Lunenburg Part 2 - Section 5 - Social Vulnerability - August 30.pdf

The Plan also addresses the need for affordable housing to accommodate residents with low
income, and identifies escalating property values as a leading issue. 146 The plan contains the
following statements:
“There is a substantial need to pay attention to the deficiencies in affordable housing
within MODL. Poverty is apparent especially in some rural areas. If anything it
appears that the problem has worsened in recent years as property taxes have risen,
housing stock has aged and deteriorated in light of inadequate repairs and
maintenance, and some of the longstanding means of providing livelihoods in rural
areas have deteriorated. Council believes that they and citizens have a social and
civic responsibility to pay attention and look for ways to alleviate the problem
consistent with the means and jurisdiction available. For example, last year the
implementation of a Compassion Tax benefited approximately 1000 people but was
far from adequate to address issues of poverty.” 147
This statement describes the nature of the problem and accepts a responsibility to take action,
while acknowledging the Municipality’s limited ability to do so effectively. The plan lists the
desired outcomes of documenting housing and related needs of low-income residents, and
assessing best practices and an appropriate advocacy role for municipal government. 148
Affordable housing is designated a ‘next’ priority (following ‘now’ priorities) in the plan’s Strategic
Priorities Chart. 149
The Strategic Plan states that community services are directly associated with quality of life in
the District. 150 Concerns relevant to social vulnerability include escalating rates for fire and
waste service, a lack of policy regarding arts and culture, the absence of public transportation
services, and sidewalks and road shoulders in need of maintenance. 151 While the plan mentions
the need for equitable cost distribution, 152 and notes the role of fire departments in enhancing
community cohesion, 153 it does not explicitly discuss the needs of socially vulnerable
populations. For example, it does not recognize the relatively greater burden of increasing area
rates for individuals with low income, the possibility that the lack of arts and culture policy may
result in the exclusion of some residents from cultural activities, or the challenges faced by
individuals without private vehicles in accessing employment or services. Overall, the Plan
recognizes the need for cooperation with nearby municipal units, such as the Towns of Mahone
Bay, Lunenburg and Bridgewater. 154 While this is the case for all municipal activities, it is
particularly true for the efficient provision of community services.
The Strategic Plan includes a policy statement indicating the goal to serve all area residents:
“the Municipality will maximize opportunities for social and economic development … [and] strive
to improve the quality of life for all residents living and working in the larger community.” 155
Additionally, it notes the intent to have public participation for all decisions and actions in the
Municipality. 156
146 Ibid., p. 1.4.
147 Ibid., p. 2.21.
148 Ibid., p. 2.22.
149 Ibid.
150 Ibid., p. 2.2.
151 Ibid., p. 2.12, 2.19–2.20, 2.24–2.25.
152 Ibid., p. 2.25.
153 Ibid., p. 2.12.
154 Ibid., p. 2.17.
155 Ibid., p. 2.1.
156 Ibid., p. 2.6.
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