News
Springhill Water System Customers:
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The Cumberland Water Utility implemented voluntary water restrictions for all three water systems (Parrsboro, Pugwash, Springhill) on August 8, 2025.
The prolonged hot, dry weather has resulted in reduced water levels in Leamington Brook, which supplies the Springhill Water System. Water levels in the brook are monitored daily and a reduction in flow is noted. Since the implementation of voluntary restrictions, the water level in the brook has continued to decline and water consumption by the community of Springhill has not decreased.
There is currently no significant rainfall in the long-term weather forecast.
In order to conserve water, the Cumberland County Water Utility is instituting mandatory water conservation restrictions for all residents and businesses supplied by the Springhill Water System until further notice.
The water conservation measures include:
- No lawn, garden, plant watering or other outside water usage
- No car/RV or other vehicle washing at home. Commercial car washes remain available for the time being.
Other measures residents can do to help conserve water include:
- Repair leaking plumbing fixtures
- Take shorter showers
- Install low flow shower heads and appliances
- Wash only full loads of laundry and dishes
- Turn off the water while brushing teeth
These water restrictions are being implemented to maintain essential water service for all Springhill customers and protect the Leamington Brook watershed. Conserving water will help avoid a potentially serious situation involving boil water orders or future water outages.
While these directives are in force, customers who do not comply with the directives may have their water service suspended until such time as they agree to comply with the directive or upon suspension of the water conservation directive, whichever occurs first. Such customers shall be required to pay the Charge for Re-establishing Water Service as laid out in the approved Schedule of Rates for the Utility.
The water systems in Pugwash and Parrsboro are supplied by groundwater sources. While mandatory restrictions are not yet necessary in these communities, the Utility is asking residents to continue to voluntarily conserve water to help preserve these resources during this unusually dry summer.
Notes from Aug. 27 Cumberland Municipal Council special meeting
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Council approves first reading of land-use bylaw application in Oxford Junction
Cumberland municipal council has approved first reading of an application to amend the land-use bylaw to rezone a portion property in Oxford Junction from Agriculture to Rural Industrial.
A public hearing will be held prior to second reading.
The 36-acre property adjacent to 3999 Highway 321, Oxford Junction, is currently used residentially. The property owners are looking to utilize a portion of their land to support their business, Junction 321 Trailer and Storage.
Junction 321 Trailer and Storage is a virtual heavy equipment sales business, in which the owner stores ATVs, trailers and other heavy equipment, and sells the like through Facebook.
While financial transactions occur online, customers will visit the subject property to pick up their purchased product.
Further to the heavy equipment sales, the portion of the property requesting rezoning would also be used for outdoor storage of trailers and tractors, along with a few potential future uses the owner is considering. Further to the intended uses identified, the applicant would like the ability to add office and self-storage units as potential future uses of the land.
Cumberland Community Fund Society Organizing Charity Fair on Sept. 17
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What began as a conversation with a client nearly 25 years ago sparked an idea that has resulted in the establishment of a new fund that gives people an avenue to practice philanthropy while supporting community projects across Cumberland County.
“The Cumberland Community Fund Society has as its mission to offer generous and caring individuals and businesses a basket to make philanthropic gifts either lifetime or through planned giving,” society president Morris Haugg said. “The fund will support local activities and services to the community, creating positive change in the county today and for future generations.”
Last year saw the first donations totalling $5,000 to the Cumberland YMCA, the Tidnish Crossroads Community Association, the After the Bell School Food Program Maggie’s Place, A Hand Up Society and the Cumberland Regional Library.
To raise awareness about the society’s work and that of other similar organizations, a Cumberland Charity Fair is being held on Wednesday, Sept. 17, at the Community Credit Union Business Innovation Centre in Amherst beginning at 1 p.m.
Municipality of Cumberland welcomes Pugwash housing project
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Municipality of Cumberland Mayor Rod Gilroy is welcoming significant investments in a Pugwash housing project.
To provide Canadians with increased access to affordable and sustainable housing, the federal government announced on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025, an investment of more than $7 million for the construction of 40 housing units in Pugwash through the Affordable Housing Fund (AHF).
Along with the federal funding through the National Housing Strategy’s Affordable Housing Fund; $3 million in non-repayable loans is being provided from the provincial Department of Growth & Development; $300,000 from the Municipality of Cumberland; $50,000 from the Community Housing Transformation Centre; $500,000 from the River Philip Foundation and $129,163 from the Sunset Community.
“This is a welcome and transformative step for the community,” Mayor Gilroy said. “This initiative not only provides safe and secure homes for individuals and families but also strengthens the social and economic fabric of the village. The design intentionally embraces inclusivity, ensuring accessibility alongside affordability to bolster rural resilience and social cohesion.
“Affordable housing ensures that seniors, young families, and those with modest incomes can continue to live and thrive in Pugwash, close to their roots and community connections. It helps attract and retain workers, supports local businesses, and fosters inclusivity. By investing in housing, Pugwash is building a brighter, more resilient future where everyone has a place to belong.”
Voluntary water conservation measures advisory
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Due to the prolonged period of minimal precipitation, the Cumberland County Water Utility is requesting that customers follow voluntary water conservation measures until further notice.
The Utility operates three municipal water systems in Springhill, Parrsboro and Pugwash. The Springhill system is surface water fed while both Parrsboro and Pugwash are ground water fed. Utility staff are monitoring all three systems. The Springhill system is supplied by Leamington Brook in Rodney. While the brook is not at extremely low levels, staff have observed a reduction in flow. Staff are also monitoring pumping volumes in all three systems.
We are putting these voluntary measures in place out of an abundance of caution, in the hope that we can voluntarily reduce volume consumed thereby reducing the draw on all three systems and preserving the resource.” CAO Greg Herrett said.