Cumberland municipal council begins preparations for 2024 election
During its Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, regular meeting, Cumberland municipal council approved a motion to administer the October 2024 municipal election via the hybrid model.
The 2020 election was the first time the municipality administered an election using the hybrid model.
Alternative voting allows electors to place their ballots either using electronic devices, such as a cell phone, iPad, computer or telephone, or by paper ballot at eight physical polling stations in four locations – the Dr. Carson & Marion Murray Community Centre in Springhill, Parrsboro Service Centre, Pugwash Village Commission Hall and the Upper Nappan Service Centre.
Voting by paper ballot will only be available on ordinary polling day.
Historically in Cumberland County, voter turnout has been higher than most other Nova Scotia municipalities. Voter turnout in 2012 was 46.7 per cent while in 2016 it was 47.8 per cent. Four years ago, in 2020, voter turnout was 50.2 per cent, partially because it was the first election in the municipality featuring a race for mayor and the inception of alternative voting.
Of the 7,900 ballots cast, only 12.2 per cent were via paper.
The 2020 election cost $87,000 with extra pandemic-related expenses including hiring sanitizers, sanitation supplies and signage for COVID-19 protocols.
In the past, with the hiring of deputy returning officers and poll clerks and renting 44 community halls, election costs were more than $100,000.
Council also approved a motion to appoint clerk/executive assistant Shelley Hoeg-Eaton as returning officer and administrative assistant Amanda Kinnear as deputy returning officer for the October 2024 municipal election.
The clerk/executive assistant has been the assistant returning officer for municipal elections since 1997 and has performed the role of returning officer when the returning officer was unavailable. Hoeg-Eaton also sat on the provincial election review committee for the 2016 election.
It was also agreed that having an administrative assistant for administration versed in election protocol would be beneficial to the municipality.
Council approves demolition orders for River Hebert property
Cumberland municipal council approved demolition orders for a property in River Hebert.
The property, at 54 Taylor Rd., River Hebert, is vacant and in a poor state of repair.
A complaint was received in August 2023 and a notice of hearing was posted on the building in December and mailed to the address of the property owner.
New Dangerous/Unsightly Premises Policy passed
Council approved a new Dangerous or Unsightly Premises Policy and repealed the previous policy during its regular meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024.
A jurisdictional review presented to council at its Dec. 13, 2023, committee of the whole meeting, brought to light the desirability of having a clearly defined policy regarding dangerous and/or unsightly premises that clearly lays out the steps and requirements for enforcing Part XV of the Municipal Government Act.
Under the policy, council delegates authority under the MGA to the administrator of dangerous or unsightly premises – except for the order to demolish a property.
Also, if a complaint is filed by a municipal councilor, the councilor lodging the complaint cannot vote on any actions or orders which may arise as a result of the complaint.
Council approves bylaw to establish and regulate fire departments
Cumberland municipal council has approved second reading of a bylaw to establish and regulate fire departments within the municipality.
As a result of the fire service review, council mandated a review of the delivery of fire services and an assessment of changes proposed in the Fire Services Review. Council approved the creation of an ad hoc committee to complete this work.
The ad hoc committee was comprised of representatives from the four support hub fire departments, councillors from the non-support hub districts, Mayor Murray Scott, CAO Greg Herrett and Director of Protective Services Allen Cole.
The bylaws contemplate the creation of two FTE positions – manager of fire services and an administrator.
Council approves rezoning of New Prospect property
Cumberland municipal council has approved the rezoning of 3331 Highway 2 in New Prospect from resource to rural industrial.
The proposal by the Boake Group Inc. would permit the expansion of a former commercial-industrial building with a new 60-foot by 100-foot coverall fabric structure and eight storage containers.
The property is located approximately 600 meters east of the Farrell’s River Bridge. Properties in the immediate area are zoned rural resource and include a mix of agricultural, residential and industrial uses.
The project proponent proposes a range of heated and unheated storage units upon completion.
Council approves heritage deregistration of former Catholic Church in Springhill
During its regular council meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, municipal council approved an application to deregister 40 Chapel St., Springhill, as a municipal heritage property.
The church, owned by the Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation of Halifax, was decommissioned as a church in April 2023.
The application from All Saints Parish says the building is in disrepair with some leaks in the roof and foundation problems.
The owner has someone interested in purchasing the property with the intent to repurpose part of the building to affordable housing.
Sale of Springhill properties approved by council
Cumberland municipal council approved the divestiture and sale of lands on Robertson Avenue, Springhill, to Shaw Living Retail Limited for $42,000 plus HST and closing costs during its January meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024.
Council had deemed the property surplus in November 2023 and directed staff to offer the land publicly through a request for proposals.
Shaw is proposing a multi-unit residential development in row housing layouts with a common parking area.
Council also approved the sale of 53 Junction Rd., Springhill, and 25 Junction Rd., Springhill, to Cross Roads Cycle, Pugwash, for $2,600 and $3,250 respectively plus applicable HST and closing costs.
Cross Roads is proposing the construction of two single story triplexes with six at 25 Junction Rd. and one single story duplex with two rental units at 53 Junction Rd.
The properties are located in a predominantly residential neighbourhood and are within walking distance of the downtown, NSCC and several major employers.
Cross Roads Cycle Sales has also been given approval to purchase 22 Drummond St., Springhill, for $3,250 plus applicable HST and closing costs.
It is proposing to build a one single story bungalow for resale that will be move-in ready within 90 days of the issuance of development and building permits by the municipality.
All the properties were deemed surplus by council in November 2023 and staff was directed to offer the land publicly through a request for proposals.