Town of Lunenburg - Heritage Sustainability Strategy

Founded in 1753, Lunenburg, Nova Scotia has a rich history of farming fishing, shipbuilding and repair, and ocean-going trade. Over the years, this mixture has resulted in diverse architectural heritage consisting of commercial buildings such as shops, warehouses, boat repair facilities, etc., as well as institutional and residential facilities - some quite magnificent, reflecting the wealth that certain citizens had gleaned from this economic activity. In 1992, 'Old Town' Lunenburg was designated by the Federal Government as a National Historic District and in 1995 this recognition was reinforced when UNESCO added the 'Old Town' are to its World Heritage List.

At the time of being added to the World Heritage List, the Town prepared a 'World Heritage Community Strategy' to ensure the continuing protection of its heritage resources, as well that tourism and economic development would proceed in ways that would take optimum advantage of the Town's unique situation. This plan was completed in 1998, popularly known as the 'Roy Graham Report', has been very successful in guiding the Town's development over the last 10 years. However, after a decade, it was time to update and extend this strategy.

Commissioned in January of 2009, the project was designed to look at ways of ensuring the community would be able to maintain and take advantage of its UNESCO World Heritage site designation over the next five to 10 years. The study was conducted by TCI Management Consultants (Jon Linton, Project Leader), St. Clements Group (Glen Loo), ADI Limited (Tom Horrocks), professor Herb Stovel, and Francois LeBlanc. Kristen Hawker from the Town of Lunenburg was Project Coordinator.

The goal of an updated Strategy, according to the Terms of Reference, is "to guide the Town's development over the next 10 -15 years, including the identification of heritage, culture and tourism opportunities that may produce economic opportunities for the community. The Heritage By-law review is required to insure that the Town's Heritage By-laws are meeting the community's needs and to streamline permitting processes. The issue of appropriate conservation methods should be reviewed using the document "Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada".

[click] Read the final report.