Public Council Sessions for April 2021 |
In March, Council sessions will be held on:
- Wednesday, April 7
- Wednesday, April 21
Both sessions will begin at 6:00PM. At this time, we are holding these meetings using Zoom and live streaming them to Facebook. Should this change, a notice will be posted on our social media. You can visit our Municipal Facebook page by following this link. |
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To view the upcoming Council agenda, or to view minutes from past Council sessions, please visit our website or click here: Council Minutes. |
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PUBLIC COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE |
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Public Committee of the Whole |
Beginning March 10th, 2021 Council will now begin holding Public Committee of the Whole meetings on the second Wednesday of each month, beginning at 6 p.m.
These meetings will not contain business items, but will allow for presentations to Council from Community Groups and will be the meeting that Council and staff provide reports and updates on various committees, departments and activities.
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Our April Public Committee of the Whole meeting will be held on April 14.
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MUNICIPAL OFFICE HOURS FOR EASTER WEEKEND |
In recognition of the Easter holiday, our three Service Centres and the Dr. Carson and Marion Murray Community Centre will be closed on Friday, April 2 and Monday, April 5, 2021.
We will re-open Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at 8:30 a.m.
For emergencies with public sewer, water or bylaw enforcement, during this time please call (902) 667-2358
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COUNCIL TAKES STANCE ON BIODIVERSITY ACT |
Council of the Municipality of Cumberland met via zoom for a Special Public Council Meeting on Wednesday, March 24, 2021. The meeting opened with a territorial acknowledgement. |
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Members of the Cumberland Forestry Advisory Committee presented regarding potential impacts to Cumberland County if the proposed Bill 4- Biodiversity Act is passed.
Council discussed the matter, and it was decided that a letter should be sent to the Province of NS requesting further public and industry engagement. Further, council agreed Mayor Scott will attend Law Amendments Committee regarding Bill-4 on behalf of the municipality.
The Nomination Committee nominated Councillor Houghtaling to sit as a member of an ad hoc committee that will create a Terms of Reference for a proposed Joint Poverty Reduction Advisory Committee.
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RESULTS OF TAX SALE TENDER #TS2021-1 |
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Due to the large volume of bids we would further like to thank you for your patience while we compile the data to determine the successful bidders. This process will take some time to ensure the information is correct. Once successful bidders have been determined we will notify them.
Successful bidders will have three business days from the time that they are notified to pay their bid, the administrative fee of $400 and HST if applicable. After successful bidders have been contacted we will report the successful bid amounts for each property here.
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CURRENT REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS AND TENDERS |
Closing date: April 7, 2021
Closing date: April 12, 2021
Closing Date: April 21, 2021
Closing Date: April 21, 2021
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JOIN THE 2021 CENSUS TEAM! |
Looking to make a lasting contribution to Canada, its communities and its people? Canada's next census will take place in May 2021. Statistics Canada is hiring approximately 32,000 people across the country to work on the collection phase of the 2021 Census.
Available jobs for the 2021 Census include supervisory and non-supervisory positions that require collecting census data from residents in your community, mostly on evenings and weekends. Start and end dates vary by position and location, but are between March and July 2021.
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If you're interested in helping your community to plan for the future, and meeting new people while earning extra income, then this is the right opportunity for you! For more information and to apply online visit the Census jobs page of the census website. |
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CUMBERLAND CENTRAL LANDFILL |
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FAQs ON CUMBERLAND CENTRAL LANDFILL |
The Towns of Amherst & Oxford and the Municipality of Cumberland currently share ownership of the Cumberland Central Landfill, or as some people know it Little Forks Landfill. Operation of the Cumberland Central Landfill is managed by the Cumberland Joint Services Management Authority (CJSMA). CJSMA answers to a board which is made up of representatives of the towns and municipality. |
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The Cumberland Central Landfill services include:
• waste disposal in the on-site landfill
• organics (green carts) processing in the on-site composting facility
• recycling transferred to off-site recovery facilities (this process is currently limited by COVID-19 restrictions at the recycling facilities)
• construction and demolition waste disposal in a dedicated on-site landfill
• treatment of septic tank pumping and landfill leachate in the on-site treatment plant
All aspects of the Cumberland Central Landfill must comply with strict regulations set out by the Nova Scotia Department of Environment. As environmental regulations continue to get stricter, costly upgrades are needed, and operating costs will increase in a way that are both unpredictable and beyond the control of the CJSMA. One way to stabilize the costs is to sell the landfill to a company specializing in solid waste management under an agreement with predictable long-term tipping fees.
A joint request for proposals to purchase and operate the landfill was issued by the towns and municipality in June 2020. Since then, councillors and mayors have received many questions and a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) has been compiled.
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Each year the Municipality of the County of Cumberland honours the tireless work of our volunteers across the county.
During National Volunteer Week, April 18th - 24th, please join us in recognizing and celebrating all our treasured volunteers around Cumberland!
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2021 REPRESENTATIVE VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR - GREGORY NIX |
The Municipality of the County of Cumberland would like to formally recognize and congratulate Greg Nix on all the countless hours of volunteer work he has contributed to the community. Greg will be recognized at the 2021 Provincial Volunteer Award ceremony, being held virtually on Monday, April 26th.
Greg has been a champion of all things outdoors; guiding many groups in outdoor activities, teaching youth outdoor skills, and trail maintenance. The knowledge Greg has shared throughout our county and province had made an everlasting positive impact.
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Greg is also involved in numerous associations, including Friends of the Pugwash Estuary, Cumberland Trails, Pugwash Search & Rescue, Nova Scotia Trails Federations, Nova Scotia Trails Fundy Region Representative, Wentworth, Wallace, Pugwash and Area Health Board, Route 6 Snowmobile Club, Oxford & Area Trails Association, Cumberland Tourism Advisory Committee, and Hike NS. |
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The deadline for municipal Grants to Organizations applications was March 31st. We are now in the process of reviewing the applications submitted, and they will then be presented to Council for review as part of the 2021-22 budget process.
The grant application deadline was for grants requesting more than $3,000. If your organization wishes to apply for a grant that is less than $3,000 they can be submitted throughout the year, but they are dependent on how much money remains in the budget.
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GRANTS APPROVED BY COUNCIL IN FEBRUARY 2021 |
SOUTHAMPTON COMMUNITY CENTRE $3,450
ADVOCATE DISTRICT SCHOOL $600
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We will be wrapping up our 2020/2021 ice season on Sunday, April 4th. |
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This year has been challenging for everyone and we want to thank everyone for your patience and understanding during this unprecedented season. With luck and perseverance, we will be back in the fall of 2021 for another great ice season!
Stay tuned for Spring/Summer 2021 updates!
Stay safe & have fun!
Management & Staff
Dr. Carson & Marion Murray Community Centre
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WINTER PARKING REGULATIONS FOR THE COMMUNITIES OF SPRINGHILL & PARRSBORO |
Parking is restricted on Municipal streets in the community of Springhill between midnight and 6 a.m. or at any other time that could interfere with snow clearing operations by Public Works employees.
Parking is restricted on Municipal streets in the community of Parrsboro between midnight and 7 a.m. or at any other time that could interfere with snow clearing operations by Public Works employees.
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Vehicles left unattended during these times may be ticketed and/or towed at the owner's cost and risk. Also, please remember that snow from private residences cannot be pushed out into a Municipal street or across a Municipal street for disposal, by either a resident or private contractor removing snow for a resident or business.
These temporary regulations shall be in full force and effect until May 1, 2021.
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SPORT FUND
Sport Fund focuses on community sport support. The goal of the fund is to support quality, sustainable programming, either by providing funds to help organizations create new programs, or to expand and/or enhance current programs to provide MORE opportunities for Nova Scotians to take part in sport.
If you are considering applying for the Sport Fund Grant please contact Courtney Nicholson-Patriquin by the first week of April. Email her at cnicholsonpatriquin@sportnovascotia.ca to set up a consultation. It is important that you connect with the Regional Sport Consultant before you start the process of the grant application.
Deadline: April 15
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TRANS CANADA TRAIL'S SEASONAL CLEANUP GRANT
The grant can be used for a wide range of activities including:
- Community cleanup events
- Volunteer training
- Regular trail maintenance
- Small improvement projects on existing sections of The Great Trail
*Funding between $500-$2,000
Deadline: April 15, 2021
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COMMUNITY ANNIVERSARIES – BUILDING COMMUNITIES THROUGH ARTS AND HERITAGE
Funding is available for non-recurring events that mark the 100th anniversary or greater, in increments of 25 years (e.g., 125th, 150th); of a significant local historical event or personality.
Funding includes capital projects up to a maximum amount of $25,000 (such as community art projects, restoration of objects, community history books, statues and murals). Successful projects may receive up to 100 per cent of eligible expenses to a maximum of $200,000 for events that:
- present the work of local artists, artisans and heritage performers or specialists;
- actively involve members of the local community; and
- are intended for and accessible to the general public.
Deadline: April 30, 2021 for events that will occur during the next calendar year
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COMMUNITY ACCESS-ABILITY PROGRAM
To assist non-profit community organizations and municipalities with the removal of barriers for persons with disabilities in public buildings and spaces.
Funding is available for improvements that will provide universal public accessibility or to upgrade existing accessible features.
Eligible facilities must be open for use by all community members not just to those who belong to the applying organization. For example, a curling club or church hall must be open to the public, not just for members.
*Up to 66.6% to a max of $50,000
Deadline: April 30, 2021
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Apply for a heating assistance rebate: Heating Assistance Rebate Program
The Heating Assistance Rebate Program helps low-income Nova Scotians with the cost of home heating. Rebates range from $100 to $200. You can apply until 31 March 2021.
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Emergency Repair Program
The Emergency Repair Program helps low-income homeowners in rural areas pay for emergency repairs so they can continue to safely live in their homes. You can receive a grant of up to $7,000 for eligible repairs (e.g. heating systems, chimneys, doors & windows, foundations, plumbing, electrical systems, etc.)
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Provincial Housing Emergency Repair Program
This additional program administered by Housing Nova Scotia helps homeowners make emergency repairs to their homes. Eligible homeowners can receive a forgivable loan up to $6,500 to help cover the costs of materials and labour. Repairs must be permanent and consideration will be given to repairs that improve health and safety such as wiring, roofing, septic tanks and wells
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The Senior Citizens Assistance Program
If you are a Nova Scotian senior and would like to stay in your home but can't afford the necessary repairs to roofing, plumbing, or heating, Housing Nova Scotia is ready to give you a grant of up to $6,500 to cover these costs.
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Your Energy Rebate
Designed to help with the rising cost of home energy, this Service Nova Scotia rebate is automatically applied to your power bill for most people (those homes fueled by home-delivered oil, propane, firewood, and natural gas).
Those with homes powered by other energy sources, such as kerosene, coal, and wood pellets need to apply. The rebate you receive is equal to the provincial portion of the HST on your bill.
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Efficiency upgrade financing available
The Municipality of Cumberland and the Town of Amherst have teamed up with the Clean Foundation to offer qualified homeowners low-interest financing for energy-efficiency upgrades to their homes.
The program starts with a home assessment to see if homeowners could save as much or even more in energy and heating expenses than the cost of the retrofits. Financing is available on a first come, first-serve basis, with each municipality committed to up to 10 homes per year.
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SCHOOLS - Register now and be entered to win $2,000 and an At My Best Signature Play Day!
The goals of At My Best Play Days are to:
- Provide opportunities to “kick-start” healthy habits or celebrate successful participation in the At My Best program;
- Support students in making connections between physical activity, healthy eating, and emotional well-being;
- Build connections with parents and communities with a focus on healthy living; and
- Promote the importance of quality Physical and Health Education programs.
While you can register right up until the last day of school, At My Best schools that register before April 16, 2021 will be eligible to receive one of five:
- $1,000 At My Best Grants to support school initiatives reflective of the At My Best themes – physical activity, healthy eating, emotional well-being.
- At My Best Play Day Equipment Kits for kindergarten-grade 6 students, courtesy of Supporting Partner, Saputo (each student will receive a bag with a skipping rope, two bean bags, ball, and activity card) to keep them active and promoting healthy choices the remainder of the school year and over the summer.
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Check out this exciting no cost opportunity for the community sport organizations!
HIGH FIVE national is introducing a new virtual OnDemand training for sport coaches! Learn more about how to keep the game fun for players while having a quality sport experience with HIGH FIVE Sport training. Coaches can even earn professional development points towards their National Coaching Certification Program.
This opportunity has been made possible through a partnership with Canadian Parks and Recreation Association. This effort supports the Government of Canada (Sport Canada) funding commitment to achieve gender equity in sport at every level by 2035. The training is open to any sport coach in a community or provincial sport organization.
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Sport Organizations must pre-register to get exclusive access to HIGH FIVE Sport. It’s the best way to play! Please use the attached link to pre-register.
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As spring approaches, Nova Scotians are emerging from the winter blues and dealing with COVID fatigue. Statistics from the WHO and Health Canada show that universally, mental health is at an all-time low, particularly affecting youth and seniors.
Parrsboro Creative is happy to announce that we are launching an innovative pilot program of art therapy sessions to help people of all ages cope with the stresses of the past year in April.
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With support from Communities, Culture & Heritage, Parrsboro Creative is organizing a FREE public session of art therapy with Registered Art Therapist, Evie Dunville on Saturday, April 10th from 1-3 pm at the Fundy Geological Museum. Materials will be included! |
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The theme of this year's conference is: IMPACTFUL LEADERSHIP.
Learn today, apply tomorrow. Price: $200
Support4Sport VIP coaches will attend the conference for only $100!
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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY - PUGWASH GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE |
Pugwash Ground Search and Rescue is a volunteer run organization that serves all of Cumberland County in the event a person becomes lost or missing in our vast tracks of wilderness. The group also provides mutual aid to search teams all across Nova Scotia when called upon by the Provincial Emergency Management Office.
We are currently welcoming new members of all skill levels and backgrounds in the Cumberland area to help fill many roles within the group. We meet monthly at our headquarters on King Street in Pugwash (or online during Covid-19) and provide training in map reading, compass navigation, GPS and search techniques.
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CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA |
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OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS
The following social media platforms are maintained by the Municipality
MUNICIPALITY OF CUMBERLAND
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CUMBERLAND ENERGY AUTHORITY |
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CUMBERLAND REGIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT |
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NEVER FORGET YOUR GARBAGE DAY AGAIN! |
The Cumberland Central Landfill has made it even easier for residents to stay connected with waste management collection and programs.
Download the free Solid Waste Mobile App by searching for Cumberland County Solid Waste in the App Store. Use your mobile phone to view collection schedules, receive collection reminders and service alerts for any interruptions to waste collection such as cancellations due to weather. Residents can also sign up online by visiting www.cjsma.ns.ca.
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Wondering what goes where? Visit www.cjsma.ns.ca to use the new Waste Wizard and search our database of over 300 items for disposal options.
CJSMA also provides sorting guides, information about upcoming Household Hazardous Waste events, FAQs, and information about provincial solid waste programs available to residents.
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USE OUR ONLINE TAX PAYMENT SYSTEM: |
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Municipality of the
County of Cumberland
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