News
Cumberland County volunteer recently recognized as top youth volunteer in N.S.
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Alex Poplar learned very early on in life that it’s good to give to others.
An avid badminton player, as well as a member of the River Hebert School’s boys’ soccer team, Poplar loves going to the community centre to hit the birdie around the court. A couple of years ago, when he found it difficult to access the facility, he decided that getting involved was a better alternative to complaining.
Since then, he’s become one of the most ardent supporters of the River Hebert – Joggins Community Centre that’s located in the former curling club in the heart of the village.
“I really enjoy people. The people I work with and the people who come to the centre,” said the 17-year-old River Hebert native. “I really enjoyed playing badminton, but it was never opened when I wanted to play, so I started volunteering there so I could open it up and make it available.”
Poplar was recognized last spring as the Municipality of Cumberland’s youth volunteer of the year and he was celebrated by the province as its Youth Volunteer of the Year at the provincial dinner in Truro in late September.
“I was pretty good. It was very humbling when you think about all the things the recipients have accomplished in their communities across the province,” said the Grade 12 student, who plans to study science in university next year with the hope of eventually becoming a teacher. “It was an honour to be in the same room as them.”
I really enjoy people. The people I work with and the people who come to the centre. I really enjoyed playing badminton, but it was never opened when I wanted to play, so I started volunteering there so I could open it up and make it available.” - Alex Poplar
Poplar started volunteering in the community at age 7. He is committed to supporting the youth of the community and enhancing a community that over the year has taken more than its share of hard knocks.
Municipality of Cumberland Mayor Murray Scott applauded Poplar as an example of young people making a difference in their communities.
“We’re very proud of what Alex has accomplished within the community,” the mayor said. “He is young man who has involved himself in many programs in his community and he’s very deserving of this recognition by the province.”
His passion for creating a supportive environment for young people is obvious in one of his projects at the centre. Each Friday evening, he hosts a youth drop-in at the community centre that sees participants enjoy a hot meal thanks to donations from businesses, individuals and organizations.
He is on the executive of the community centre and is secretary of the community’s development association, helping to coordinate local development initiatives.
“We’re very proud of what Alex has accomplished within the community. He is young man who has involved himself in many programs in his community and he’s very deserving of this recognition by the province.” - Mayor Murray Scott
“It’s hard to explain why I do it,” he said. “I started doing it and didn’t see any reason not to continue.”
Poplar also manages the school’s junior soccer program, organizes badminton tournaments and plays keeper for the high school boys’ soccer team.
He is also active with the food pantry and breakfast program at the community centre and has demonstrated exceptional skill writing grant applications – one of which secured an $18,000 grant for the food pantry.
Amherst, Municipality of Cumberland collaborating on infrastructure to support residential development
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The Town of Amherst and the Municipality of Cumberland County are collaborating to ensure efficient use of municipal infrastructure and to support residential housing development today and in the future.
A parcel of land in the Brookdale area that straddles the border between the two municipalities acquired by the Shaw Group and has the potential to accommodate hundreds of new housing units, but the municipal boundary makes efficient development of the site complex.
Under the agreement reached by the two municipalities, the full property would become part of the Town of Amherst, allowing for the development of the property under one set of regulations and much less complex. In return, the County will gain new access to the town’s sanitary sewer servicing capacity to support future development in an expanded service area in Cumberland County just outside the Town boundary.
The agreement further outlines how costs and revenues, associated with extension of services, and new developments, will be shared between the two municipalities.
News from municipal council's Oct. 2 special meeting
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Municipality of Cumberland approves new personnel policy
Cumberland municipal council has approved a new personnel policy.
It also repealed the former personnel policy, the workplace clothing policy, the sexual harassment policy and the drugs and alcohol in the workplace policy. These policies are now included in the new personnel policy.
Council passed the motion during a special meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024.
The municipality’s existing personnel policy was approved in 2019.
As a good practice, an extensive review of the policy was completed to ensure its employment policies and practices are current and support employees in our workplace.
Upon review, it was determined that gaps existed, clarity was needed in certain sections, and employment practices and legislation have evolved since 2019.
The purpose of the personnel policy is to document the personnel practices and policies of the municipality and to ensure that there is a clear understanding of the terms, conditions and requirements governing employment with the Municipality. It also consolidates several existing policies into one document.
Cox & Palmer were retained to do an initial review of the personnel policy, to provide updated language and legislative requirements within the document, and to tackle new policy areas.
New or significantly enhanced policy areas include sections addressing confidentiality, attendance management, respectful workplace behaviour, drugs and alcohol in the workplace, and accommodation, equity and accessibility.
TCI Management Consultants hired to complete needs review for Parrsboro library
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The Municipality of Cumberland has hired TCI Management Consultants to conduct a review of library infrastructure needs in Parrsboro.
The municipality passed a resolution earlier this year to conduct a review. The objective of the review is to provide a report that will identify the needs of the community and the viability of options, including proposing the scope and location of a new library in Parrsboro.
The scope of work includes conducting a needs assessment of the community regarding library infrastructure through various community engagement initiatives, including surveys for residents and an open house
Municipality of Cumberland hosts talking circle to recognize National Truth & Reconciliation Day
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Monday, Sept. 30, is National Truth & Reconciliation Day – a day dedicated to recognizing and honouring the survivors of residential schools, their families and communities.
It’s a day that hits home for Springhill’s Carol Ann Knockwood as it brings back memories of how tough it was growing up as an Mi’kmaw child in Springhill and the five terrible years she spent at a residential school.
“They were the five most terrible years of my life,” Knockwood said during a talking circle the Municipality of Cumberland hosted for its staff to start the commemoration of National Truth and Reconciliation Day. “It got easier as you got older. The first few years were terrible because you didn’t know what you were doing wrong. It was a very difficult place.”
Knockwood was joined by her daughter, Michelle Parsons; Tammy Drew-House of Indigenous Affairs and Gerald Gloade of the Mikmawey Debert Cultural Centre in sharing the healing circle with several municipal representatives.