Council gives first reading to West Wentworth, Port Howe rezoning amendments
Cumberland municipal council has approved first reading of an amendment to the Land-Use By-Law to rezone properties on Swallow Road, West Wentworth, from Rural Resource and Commercial Recreation.
The proponent is looking to develop three cabins initially service by well and septic on the subject property, to create fixed-roof overnight accommodations to serve the travelling public. The proponent is proposing a triplex building, with each unit having a private patio area. The proposed buildings would be serviced by on-site sewage.
A public hearing will be held prior to second reading.
Council also approved first reading of an amendment to the Land-Use By-Law to rezone properties at 3018 Beckwith Road, Port Howe from Agricultural to Rural Resource.
The properties were the site of a formerly operational Stone Quarry, previously operated by Riverside Promenades.
The original quarry was operational from 2018 to 2022, at which point operations on the site ceased.
A public hearing will be held prior to second reading.
First reading for Commercial Development Support Program By-Law approved
Cumberland municipal council has approved first reading of the Commercial Development Support Program By-Law.
In 2016, the province amended the Municipal Government Act giving municipalities the ability to phase-in a commercial assessment increase over a period of up to 10 years.
The Municipality of Cumberland established a Commercial Development District through By-law to Amend the land-use by-law, creating the planning foundation for a commercial development incentive.
The proposed Commercial Development Support Program would put that framework into practice by temporarily phasing in the tax increase associated with qualifying construction, expansion or redevelopment. Taxes on existing assessment would not be reduced.
Staff recommend a five-year phase-in period with a maximum annual rebate of $150,000 per eligible property. This would provide support during the early years of investment while bringing new assessment into full taxation sooner than a 10-year program. The maximum rebate would limit support for individual properties; total program costs would depend on participation.
Potential benefits include business expansion, job creation and retention, local purchasing and reuse of underused properties. Clear eligibility criteria, program limits and consistent administration would guide municipal support.
Amended Fees Policy approved by municipal council
Council has approved an amended Fees Policy.
The municipality's Fees Policy establishes the approved rates for various applications, approvals, permits, licenses and services.
A review of this policy was undertaken, prompted by changes in market conditions and operational costs. The proposed revisions are intended to ensure the rates are aligned with those of comparable municipalities and support the principle of cost recovery for services provided.
The Department of Public Works is recommending adding driveway culvert installation fees as an actual cost model, in the communities of Springhill and Parrsboro.
The Finance Department is recommending a new $50 fee for the reissuance of a deed.
This fee is intended to help recover the costs associated with preparing, printing, and executing replacement deeds.
The Department of Development & Planning are recommending several changes including a $100 Development Permit for Commercial scale Solar Installations, more than 500kw power generation. This would predominately apply to larger scale projects specifically ones that generate power to sell back to NSP.
The Recreation & Community Services Department is recommending increased fees for the Glooscap Campground seasonal campers with septic for fairness and transparency for the recent septic upgrades, as well as introducing a deposit for power and site clean up and finally a proposed increase to tent rental. The fee for stage rental at the Dr. Carson & Marion Murray Community Centre is being waived for eligible groups.
The department is also proposing to include advertisement fees and wedding package pricing in the Policy and a price increase to stage rental and bar service.
Municipal council approves application to provincial STORM program
Cumberland municipal council has approved a decision to support an application to the STORM program for a three-phase project.
STORM, or Stormwater Transformation Optimization and Resilience for Municipalities, is a one-time program that will distribute $1.9M to municipalities. The program will fund 50 per cent of eligible costs for approved projects.
The municipality has not identified any projects in the 2026-27 capital or operating budgets that align with the key areas of advancement identified for the STORM program. Staff have prepared project options for council’s approval that align with the requirements of the STORM program.
Council approves increasing Pugwash Transfer Station Brush Removal Project budget
Municipal council has approved an increase to the budget for the Pugwash Transfer Station Brush Removal Project to $173,928.60 (including non-recoverable HST) to be funded from the general operating reserve and to award the project to Bio Burn Pros.
The Pugwash Transfer Station accepts construction and demolition debris and brush from residents across the municipality.
A large stockpile of brush is currently stored on site.
The volume increased significantly following hurricane Fiona and continues to grow as residents regularly use the facility.
Nova Scotia had a prolonged drought during the summer of 2025. The dry conditions and elevated risk of wildfire highlight the liability the brush pile presents.
Five proposals were received following a request for proposals.
Municipal council approves Public Works succession plan
Council has approved a motion to direct staff to proceed with the Public Works succession plan.
The Public Works group based at the Upper Nappan Service Centre is responsible for the operation of eight rural wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) and collection systems, the operation and maintenance of the E.D. Fullerton Building, acting as treatment lead for the Parrsboro WWTP and mechanical/electrical/communications support across municipal departments.
This group is staffed by an Operations Supervisor, a WWTP Operator/Electrician, a WWTP Operator/Mechanic, a Seasonal Laborer and a Facility Caretaker.
The three WWTP operators have specialized training required by Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Climate Change, one is a licenced mechanic, and one is a licenced electrician.
All three have many years of service and have developed a large amount of institutional knowledge. The three operators have indicated that they intend to retire in June of 2027.
These long-serving employees leaving at the same time creates a succession planning challenge. Staff recommended council consider directing staff to recruit for these positions as soon as possible to ensure that there is an opportunity for new staff to train with retiring staff to minimize operational disruption.
Council approves grant requests from several county organizations
Cumberland municipal council has approved grant requests from the Pugwash Farmers Market, the Fundy Geological Museum, the Joggins Improvement Committee and Ship’s Company Theatre in Parrsboro.
The Pugwash Farmers Market is receiving $3,658.38 to purchase and install a community water bottle filling station.
The Fundy Geological Museum is receiving $5,000, representing 20 per cent of operational funding.
The Joggins Improvement Committee is receiving $3,705 to complete repairs on the Joggins Log Cabin.
Ship’s Company Theatre is receiving $3,762 to assist with the replacement of lighting fixtures, many of which are more than 20 years old and are nearing the end of their useful life.
Funding is coming from the County General Grants budget.
Municipal council to disburse funds from River Philip Foundation to NS Coop Council
Cumberland municipal council has approved a motion to receive $800,000 from the River Philip Foundation and disburse the funds to the Nova Scotia Cooperative Council.
An initial $760,000 to be disbursed is a contribution to the 21-unit affordable housing development on Crossan Street in Springhill that is being built by Shaw Rural Housing Limited.
Another $40,000 will be provide to the municipality to disburse after the delivery of the first occupancy permit, which is expected to occur in December.
Boone appointed as development officer, McCormick named Municipal Clerk
Glen Boone has been appointed as a development officer for the Municipality of Cumberland.
Boone is the director of Development and Planning.
His appointment will support the effective delivery of planning and development services and ensure operational continuity.
As well, deputy Chief Administrative Officer Allie McCormick has been appointed as Municipal Clerk.
Peter McCracken was Municipal Clerk until his appointment to Chief Administrative Officer.
Council changes December meeting dates
Cumberland municipal council has approved a request to reschedule the December committee of the whole and regular meetings.
The December committee of the whole meeting will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 9, while the regular meeting will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 16.
Regular council meetings are normally the fourth Wednesday in the month. In December, that would mean the meeting would’ve been on Dec. 23 – the day before Christmas Eve.
District 8 Coun. Marcel Strong elected deputy mayor
District 8 Coun. Marchel Strong has been elected deputy mayor of the Municipality of Cumberland.
She replaces District 1 Coun. Fred Gould, who’s one-year term is expiring.
Coun. Strong, who lives in Advocate Harbour, was elected to council in October 2024.