New bylaw diverts truck traffic from Springhill’s Main Street commercial area
During its Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023, regular meeting, Cumberland municipal council approved a truck route bylaw that will take through truck traffic away from the Main Street commercial area of Springhill.
The route will direct truck through traffic from Junction Road and the commercial section of Main Street to North Street and Lisgar Street.
The bylaw would not prohibit trucks or equipment conducting business in the area from leaving the truck route.
First reading of bylaw establishing, regulating fire departments passed by council
Cumberland municipal council passed first reading of a bylaw to establish and regulate fire departments during Dec. 20, 2023, regular meeting.
As a result of the fire service review, council mandated a review of the delivery of fire services and an assessment of changes proposed. Council approved the formation of an ad hoc committee to complete the task.
The committee is composed of representatives from the four support hub fire stations, councillors from the non-support hub districts, the mayor, CAO and director of protective services.
A preliminary report was presented to council in September, providing an update on the recommendations of the committee up to that point, which included support for a modified version of the hub model recommended by the fire service review and drafting of bylaws.
The bylaws, unanimously approved by the committee, include the creation of two positions – manager of fire services and an administrator.
Municipal council supports U13AAA hockey provincials with free ice time
Cumberland municipal council voted during its Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2023, regular meeting to provide free ice for a provincial hockey tournament in early April.
Truro Bearcats U13AAA are planning to host the 2023-24 provincial tournament April 4-7 at the Dr. Carson & Marion Murray Community Centre in Springhill.
The team is made up of players from both Colchester and Cumberland counties with seven players and a coach living within Cumberland County.
The tournament will include the top six U13AAA teams in Nova Scotia and is a qualifier for the Atlantic championship tournament later in April.
Truro’s ability to host is impacted by ice time in Truro with Colchester Legion Stadium continued to be closed following damage experienced during post-tropical storm Fiona in September 2022.
It’s felt the tournament would help promote the facility and provide further economic spinoffs within Springhill and Cumberland County.
Council votes to approve Water Leak Adjustment Policy
Cumberland municipal council has voted to offer a one-time adjustment to provide relief to residents when their metered water bill is impacted by an unknown leak on their property.
Council made the decision at its Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023, regular meeting.
The new policy will be retroactive to April 1, 2023.
The Water Leak Adjustment Policy will apply to current and future customers of the Cumberland Water Utility.
A customer would be eligible if the volume of water used by their property during a billing period is at least twice the average of the volume used during the same billing period the previous year and is the result of a leak on the property. They also have to be advised my the municipality of a leak detected by their property’s meter.
As well, they must repair the water leak within 14 days of being notified or learning of the leak and must apply for the adjustment within 14 days of repairing the leak.
Council supports request from Springhill Ground Search and Rescue
Cumberland municipal council voted to approve a request from Springhill Ground Search and Rescue for $10,000 to support the purchase of a new command vehicle and a vehicle for transporting members and a support trailer.
Council made the decision during its regular meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023.
The organization has a 1989 vehicle for use by the search manager, logistics officer, radio operator and RCMP incident commander. Its physical upkeep and maintenance are a significant draw financially on the organization.
Springhill Ground Search and Rescue has a utility trailer members use for transporting equipment and to use their own vehicles to keep warm or finding other means of shelter from inclement weather.
Council supported a similar request from Pugwash Ground Search and Rescue in the spring as part of its Grants to Organizations process.
Funding will come from the municipality’s operating reserves.