News
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.
Cliffs of Fundy Geopark hosts UNESCO evaluation team in Cumberland and Colchester
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Dr. Artur Sa is a first-time visitor to Cliffs of Fundy Global Geopark in Cumberland and Colchester counties, but he plans to come back to experience the international park again.
Sa, a native of Portugal, and Iceland’s Dr. Sigurdur Sigursveinsson spent several days in both counties recently doing an evaluation of the Cliffs of Fundy Global Geopark’s status as a UNESCO attraction.
“We’ve already experienced many other geoparks around the world and this is really beautiful. It’s my first time here and the Cliffs of Fundy Global Geopark has been a wonderful experience,” said Dr. Sa during a stopover at First Beach on Parrsboro Harbour on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. “I put myself in the shoes of a tourist who came from Canada or abroad and I know they would really enjoy this natural beauty.”
The Cliffs of Fundy Global Geopark stretches from Lower Truro in Colchester County and extends along the Fundy shoreline to Apple River in Cumberland County. The area was awarded its official status as a UNESCO global geopark in 2020.
Part of the process includes periodic validations or evaluations that either approves of the park’s progress or suggests ways to improve and maintain its status as part of a growing network of global geoparks.