News
Town of Amherst and Municipality of the County of Cumberland Announce New Economic Development Model
- Details
The Town of Amherst and the Municipality of the County of Cumberland are announcing a new approach to delivering economic development services that will strengthen collaboration, improve efficiency, and enhance accountability while continuing to support local businesses and entrepreneurs.
With the recent expiry of the operating agreement between the Cumberland Business Connector, the Town of Amherst, and the Municipality of the County of Cumberland, both municipal councils undertook a review of how economic development services could best be delivered to meet the region's evolving needs.
Following that review, both municipalities have concluded that economic development services will be most effective when delivered directly through municipal staff. This approach provides a direct reporting relationship to each municipality, resulting in greater accountability, more responsive decision-making, and improved alignment with each municipality's strategic priorities.
Check Out Our Summer 2026 Newsletter
- Details
Our Summer 2026 newsletter is hot off the press.
Read about Canada Day activities in Parrsboro, Pugwash and Springhill; learn about summer recreation activities throughout the Municipality of Cumberland and much more.
Click here to read the Summer 2026 Newsletter
Council News in Brief from June 24, 2026
- Details
Council gives second reading to rezoning applications in Springhill, Southampton
Cumberland municipal council has approved second reading of a land-use by-law amendment to permit the rezoning of 20 McFarlane St. in Springhill from Lower Density Residential to Multi-unit Residential.
This will permit the development of two three-unit buildings that will include six dwelling units.
Each unit is intended to be a one-bedroom unit and will include a shed and a small deck on the front and back end of the units. The proponent is proposing designated parking stalls for each unit.
While the units are not exclusively designated for seniors, the units are designed especially for senior living.
Council also approved second reading of a land-use by-law amendment to rezone a property in Southampton to Country Commercial and add abattoir as a permitted use.
The property is currently zoned Country Residential.
The proponent is looking to reopen a previously existing abattoir in Southampton, to serve a community need for local abattoirs and works to help address food security issues. The proponent intends to sell the processed meat to locals as well as to sell the meats on a commercial/wholesale basis.
Anne Murray’s Juno Lifetime Achievement Award has a New Home in Springhill
- Details
For generations of Canadians, Anne Murray's voice has provided the soundtrack to countless memories.
Now, her latest honour—a Juno Lifetime Achievement Award recognizing her enduring contributions to music—is the centrepiece of a new exhibit at the Anne Murray Centre that was unveiled during a ceremony on Friday, June 19, 2026.
“I was so excited the day the award arrived at the museum by courier,” centre executive director Wanita Shay said. “It’s a beautiful award and I know it is very meaningful to Anne.
“I knew right away that we needed a special spot for it, so we created an entirely new display case. I’m very happy that her fans who visit the centre will get to see this milestone award.”
Prior to it being presented to Murray in March 2025, the Juno Lifetime Achievement Award had only been presented once before, in 1989, to Pierre Juneau, who the Juno awards are named for. This past year, it was presented to Joni Mitchell.
Wearing a bedazzled Team Canada jersey that has become an icon in itself, Murray received the award from another Canadian music icon, Sarah McLachlan.
Shay said Murray donated the award to the museum so it can be on display with her many other awards including Grammys, Junos and countless gold records.
Municipality of Cumberland Mayor Rod Gilroy said the exhibit not only celebrates a remarkable career, but also the pride and inspiration she continues to bring to Springhill.
“This new exhibit honours a woman whose voice touched millions around the world while never losing sight of her hometown roots,” Gilroy said. “Anne's Lifetime Achievement Award is a testament to a legacy built on talent, perseverance, and genuine Canadian values.”
The mayor said Murray has always been one of Springhill's greatest ambassadors.
“Through her music, her generosity, and her enduring connection to this community, she has put our town on the map for generations of visitors. We are proud to unveil this exhibit so that residents and visitors alike can experience the story of an artist whose achievements have helped shape Canada's cultural landscape,” Gilroy said.
Murray was the Juno Awards first Best Female Vocalist recipient in 1971. She has more Junos than any other artist, with a career total of 26. A trailblazer in pop, country, and adult contemporary music, her catalogue globally has surpassed a billion streams and she has sold over 55 million albums worldwide.
She also paved the way for artists such as Céline Dion, Shania Twain, kd lang, Alanis Morissette and Sarah McLachlan.
“For decades, Anne Murray has represented the very best of what it means to come from a small community with big dreams. This exhibit celebrates a career that broke barriers, earned international recognition and inspired countless Canadians. We are honoured to share this new chapter of her story here at the Anne Murray Centre, where her legacy continues to inspire future generations,” Anne Murray Centre board chair Bill Munro said.
Municipality of Cumberland Provides $916,000 in community grants
- Details
The Municipality of Cumberland is providing more than $916,000 to many organizations through its County General Grants Program, supporting programs and events with the aim of promoting arts, culture, tourism and recreation.
Mayor Rod Gilroy was joined by Deputy Mayor Fred Gould and Councillors Jennifer Houghtaling, Scott Lockhart, Angel McCormick, Carrie Lee and Marchel Strong in presenting cheques at five events in Upper Nappan, Pugwash, River Hebert, Springhill and Parrsboro on June 16 and 18.
“Community organizations are at the heart of what makes Cumberland such a vibrant and welcoming place to live. Through this year’s grants program, Council is proud to invest more than $916,000 in projects and initiatives that strengthen our communities, support volunteers, enhance recreational and cultural opportunities and improve the quality of life for residents across the municipality,” Mayor Gilroy said. “We are grateful for the dedication of the organizations receiving funding and look forward to seeing the positive impact these investments will have throughout the Municipality of Cumberland.”
The mayor said there were more than $1.4 million in requests with the municipality able to provide $916,849 through its small and large capital programs, large and small operations and maintenance programs, programs and events as well as district grants, annual grants and student bursaries.
The full list of recipients will be posted on our website soon.