News
Council News in Brief from Aug. 12, 2026, Special Meeting
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Municipality of Cumberland cancels Parrsboro intersection upgrade for 2026-27
Cumberland Municipal Council passed a motion at a special meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026, to direct staff to cancel the tender for the Parrsboro Main Street and Eastern Avenue Intersection Upgrade project.
The project will be returned for consideration as part of the 2027-28 capital budget.
The project was approved as part of the 2026/27 capital budget with a goal of improving pedestrian safety and accessibility at one of the primary intersections in the community.
At its June 24, 2026, meeting, Council approved increasing the budget of this project to $356,127.00 (including non-recoverable HST), based on the cost estimate prepared by the engineering firm completing the design work for this project.
Two bids were received, but both exceeded the budget approved by Council. The primary contributor to the cost overrun in both bids was traffic control and the complexity of maintaining access to businesses within the project area during construction.
Council passes motion to purchase 25 sets of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus
Municipal Council passed a motion to purchase 25 sets of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus from Safety Source Ltd. for $269,899 (including non-recoverable HST).
SCBA is one of the most important pieces of personal protective equipment that a fire fighter uses. Pursuant to the Fire Service Standardized Equipment Policy, the Municipality is making all PPE and other apparatus compatible across all fire departments.
Council approves conveyance of two former school properties to the province
Council has passed a motion approving the conveyance of the former Junction Road Elementary and West End Memorial Elementary School in Springhill to the provincial government.
At its May 25, 2026, regular meeting, council directed the CAO to advise the province that the municipality has no interest in acquiring the former schools.
Three Sisters Interpretive Centre officially ‘reopened’ at Eatonville on July 30
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A key part of the western part of the Cliffs of Fundy Global Geopark was officially re-opened during a ceremony in Eatonville, near Advocate Harbour, on Thursday, July 30, 2026.
The Three Sisters Interpretive Centre is located on a rise of land with amazing views of the Bay of Fundy, including the Three Sisters, Squally Point and Anderson Cove. It is immediately adjacent to the Eatonville Trail loop and the tidal viewing platforms.
Originally opened in July 2009 as part of Cape Chignecto, the building was closed in 2013 because of a water leak and left vacant for many years. Following the designation of the Cliffs of Fundy geopark by UNESCO work began in 2022 to bring new life to the facility.
The facility, which is completely off the grid and sustainable, has been open periodically throughout the summer and is being operated by volunteers on the weekends with a number of various events scheduled.
“The reopening of the Three Sisters Interpretive Centre is a wonderful milestone for our municipality and a testament to what can be accomplished when passionate people work together toward a common goal,” Municipality of Cumberland Mayor Rod Gilroy said during the re-opening ceremony.
“I want to sincerely thank the Cliffs of Fundy Global Geopark, the dedicated volunteers and everyone who contributed their time and talents to bringing this important facility back to life. Their commitment ensures that one of Cumberland County's most spectacular natural attractions will continue to educate, inspire and welcome visitors from around the world."
Springhill Veterans Honoured with Memorial Bench and Commemorative Plaque
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When Canada went to war during the two world wars of the last century, Springhill answered the call with one of the highest rates of military service on a per-capita basis.
Many of the young men who enlisted to serve King and Country never returned. Today, their names are etched on the cenotaph at the corner of Main Street and Junction Road, standing as a lasting reminder of their sacrifice.
For several years, the Springhill Veterans Banner Committee has worked to ensure local veterans are remembered through banners displayed on utility poles along Main Street. Now, that tribute has been expanded with the unveiling of a memorial bench beside the cenotaph and a permanent display featuring photographs of every veteran honoured through the banner program.
"The committee started in 2020 through the vision and determination of Allison Rolfe, who believed our veterans should be recognized in a visible and lasting way," committee member Beth Adams said during the unveiling ceremony.
"We started with a committee of eight people and today we have seven following Allison's passing. Her dedication and friendship remain deeply missed. Like so many volunteers in our communities, everyone's contributions have helped build something that will continue for generations."
New Pumper/Tanker arrives for Pugwash Fire Department
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For several years the Municipality of Cumberland has invested millions of dollars in its rural fire departments to better protect local communities.
The latest addition to the fleet of fire vehicles was finalized on Monday, July 20, 2026, with the arrival of a 2026 Freightliner/Fort Garry four-man crown pumper tanker for the Pugwash Fire Department.
The truck, built in Winnipeg, Man. by Fort Garry Fire Trucks, replaces a 26-year-old pumper truck.
Chief Alex Mundle accepted the keys from Municipality of Cumberland Mayor Rod Gilroy and District 3 Coun. Jennifer Houghtaling and members of the fire department ‘ceremoniously’ pushed the old pumper out of the fire hall and the new one in.
Municipal council approved the purchase of the pumper truck in February 2025 at a cost of just over $788,000.
“This new vehicle is another important investment in the safety of the residents of Pugwash and the surrounding communities,” Mayor Gilroy said. “It also ensures our volunteer firefighters have the reliable, modern apparatus they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.”
Parrsboro Celebrates 100th Birthday of the MV Kipawo
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For 15 years the MV Kipawo connected communities on both sides of the Minas Basin.
While that connection was severed more than 80 years ago, the ship’s 100th birthday is being celebrated in Parrsboro and in a pair of Annapolis Valley communities where the Kipawo made stops between 1926 and 1941, when it was requisitioned for the war effort.
“She’s a legendary vessel,” said Laura Vingoe-Cram, artistic director of Ship’s Company Theatre said. “She’s lived so many lives with many career changes over the years. She was a ferry boat, she served in World War Two and then she went to Newfoundland and was almost forgotten. And just when it looked as though she had reached the end of the line, she started a new life as part of a theatre company.
“In every career she’s had she’s done the job of connecting people across place and across time through her history. It’s a physical and spiritual connection. That’s why she deserves to be celebrated.”
The Kipawo, which was the 33rd and final ferry to provide service across the Minas Passage, was launched from Saint John in December 1924 and commissioned into the Dominion Atlantic Railway in April 1926.