The mayor of the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg says the new approach to this year’s budget has set a better standard for transparency and public involvement.
Mayor Elspeth McLean-Wile says the municipality held six public meetings where residents could give feedback on both the operating and capital budgets.
“All of our budget discussions were held in public,” she said. “People could see the concerns of councillors, the back-and-forth, and how decisions were made. It didn’t limit debate—it enhanced it.”
While council recently passed its $46.7 million operating budget and $18.3 million capital plan, McLean-Wile says the biggest win may have been how the budget was built.
“We want more community involvement, and this was a good step forward,” she said, noting that evening council meetings and off-site sessions are planned to encourage more participation. “It takes time for people to realize they can be part of the process.”
The mayor says maintaining a balanced budget was made easier by careful planning in past terms.
“Previous councils were financially prudent, which puts us in a strong position,” she said. “We’ve invested in growth, like the Pine Grove wastewater plant, and we’ve set aside reserves for the next five years.”
One of the standout investments this year is a new public transit service being developed in partnership with the Town of Bridgewater. McLean-Wile says it’s part of a broader effort to improve services across the region.
“It addresses affordability, accessibility, and environmental goals. It’s a big step forward,” she said.
Despite rising costs, MODL hasn’t raised tax rates. McLean-Wile says property assessment growth has slowed but remains stable enough to support this year’s plan. The municipality also remains debt-free but is open to borrowing in the future for major infrastructure projects.
The new budget also expands the Property Tax Rebate program, raising the income limit to help more low-income residents.
McLean-Wile says MODL is also preparing a housing strategy to position the municipality for federal and provincial funding opportunities, especially with a national election underway and housing high on all party platforms.
“This is just the beginning,” she said. “We’re planning ahead and staying flexible.”
