News
Municipality of Cumberland taking a case-by-case approach to resource development
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Cumberland municipal council is not saying yes to a proposal by the provincial government to remove barriers to resource development in Nova Scotia, but it’s not saying no either.
In response to a letter from Municipal Affairs Minister John Lohr urging municipalities to signal their support for greater resource development, Mayor Rod Gilroy said it’s not lost on the municipality that the Cumberland Basin is home is home to significant oil and gas potential and that exploration and extraction of these resources could potentially have a significant economic impact on the municipality, the province and even the region.
Municipality of Cumberland honours employees with long service awards
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The Municipality of Cumberland honoured 11 employees for their years of service to the residents of Cumberland County during an all-staff event at the Dr. Carson & Marion Murray Community Centre in Springhill on Thursday, March 27, 2025.
“As I look around this room, we all have one thing in common, we work for 23,000 bosses who watch us every day and keep an eye on everything we do and how we do it,” Municipality of Cumberland Mayor Rod Gilroy told staff. “I want to convey my appreciation and that of council for what you do day in and day out and how you do, how much you care about it and how much it means to us and you. How you act and what you is clearly obvious to all of us.”
Chief Administrative Officer Greg Herrett congratulated staff for its role in making the municipality a great place to work. He said groups such as the wellness committee and the social committee add so much to the fabric of the workforce.
“I want to thank each and every one of you for your efforts every day,” the CAO said. “Over the last few years progressively fewer issues are showing up on my desk. The departments are very good at what they do. I know council appreciates that as well.”
Herrett said he is proud of the work of the county’s employees and they should be proud as well.
Cumberland Municipal Council Hosting Special Meeting on Monday, March 31, 2025
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Cumberland municipal council is holding a special meeting on Monday, March 31, 2025, to consider the 2025-26 capital and operating budgets.
The meeting will be via Zoom and begins at 4 pm.
The meeting will also be livestreamed at https://video.isilive.ca/cumberland/live.html
Municipal Council Meeting Video Available for Viewing
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The recording of the Wednesday, March 26, 2025, meeting of Cumberland municipal council is now available for viewing.
To watch the video, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIT-F_V7uJ8
News items from March 26, 2025 Council Meeting
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Cumberland municipal council to terminate lease agreement for Cape d’Or
Cumberland municipal council has voted to immediately terminate the lease agreement with the existing tenant at Cape d’Or near Advocate Harbour and operate the facility as a static display during 2025-26 fiscal year.
It is also directing staff to review potential options for future operation of the site and the level of financial commitment required to move forward with each option and present recommendations at a future council meeting.
The Cape d’Or property is located approximately 6.4 km from the main road in Advocate and consists of a lightkeeper’s guesthouse, restaurant, lighthouse/cinderblock building, observation deck, helicopter pad, viewing platform, washroom and walking trails.
Developing a long-term strategy for the property is essential to ensure that municipal investments are purposeful, financially responsible, and aligned with broader community and tourism goals. By reassessing operations and exploring alternative management approaches, the Municipality can maximize the property's potential while maintaining fiscal responsibility and improving overall visitor experience.
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Brown named county’s representative volunteer, Leard family its representative volunteer family
Cumberland municipal council has approved Valerie Brown as the municipality’s adult representative volunteer and the Leard family as the family representative volunteer of the year.
Each year the municipality hosts a volunteer recognition event to recognize the extraordinary contributions of individuals who volunteer their time and skills to provide services and programs in our communities. In anticipation of this event, the municipality began accepting nominations for both the Cumberland Volunteer Awards and the Provincial Volunteer Awards.
The municipality will be honouring 36 local volunteers at its volunteer recognition event on April 30.
This event coincides with National Volunteer Week, April 27 to May 3, 2025.
Brown is known for her friendly helpful attitude. She shows up and asks what she can do to help. She is the type of person communities need more of. She is always willing to help and assist those who need a helping hand. She shows others that there are many ways to volunteer.
What makes Brown exceptional is her generosity and patience and how she takes the time to connect with others. She has volunteered in many ways, including the Community Health Board, Hospital Wayfinding, hospital patient visitor volunteer, Cumberland Trails Steward, treasurer of the Peace Branch Royal Canadian Legion, Harbourfest, Gathering of the Clans, Communities in Bloom, as a Sunset community resident visitor and as a Neighbourhood Watch volunteer.
The Leard family—Wes, Stacy, Courtney, and Connor—has been volunteering together since 2017, with the parents having a longer history of community service. All four are deeply involved with the Wallace Fire Department, all while holding full-time jobs.
Regardless of the time of day or night, they respond to calls as a family: Wes, Connor, and Courtney as firefighters, and Stacy as a member of the Ladies Auxiliary. Courtney, after responding to emergencies, also participates in the Ladies Auxiliary.
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Cumberland municipal council votes to receive Joint Accessibility Plan
Cumberland municipal council voted to receive the Joint Accessibility Plan.
Nova Scotia has the highest rate of disability in Canada, with 37.9 per cent of people having one or more disabilities, above the national average of 27 per cent. This is expected to increase as the population continues to age, however people of all ages in the municipality have disabilities.
The Accessibility Act requires prescribed public service bodies, including municipalities, to appoint accessibility advisory committees, develop accessibility plans, and update the plans every three years.
The plan includes five areas of focus: Goods & Services: access to municipal services (e.g. snow removal, recreation programs); Built Environment: accessible buildings and public spaces; Information & Communication: clear and accessible information (e.g. bills, social media posts); Employment: equitable access to jobs with fair practices and Transportation: equitable access to transportation options.
Municipal council asks for report summarizing Pugwash storm sewer issues
Cumberland municipal council has voted to direct staff to provide, at a future council meeting, a report summarizing the issues related to storm water system in Pugwash.
Council has also asked staff to draft a letter to Nova Scotia Public Works requesting that improvements to the storm water system be considered and scheduled.
Pugwash residents have been asking for the storm system upgrade as many are having issues with flooding, while many want safe active transportation via sidewalks. The storm system needs to be upgraded before sidewalks can be built.
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Cumberland reaffirms support for Basic Income Guarantee
Municipal council has passed a motion that reaffirms their support for Basic Income Guarantee by sending a letter to Premier Tim Houston and the area’s Member of Parliament, asking for support for Basic Income Guarantee in Nova Scotia.
Council is also calling on the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities to support a Basic Income Guarantee and to speak to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
Council recently had a presentation for basic income guarantee last week. The request was to have council reaffirm its support of a guaranteed livable basic income.