal protection regulations

For more information about how the regulations came to be, please visit Engage MODL.  

 

Coastal Erosion Risk Factor Assessment (CERFA)

Section 4.14.1 of the Land Use By-law requires a 30-metre horizontal setback from the top of the bank for new development. However, Section 4.14.5 of the Land Use By-law allows for a reduction in the setback, down to a minimum of 15 metres, only if a Coastal Erosion Risk Factor Assessment (CERFA) demonstrates that the erosion rate is slower than the planning horizon of 77 years.

The Municipal Guidelines document provides an overview of what must be included when submitting a CERFA to the municipality. The Technical Background and Guidance document is the full report.

CERFA Municipal Guidelines

CERFA Technical Background and Guidance 

 

What is Planning?

Planning is the act of managing land uses in the present and into the future to help shape sustainable, equitable, and innovative communities. In a municipality, land use is guided by planning strategies and by-laws.   

Municipal Planning Strategy 

A municipal planning strategy guides the development and management of a Municipality. The municipal planning strategy has the long-term vision of community, sets the guiding principles on a variety of sectors, and is written in general terms. To further this purpose, the municipal planning strategy establishes: 

1. policies which address problems and opportunities concerning the land development and the effects of the development; 
2. policies to provide a framework for the environmental, social, and economic development within the Municipality; 
3. policies that are consistent with the provincial interest on drinking water protection, agricultural land conservation, flood risk mitigation, infrastructure management, and housing promotion; and 
4. specify actions necessary for implementing the municipal planning strategy. 

Secondary Planning Strategy 

Secondary planning strategies are supplementary to a municipal planning strategy and pertain to a specific community or topic within a municipality. 

Land Use By-law  

A land use by-law expands on the policy statements in a planning strategy. It is written in more detail and definitive terms so there is a clear understanding of what you can and cannot do with your lands. Land use by-laws typically identify zones that encourage certain land uses (e.g., residential, commercial, etc.). By-laws state one or more of the following for each zone: 

  • Lot area and frontage requirements; 
  • The location, size, and height of structures; 
  • Permitted signage, outdoor storage, parking; 
  • Erosion control standards such as setback from watercourses. 

 

Tax Installment Prepayment Plan Enrollment Form

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* The Tax Installment Prepayment Plan Enrollment Form must be signed indicating the plan/monthly amount to be withdrawn from your account. You will receive your regular bill for your records. By signing this Tax Installment Prepayment Plan Enrollment Application, you have authorized the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg to withdraw funds from your bank account to pay your property tax account. For joint accounts, both signatures are required. Please note that you are responsible for ensuring your taxes are paid in full upon due date. The balance owing (if any) will be subject to interest as per the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg’s late payment policy.

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Important Information Regarding the TIPP

To enroll:

Please complete the application on the attached page and return it (along with a void cheque or automatic payment form from the bank) to the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg (MODL) offices at least fifteen (15) days before the date of the potential first payment.

Terms and Conditions

  1. Within this Application, ‘I’, ‘me’, ‘we’, ‘you’, ‘our’ and ‘my’ refer to ALL property owner(s) who have signed below.
  2. If you choose to change or cancel this Tax Installment Prepayment Plan (TIPP), the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg (MODL) requires the TIPP Change Request Form at least fifteen (15) business days before the next scheduled payment date to change or stop the payment.
  3. To cancel your TIPP agreement when you sell your property, a notice of cancellation (using the TIPP Change Request Form) is required before the date of sale, otherwise, any processed TIPPs may not be returnable.
  4. This application and its related frequent payments will remain in effect and continue until MODL has received written notice (TIPP Change Request Form) from me requesting change or cancellation at least fifteen (15) business days before the next scheduled debit.
  5. Property taxes must be paid in the usual manner until we are notified that our TIPP application is in effect
  6. MODL will mail interim and final tax bills, and any outstanding amount owing will need to be paid over and above the amount previously paid by pre-authorized debiting.
  7. I understand with respect to the pre-defined and equal monthly payment plans, I will receive written notice from MODL of the amount and the date(s) of debiting, both initially and if/when the dates(s) or amount to be debited change. Notice shall be received at least ten days before the date of the first TIPP.
  8. If the total sum of the debiting results in an overpayment of property taxes, MODL will automatically apply the overpayment against next year’s tax amount. Monthly debits are based on an estimate only and are not a warranty or guarantee of the amount of taxes which may be levied.
  9. This application will terminate automatically if two pre-authorized payments fail to be honoured by my financial institution, resulting in NSFs. Each NSF results in $15.00 charge to the property owner(s).
  10. You have certain recourse rights if any debit does not comply with this agreement. For example, you have the right to receive reimbursement for any debit that is not authorized or is not consistent with this TIPP agreement. To obtain more information on your recourse rights, contact your financial institution or visit https://payments.ca.
  11. This agreement is non-transferable, and we must submit a new application for any new property acquired in the MODL.
  12. We acknowledge that all persons whose signatures are required to sign on the account have signed this application below.

I Have Read And Hereby Agree To The Above Terms And Conditions:

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Please contact Annette Nowe This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with questions or to submit a form. Completed forms can also be dropped off or mailed to the address below.

10 Allée Champlain Drive, Cookville, Nova Scotia B4V 9E4

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Tax Installment Prepayment Plan (TIPP) - Change or Cancel TIPP Request Form

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