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Public Council Sessions for December, 2020
In December, Council sessions will be held on:
*Wednesday, December 2
*Wednesday, December 16
Both sessions will begin at 6:00 p.m. 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 the link.
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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First Ever Gender-Balanced Council and First Mayor Sworn in
Eight councillors and a Mayor were sworn in on Wednesday, November 4th following the results of the October 17th Municipal Election. This marks the first time that Council has had an equal split of women and men, and the first time a Mayor has been sworn in.
"I am honoured and humbled to be elected the first mayor for the Municipality of Cumberland," said Mayor Murray Scott. "I think we have a terrific Council in front of us, I look at their strengths and skills sets and I think this is going to be a wonderful team together. Teamwork is important, because an issue in one district is an issue for all of us and we will find solutions together."
Voter turnout was at 50.2 %. This election was the first where alternative voting methods were used. Of the 7900 people who voted, 6940 used an alternative voting method and 960 used a manual method.
Read More
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On November 18th, 2020 Municipal Council held the Election to select our first ever Deputy Warden.
The successful candidate was Kathy Redmond who is also the Councillor for District 4. Deputy Mayor Redmond has a history of municipal government involvement as she had served as a Councillor for the Municipality of Cumberland prior to the two town dissolutions and more recently, served on the Pugwash Village Commission. According to Deputy Mayor Redmond, the biggest strengths in the municipality are the youth, small business, community halls, volunteer Fire Departments and churches. Deputy Mayor Redmond showcases her beliefs through her participation on numerous boards for volunteer organizations in these sectors. Deputy Mayor Redmond has retired to Pugwash with her husband.
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Get to Know Your Councillor!
Our newly elected municipal councillors are settled in and ready to hear from you.
Interact with our Municipal Electoral map to find your district councillor along with their contact information.
Look up your address and zoom in to see civic addresses and communities.
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Municipal Office Hours for the Holidays
In recognition of the Christmas holidays, our three Service Centres and the Dr. Carson and Marion Murray Community Centre will be closing at noon on Thursday, December 24, 2020 and will re-open Monday, January 4, 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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CUMBERLAND PARADE OF LIGHTS
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We are excited to announce a way to celebrate the holiday season together, while socially distancing! The Cumberland Parade of Lights provides an interactive map that allows individual residents, businesses, and organizations to highlight their decorations for everyone to enjoy.
We understand that some light displays can be overwhelming for some people, so we have made this event as inclusive nd accessible as possible by asking people to rank the level of intensity their light display is at, along with other things like flashing lights.
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Coronavirus Government Updates
Find up-to-date COVID-19 related information at these sites:
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SPRINGHILL WINTER PARKING
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Winter Parking Regulations for the communities of Springhill and 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.
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 from November 1, 2020 until May 1, 2021.
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ACCOLADES FOR CLIFFS OF FUNDY GEOPARK
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Condé Nast Has Declared Nova Scotia and the Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Global Geopark as One of the Top Places in the World
See why a leading travel magazine named Nova Scotia one of the best places in the world to travel in 2021.
"Sea stacks, volcanic headlands, and the world's biggest tides give this compact Atlantic province a mythic feel, as do Mi'kmaq legends about Kluscap, a hero who is said to have created Nova Scotia's rocky coastline. As of 2020, his stomping grounds-the 102-mile-long Cliffs of Fundy-are now designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark where travelers can explore the lore. Various sites in the park highlight moments of natural and cultural significance and organize a few hundred million years of history into a tempting road trip, best done over three days: Start with Mi'kmawey Debert, the earliest-known settlement in eastern North America, then follow the coast westward to a wave-battered spot at Squally Point."- Jen Rose Smith
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SPRINGHILL WATER CONSERVATION
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Water Conservation Order Lifted
The Springhill Water Utility is ending the mandatory water conservation restrictions for all residents and businesses supplied by the Springhill Water Utility effective November 16, 2020 at 2 p.m.
Leamington Brook, which supplies the Springhill Water Utility, has recharged sufficiently since the prolonged hot, dry weather this summer. We thank the Springhill Water Utility Customers for their understanding and cooperation.
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Grants that were approved by Council in September & October 2020
(there were none in November)
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Organization
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Amount
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Northumberland Boating Association
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$2,094
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L.A. Animal Shelter
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$3,423
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Chignecto Glooscap Snowmobile Association
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$4,000
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River Hebert/Joggins & Area Development Association
(Christmas Hampers)
| $2,000 | Wallace Area Community Centre
| $3,000 |
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SHARPE SPLASH & PLAY PARK
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New Park Opens in Springhill
The park located at 76 Mechanic Street in Springhill is open for public use. The Splash Pad has been winterized and a grand opening will happen in the Spring.
The park was designed with accessible elements, and Phase 2 of the project is yet to come (bathroom, basketball court, remaining landscaping).
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PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
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Cumberland County municipal employees have been doing an exemplary job meeting and rising to the challenges of the new norm, working with the reality of a possible Covid compromised environment. These challenges are compounded by the onset of the start of a second wave, winter, working from home and the holiday season. The permit and Inspection group is no different.
The last quarter of 2020 has been showing unusual activity for this time of year. Whether this is attributed to the rush of permits issued later then usual due to covid concerns, the industry trying to beat the next material cost increase, or simply people taking advantage of milder weather, is hard to say. One thing that is certain, as confirmed by our counterparts in other municipalities, is that the construction industry is busy across the province. Good news in terms of economic recovery though food for thought in consideration of how-to responsibly process and inspect building projects and job sites. Provincial and Municipal Building Officials and Fire Inspectors are being diligent in the performance of their duties in today's climate. Every precaution from PPE and social distancing to continuous disinfecting and controlled access sites to adapted accommodation consideration and responsible flexibility, is being tried, tested, and implemented, to keep projects moving forward and our people safe. A huge shout out to all those individuals like you, who either directly or indirectly, are doing their part, however big or small, ensuring the welfare of their fellow citizens and our collective futures. I would not expect anything less from the East coast generally and Cumberland County specifically. To quote a well known Canadian, "We're all in this together." May you and yours be safe, well and blessed with only the best that this holiday season has to offer now and into the new year. Permit and Inspection Group
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Business As Usual
The Public Works departments are carrying on as close to normal as possible with all government recommended precautions being implemented. Here is some of what they are up to:
- Water and wastewater treatment is being carried out. Sampling and testing is ongoing.
- Road patching and repairs for 2020 have been completed.
- The water conservation notice for Springhill has been rescinded.
- The Springhill Service Centre Renovations are near complete. Contractors have been hampered in completing a few minor items by closure of the Atlantic Bubble. Fit up and delivery of furniture is underway with occupation expected in the next few weeks.
- The Springhill Storm Sewer Replacement (washout adjacent the Community Centre) is substantially complete pending relocation of a power pole.
- Replacement of the boardwalk along Two Islands Road in Parrsboro is complete.
- The teams are readying plowing and salting equipment for the winter season.
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HOLIDAY CURBSIDE PICKUP REMINDER
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Holiday Collection Guide
Is your regular solid waste collection day on Friday?
Be prepared for a schedule change over the holidays. (date changes listed above)
**REMINDER**
Holiday gift bags and wrapping paper are not recyclable and they should be treated as garbage and sorted into clear non-coloured bags.
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CUMBERLAND TOURISM INDUSTRY NEWSLETTER
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Sign Up for the Tourism Newsletter
The purpose of this newsletter is to share valuable information with tourism businesses in the Cumberland region regarding funding opportunities, promote experience development workshops and training opportunities, celebrate successes, information gathering and to improve communication between industry and local government.
The newsletter will be sent monthly however there may be opportunities that come up where an additional communication may also be sent.
Sign up for the Cumberland Tourism Newsletter here
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Accessible Cumberland
The Municipality of Cumberland is trying to become more accessible for everyone. We are looking for your input for developing a Accessibility Plan, and hope you find information here about our planning process and accessible features in our municipality.
Learn More
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Volunteer Training
Learn 2 Lead is a series of workshops organized by Cumberland area municipalities (Cumberland County, Oxford, Amherst) to offer their residents opportunities to train locally, rather than needing to travel. The goal is to provide additional training to leaders in our communities - volunteers, coaches, and leaders of all backgrounds.
We have been running this program since 2014, and there are lots of upcoming workshops!
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FUNDY SHORE WINTER CARNIVAL
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Third Annual Fundy Shore Winter Carnival
The Fundy Shore Winter Carnival had yet another successful year in 2020!
The carnival was created out of a desire to see communities along the Fundy Shore connected and to get people outside in the coldest month of the year. The depths of winter can be challenging for many to get out for anything more than necessary. We wanted to provide some reasons to brighten up the options and get everyone out for some solid winter fun!
We are moving forward with planning the 2021 Carnival. It will look somewhat different with precautions put in place for any in-person events, along with some virtual events. If you would like to participate in the planning OR if you would like to host an event along the Fundy Shore, please contact us.
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Gender Equity in Recreational Sport Community Grant
The Canadian Parks & Recreations Association (CPRA) has implemented a number of initiatives, informed by best practices and evidence, in an effort to increase the participation and retention of women and girls in recreational sport in Canada. This effort supports the Government of Canada (Sport Canada) funding commitment to achieve gender equity in sport at every level by 2035.
Deadline for submission is December 11th.
Learn More
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The next Sport Fund application deadline is December 15th. If you are considering applying for the Sport Fund Grant please contact Courtney Nicholson-Patriquin by email 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.
Learn More
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Seasonal Cleanup Grant Program - Winter Season
During the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, more Canadians than ever have turned to outdoor recreation as a way to support their mental and physical health. Recent studies by Trans Canada Trail (TCT) and the Conference Board of Canada indicate that the trend of increasing trail usage will continue into the post-Covid recovery period, making the development and maintenance of recreational trails critical to the revitalization of local communities across the country.
With winter approaching, getting outside has never been more important for maintaining our physical and mental health. Therefore, TCT is pleased to announce the launch of the Seasonal Cleanup Grant Program (SCGP), in an effort to support groups (permanent or seasonal), to open their trail sections this winter.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their proposals as early as possible. The deadline to submit an application, is January 15, 2021 at midnight (EST). All applications must be submitted using the online form.
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Age-Friendly Communities Grant
The Age-friendly Community Grant Program provides funding up to $25,000 for projects that lead to more age-friendly communities. Projects funded through the program help advance the goals outlined in Shift: Nova Scotia's Action Plan for an Aging Population.
Projects must fall into one of two broad categories:
- Age-friendly community planning: Consultation and community planning initiatives that result in robust action plans and age-friendly communities. These planning initiatives must be in partnership with local government and include consultation with and engagement of older adults, the broader community, and key stakeholders.
- Community projects: Innovative projects (could be collaborative) to develop and/or implement programs, services, resources or events that support active, healthy living; help older adults stay connected to community life; maximize the economic and social contributions of older adults; and increase social interaction and community involvement among older adults.
Learn More
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Federal COVID Support Measures
Imagine Canada has compiled all of the Federal COVID-19 Relief Measures that are available to Voluntary & nonprofit organizations nationally in this table.
Provincial COVID Support Measures The Community Sector Council of NS has compiled a list of all the Provincial Measures available, who is eligible for them, and how to apply all in a table on their website. This is updated regularly as new information is announced!
Non-Profit Organization COVID Supports Are you a not-for-profit organization assisting in the COVID-19 response effort to help vulnerable Nova Scotians? Do you need help?
VolunteerNS.ca has set up a special COVID-19 response page for organizations and volunteers who want to assist in the relief effort.
Create your profile on VolunteerNS today!
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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 ProgramThis 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 Property Assessed Clean Energy program is administered by the Clean Foundation for the municipalities, and 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.
"We offer low-interest financing to homeowners to help them make clean energy upgrades to their home," explained Andrew MacDonald, director of finance for the Municipality of Cumberland. "The financing is for up to $25,000 and is paid back over a 10-year period." Learn More
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CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
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Our Social Media Platforms
The following social media pages are maintained by the Municipality:
MUNICIPALITY OF CUMBERLAND
CUMBERLAND ENERGY AUTHORITY
CUMBERLAND REGIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
PLAN CUMBERLAND
SPRINGHILL RECREATION
PARRSBORO RECREATION
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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.
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.
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CJSMA also provides sorting guides, information about upcoming Household Hazardous Waste events, FAQs, and information about provincial solid waste programs available to residents.
For more information about Solid Waste Collection Schedules and Routes in your community, please visit Cumberland Joint Services Management Authority. |
Use our online tax payment system:
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