JULY 2020
COUNCIL SESSION DATES
In May, Council sessions will be held on July 8th and 22nd and will begin at 6 p.m.  At this time we are holding these meetings using Zoom and live streaming them to Facebook.  Should this change, a notice will be posted on our social media.  You can visit    our municipal Facebook page  by following the link.

To view the upcoming Council agenda, or to view minutes from past Council sessions, please visit our website or click here:  Council Minutes
COVID-19 INFORMATION
Coronavirus Government Updates
Find up-to-date COVID-19 related information at these sites:

CLIFFS OF FUNDY GEOPARK
Cliffs of Fundy Granted Official UNESCO Global Geopark Designation
As of Friday, July 10, 2020 the Cliffs of Fundy are officially on the world stage!  They have officially been granted UNESCO Global Geopark Designation.

Read the CBC article here

BUDGET APPROVED
Council approves balanced budget without tax increase
Municipal Council voted in favour of a $29.8 million operating budget for 2020/2021 at the May 20, 2020 Public Council Meeting. 

Council had met for two committee of the whole meetings prior to approving the budget to ensure no increase to either the residential or commercial tax rate, while ensuring essential municipal programs and services are maintained.

Read More
MUNICIPAL GRANTS TO ORGANIZATIONS
$499,907 Approved in Grants to Community Organizations
At the June 17 th Council Meeting of the Municipality of Cumberland, $499,907 was approved in grants.

"It is incredibly important for council to continue to support our community organizations," said Warden Al Gillis. "The fact that these organizations have been able to pivot their operations during a pandemic is a testament to the quality of the benefit they provide.

These grants are for non-profit community, recreational, sporting, cultural, educational, and social organizations that provide benefits to the residents and communities within the Municipality. Only those organizations that demonstrate financial need are considered for assistance.

To see a list of grants approved click here.

To apply for a grant and to see the guidelines, please click here.
Mechanic Street Park, Springhill
Construction has Begun
Construction of the Mechanic Street Park in Springhill began in June and is expected to take approximately three weeks to complete.
 
"It is exciting to be in the construction phase of this project! Our community has waited for this day," said Maryanne Jackson, district councillor. "To be able to replace the old park with a safe, accessible, all-ages park is a joy."

Park design includes developing a parking area, a splashpad and playground space. Both the splashpad and playground will have components engineered to be accessible in addition to graded access to the spaces designed for ease of use.

Municipal Council approved awarding the contract for the Mechanic Street Park Design and Build Services to ABC Recreation at their meeting March 4, 2020. The contact is valued at $232,000 before tax.

ABC Recreation is a Canadian-owned company that has been a trusted partner for municipalities, landscape architects, campgrounds and childcare centres across Central and Eastern Canada for more than 25 years.

Follow the progress on Springhill Recreation's Facebook Page.
SUMMER PROGRAMS
Communication Regarding Summer Programs

To comply with the public health restrictions enacted by the Province of Nova Scotia to help contain the spread of COVID-19, all spring and summer programs hosted by the Municipality have been cancelled. As the public health restrictions are lifted, the Municipality will provide updates regarding programming that may become available.  

For up-to-date and further information on the provincial response to COVID-19 please  see the provincial website.

SOLID WASTE NEWS
Municipalities to Issue RFP for Solid Waste Disposal System
The Municipality of the County of Cumberland and the towns of Oxford and Amherst are taking steps to ensure that the region's solid waste disposal system continues to deliver good service at favourable cost.

The three municipalities will this month issue a Request for Proposals to companies that may be interested in buying the waste disposal system that serves the region. The RFP will include conditions to protect the environment, generate employment and deliver the lowest possible cost to residential and business property owners.

Transfer Stations Re-Open to the Public
Three municipally-run waste transfer stations have recently re-opened to the public. The transfer stations were previously closed due to COVID-19 restrictions.

"Staff and resident safety has always been our first priority, and now that our economy is safely starting to open we can start to open some of our services as well," stated Warden Al Gillis.

Transfer stations are located in Advocate, River Hebert and Pugwash. Material accepted at these locations include scrap metal, leaf & yard waste, clean wood, shingles, and construction & demolition debris. Household waste is not accepted at transfer stations.

For schedules and guidelines, please click here.
PROPERTY TAX - PAYMENT METHODS
Pre-Authorized Debit Payment Now Available
A new method of payment is now possible.  Pre-authorized debits will be made available to residents for payment on tax accounts, water accounts, sewer accounts and PACE repayment.  

To register for pre-authorized debit payment,  forms can be found here. Within 3 business days the information will be registered within our payment systems.

Terms for pre-authorized debit include either the 1 st or 15 th of the month, or an entire invoice on the due date.  
Drop Boxes for Payments
We now have drop boxes available for residents at each of our three Service Centres. If you are paying a bill using this method we ask that you only use cheques not cash. Please clearly mark the outside of the envelope with your name, account number and the amount of your payment. Receipts will be mailed out once your payment is processed.

A reminder, anyone wishing to make a payment may do so with the following methods:
  • Online via Paymentus
  • Online via personal banking websites
  • Telephone banking
  • Mailing a cheque to the Upper Nappan Service Centre
  • Using the Pre-authorized debit form (call for a copy to be mailed to you)
  • Drop box at the Upper Nappan Service Centre, available seven days a week
  • Drop box at the Parrsboro Service Centre, available Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
  • Drop box at the Dr. Carson and Marion Murray Community Centre, available Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon - 2 p.m.
MUNICIPAL ELECTION 2020
We Are Seeking People to Work Our Polls!!
We are looking for conscientious people who would like to work as Deputy Returning Officers and Poll Clerks for the 2020 Municipal Election.
 
If you are interested, you should have proficient reading, writing and communication skills. The ability to multi task and organize in a fast paced environment is an asset. Applicants must be able to deal with individuals in an efficient, courteous and professional manner. Prior election experience is preferred, but not required. Qualified residents of Cumberland County will be given preference over non-residents.
 
Ordinary Polling Day is Saturday, October 17th, 2020 with the Advance Polls being held on Saturday, October 10th, and Tuesday, October 13th, 2020. Successful applicants will be expected to work all three polls as well as attend a training session prior to the first poll.
 
Letters of interest should be forwarded to Shelley Hoeg via email, fax, or mail:
 
Shelley Hoeg,  E.D. Fullerton Building, 1 395 Blair Lake Road,  Upper Nappan, NS B4H 3Y4,  Phone:902-667-2758,  Fax:   902-667-1352,  Email:  shoeg@cumberlandcounty.ns.ca     

PUBLIC WORKS UPDATE
Staying the course...July update
The Public Works departments are carrying on as close to normal as possible with all government recommended precautions being implemented. Here is some of what they are up to:
 
*Water and wastewater treatment is being carried out. Sampling and testing is ongoing.
 
*Replacement of the roof on the Springhill Senior Citizens Centre is complete.
 
*Parrsboro Well No. 5 commissioning is expected to be completed the week of July 17.
 
*Construction for the Hawks Road waterline in Parrsboro is complete.
 
*The Springhill Service Centre Renovations are underway. Partitions walls are constructed, glazing installation has started and work continues to progress on the electrical and ventilation (central air conditioning). The renovation is expected to be completed in Fall 2020. (photo above)
 
 *The Springhill Storm Sewer Replacement (washout adjacent the Community Centre) construction has started and should be complete by the end of July. This project will address the washout that occurred during hurricane Dorian in 2019. The culvert will be removed and the stream daylighted from Memorial pond to the Community Centre.
 
*Culvert replacements on Whitehall Road in Parrsboro will be awarded shortly.
PROCUREMENT
Requests for Proposals (RFP) and Tenders
The Municipality of the County of Cumberland regularly advertises requests for proposals (RFPs) and tenders for a variety of projects and initiatives. This information is also posted on the Provincial Procurement Site. You may access this site by visiting  NS Provincial Procurement Website .

Deadline:  Thursday, July 23, 2020 at 2:00PM.

RFP-MCC-2009  POTENTIAL DIVESTITURE OF CUMBERLAND CENTRAL LANDFILL ASSETS
Deadline:  Monday, July 27, 2020 at 12:00PM

INSPECTIONS & PERMITS
Building and Fire Inspection Services
In light of the continued developments with the COVID-19 virus, the Municipality of Cumberland is practicing a modified inspection program.
 
Although our service centers are currently closed to the public, our building officials are available to residents, builders, and contractors, via their regular email and phone numbers.
 
Permit applications and inspections are being processed as usual.
 
Current permit holders are required to contact the building official or service center at each required inspection stage as indicated on their permit, prior to proceeding with construction.

To contact Building Inspections by email please use  permits@cumberlandcounty.ns.ca or by phone at 902-667-1142

DECK CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS
PARRSBORO SERVICE CENTRE
Final Call for Feedback
A report detailing the $800,000+ required repairs can be found at this link.

To have your feedback on the fate building considered please:
or  mail - 1395 Blair Lake Rd Amherst, N.S. B4H 3Y4

Deadline for feedback is July 10

Heartland Tour
Heartland Tour Nova Scotia
The Heartland "Virtual" Tour 2020 will begin on July 11 and will run 21 days to the end of July.

We invite all Nova Scotians to join us by: doing any physical activity you like, any time you like, anywhere you like.

So, whether it is walking, running, cycling, dancing, and painting a fence, skipping rope, jumping jacks and/or whatever physical activity that you love or want to try, it's all up to YOU.

Join us and bring the family and friends!

Download and use our activity logbook for a chance to win some great prizes.

Why 21 days? Well, it is a well-known fact that if you do something for 21 days, it can become a habit.  A good habit in this case. One that is guaranteed to improve Physical AND Mental wellness.

We will be encouraging you to share your pictures, videos, and stories on our Facebook and or Instagram pages.   Please tag us with  #HLTV2020

Learn More
GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
Enabling Accessibility Fund - Small Projects Component 
The Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) provides funding for projects that make communities and workplaces more accessible for persons with disabilities. EAF creates more opportunities for persons with disabilities to:
  • take part in community activities, programs and services
  • access employment
Eligible organizations can apply for up to $100,000 for:
  • small construction, renovation or retrofit of existing spaces to improve accessibility
  • accessible information and communication technologies
Deadline: July 13

Learn More
Sport Fund
Sport Fund focuses on community sport support.  The goal of the fund is to support quality, sustainable programming, either by providing funds to help organizations create new programs, or to expand and/or enhance current programs to provide more opportunities for Nova Scotians to take part in sport.

If you are considering applying for the Sport Fund Grant please contact Vanessa Robertson  to set up a consultation as soon as possible. It is important that you connect with the Regional Sport Consultant before you start the process of the grant application. For more information visit:
The next Sport Fund Application Deadline is coming up on  August 15th .

Learn More
Age-Friendly Communities Grant
The Age-friendly Community Grant Program provides funding up to $25,000 for projects that lead to more age-friendly communities. Projects funded through the program help advance the goals outlined in Shift: Nova Scotia's Action Plan for an Aging Population.

Projects must fall into one of two broad categories:
  • Age-friendly community planning: Consultation and community planning initiatives that result in robust action plans and age-friendly communities. These planning initiatives must be in partnership with local government and include consultation with and engagement of older adults, the broader community, and key stakeholders.
  • Community projects: Innovative projects (could be collaborative) to develop and/or implement programs, services, resources or events that support active, healthy living; help older adults stay connected to community life; maximize the economic and social contributions of older adults; and increase social interaction and community involvement among older adults.
Learn More
COVID-19 Emergency Support Fund for Heritage Organizations - Museums Assistance Program

Details in poster above

Deadline: September 1, 2020

Learn More
Community Recreation Capital Grant (CRCG) 2020-21
The purpose of the CRCG program is to assist in the development of indoor and outdoor capital recreation projects, with a total cost less than $20,000. A priority of the Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage (CCH) is to renovate or expand existing community recreation facilities (e.g. replacing a roof, furnace, or playground component) and to develop new small-scale facilities.

Generally, funding is available for up to 33% of the total cost of that project to a maximum of $5,000. In special cases, the impact of COVID-19, the applicant may be eligible up to 66%.

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis between April 1st and December 22nd until the grant program is 100% expended.

Planning Assistance Program 2020-21
The Planning Assistance Program assists community organizations in obtaining professional assistance in planning, designing, and researching proposed and existing sport and recreation facilities.

Generally, for each of the eligible projects described above, funding is available for up to 50% of the total cost of that project to a maximum of $10,000. In special cases including the impact of COVID-19, the applicant may be eligible up to 66%.

Community ACCESS-Ability Program
The Community ACCESS-Ability Program reflects the Government of Nova Scotia's commitment to persons with disabilities by providing equal opportunity and improved access to community facilities. This program offers cost-shared grants to community groups for accessibility related capital improvements.

The grants may cover up to two-thirds of the direct and indirect costs of renovations, installations, and/or equipment. The sponsoring organization must raise at least one-third of the funding from other sources. Organizations can receive funding for one project per year under the program.

Applications are currently being accepted for 2020-21.

REBATES
Emergency Repair Program
The Emergency Repair Program helps low-income homeowners in rural areas pay for emergency repairs so they can continue to safely live in their homes. You can receive a grant of up to $7,000 for eligible repairs (e.g. heating systems, chimneys, doors & windows, foundations, plumbing, electrical systems, etc.)


This additional program administered by Housing Nova Scotia helps homeowners make emergency repairs to their homes. Eligible homeowners can receive a forgivable loan up to $6,500 to help cover the costs of materials and labour.

The Senior Citizens Assistance Program
If you are a Nova Scotian senior and would like to stay in your home but can't afford the necessary repairs to roofing, plumbing, or heating, Housing Nova Scotia is ready to give you a grant of up to $6,500 to cover these costs.

Your Energy Rebate
Designed to help with the rising cost of home energy, this Service Nova Scotia rebate is automatically applied to your power bill for most people (those homes fueled by home-delivered oil, propane, firewood, and natural gas).

Those with homes powered by other energy sources, such as kerosene, coal, and wood pellets need to  apply. The rebate you receive is equal to the provincial portion of the HST on your bill.

Learn More
HomeWarming Program Updates Income Brackets
The Home Warming Program is a fantastic program where they offer energy assessments for low-income homeowners and thanks to being fully funded by the Province of Nova Scotia and Nova Scotia Power, it is 100 % free to all qualified home owners in the province.

If we discover that draft-proofing, insulation or other efficiency options can help make heating & cooling your home substantially more affordable and comfortable, we'll install the upgrades at no cost to you. We'll even coordinate the retrofits.

The qualifying factors for participation in the program are home ownership and fitting into our LICO-based net-income brackets.
  1. 1 person in the home - $25,673 or less per year
  2. 2-4 people in the home - $47,703
  3. 5+ people in the home - $67,937
We service all heating types (electric, oil, wood, coal, natural gas, etc.) and on average, people who go through the program can see an annual savings of up to 20-30% off their annual heating bills.

OPPORTUNITIES
Federal Support Measures
Imagine Canada has compiled all of the Federal COVID-19 Relief Measures that are available to Voluntary & nonprofit organizations nationally in this table. 

Provincial Support Measures
The Community Sector Council of NS has compiled a list of all the Provincial Measures available, who is eligible for them, and how to apply all in a table on our website. This is updated regularly as new information is announced! 

Non-Profit Organization Supports
Are you a not-for-profit organization assisting in the COVID-19 response effort to help vulnerable Nova Scotians? Do you need help? 
 
VolunteerNS.ca has set up a special COVID-19 response page for organizations and volunteers who want to assist in the relief effort.
Create your profile on VolunteerNS today!

Efficiency upgrade financing available
The Municipality of Cumberland and the Town of Amherst have teamed up with the Clean Foundation to offer qualified homeowners low-interest financing for energy-efficiency upgrades to their homes.
 
The Property Assessed Clean Energy program is administered by the Clean Foundation for the municipalities, and starts with a home assessment to see if homeowners could save as much or even more in energy and heating expenses than the cost of the retrofits. Financing is available on a first come, first-serve basis, with each municipality committed to up to 10 homes per year.

"We offer low-interest financing to homeowners to help them make clean energy upgrades to their home," explained Andrew MacDonald, director of finance for the Municipality of Cumberland. "The financing is for up to $25,000 and is paid back over a 10-year period."

Learn More
CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Our Social Media Platforms
The following social media pages are maintained by the Municipality:

MUNICIPALITY OF CUMBERLAND
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CUMBERLAND ENERGY AUTHORITY
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CUMBERLAND REGIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
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PLAN CUMBERLAND
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SPRINGHILL RECREATION
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PARRSBORO RECREATION
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CJSMA'S SOLID WASTE APP!
Never forget your garbage day again!
The Cumberland Central Landfill has made it even easier for residents to stay connected with waste management collection and programs.
 
Download the free Solid Waste Mobile App by searching for Cumberland County Solid Waste in the App Store. Use your mobile phone to view collection schedules, receive collection reminders and  service alerts for any interruptions to waste collection such as cancellations due to weather. Residents can also sign up online by visiting www.cjsma.ns.ca .
 
Wondering what goes where? Visit www.cjsma.ns.ca to use the new Waste Wizard and search our  database of over 300 items for disposal options.


CJSMA also provides sorting guides, information about upcoming Household Hazardous Waste events, FAQs, and information about provincial solid waste programs available to residents.

For more information about Solid Waste Collection Schedules and Routes in your community, please visit 
Cumberland Joint Services Management Authority.
BILL PAYMENTS

Use our online tax payment system: