AUGUST 2019
COUNCIL SESSION DATES
There are no Council sessions in the month of August. 

Council will be back in session in September, with the first session being held on September 4th  and dealing with business issues.  The second Council meeting in September will take place on September 18th  and will see discussion on our programs and services and strategic priorities.  Council sessions begin at 6:00 p.m.  

To view the Council agendas please visit our website or click here:  Council Agenda
ACCESSIBLE BEACH
"WATER WHEELS"
This "Water Wheels" floating wheelchair is available for use, free of charge, at Heather Beach ( 700 Heather Beach Road, Port Howe, Northumberland Shore) during supervised hours. Last call for the chair is at 5:30pm.
 
ACCESS MAT
This accessible beach mat is also at Heather Beach, and is available at all hours. It can be used in conjunction with the wheelchair, but is great with strollers, or simply to make it easier to walk in the sand.
 
CUMBERLAND REGION TOURISM STRATEGY
Tourism Nova Scotia - Fox Harb'r Resort Photographer: James Ingram
Cumberland Region Tourism Development Strategy (2019-2022)
The intent of the strategy is to take a more strategic approach to the growth and development of tourism in the region that is partner-based and designed to enhance the competitiveness of the Cumberland region as a visitor destination, to grow visitation, meet visitor expectations, and generate economic and social benefits for communities within the region. 

The strategic vision for tourism in the region is, "to be recognized as a four-season tourism destination through facilitating the development, enhancement, preservation and collective marketing of our natural, historic and cultural assets, leading to an improved economy and quality of life."

This strategy sets out the strategic direction for the tourism industry in the Cumberland region for the next three years. The strategy was developed jointly between the three municipal units in the Cumberland region and supports the 2014 Community Economic Development Strategy and aligns with Tourism Nova Scotia's 2018-2022 strategy, Driving Export Revenue.

GEOPARK EVALUATION
Photo Credit: Darrell Cole
UNESCO Evaluators Visit the Aspiring Cliffs of Fundy Geopark
Asier Hilario of the Basque region of Spain and Global Geopark Network president Nikolaos Zouros of Greece recently toured the area for three days from Cape Chignecto near Advocate through to Parrsboro and Economy as part of their evaluation of the project for UNESCO designation for the Cliffs of Fundy initiative.

Zouros is quoted by Cumberland News Now as saying, "This area and especially this place is something for everybody, not just the scientists. It's a place where everyone can understand the forces of our planet that shape the landscapes and create all this natural beauty, which is unique."

He is also quoted as saying, "We have to make it accessible, not only in walking, but in understanding. By doing this we can save this unique landscape for future generations."

The visit to the area concludes Monday when the two scientists will take time to put their thoughts on paper. Their recommendation will go a UNESCO conference in Italy in September.

A decision on the successful Geopark applications is expected to be made public next spring.

Read the Cumberland News Now Article here
SPRINGHILL GEOTHERMAL PARK
Minewater Geothermal Business Park Concept Design Underway
A minewater geothermal business park in Springhill is closer to reality with the concept design phase funded and awarded.

The Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency's (ACOA) Innovative Communities Fund, is providing a $125,000 contribution for the concept design. The Cumberland Energy Authority is also contributing $125,000.

 Learn More
SEA LEVEL RISE AND THE BAY OF FUNDY
photo credit: Sackville Tribune Post
Creation of a Mass Notification System
The Tantramar Marsh has been identified as being at an increasing risk of flooding due to sea level rise over the next 50 to 80 years. Flooding of the Tantramar Marsh will become more and more likely as the volume of the ocean increases. The result of ocean temperature increase and the melting of ice packs around the world.
 

Mike Johnson, our Regional Emergency Management Coordinator, will be traveling this summer to areas around the County, more specifically those areas adjacent to the Marshes of the Bay of Fundy waters.  He will be speaking with property owners and residents who live in low lying areas along the marshes to collect contact information, cell phone numbers and email addresses.  The purpose of this is to allow for a timely notification of any threat sea level rise or storm surge poses to our residents and thereby mitigate the consequence of the flooding. 

PLAY DAYS
PIT POND TRAIL GRAND OPENING
Springhill Communities in Bloom Project
Springhill Communities in Bloom had a wonderful family event on Saturday, July 27th. The grand opening of the Pit Pond Trail was a success! There were people of all ages i n attendance enjoying musical entertainment, a bouncy castle, a walk on the trail and a free BBQ.

This was a great example of community coming together to make Springhill a greener, more active, and beautiful place!

Trail benches and chairs are SOLD OUT!  C amera and signage installation is yet to come, as well as securing the benches and chairs. 

Keep your eyes open for Communities In Bloom's next family event - the Turkey Trot 5km run on Thanksgiving weekend.

ANNE MURRAY CENTRE MARKS 30 YEARS
Anne Murray Celebrates 30th Anniversary
The Anne Murray Centre  celebrated a full weekend of special events on July 27-28 to honour its 30 th  anniversary since opening its doors in Springhill.
 
On Saturday July 27, Anne greeted fans from the world over at the Centre's annual VIP Meet and Greet Luncheon with Anne Murray. 
This sold-out event was held at the Dr. Carson and Marion Murray Community Centre.
 
Springhill celebrations continued on Sunday July 28, when Anne was joined in conversation with former TV host Jeff Hutcheson for a sold-out ' Up Close and Personal' Interview and Q&A session , again at the Community Centre.
 
Following the Q&A and to conclude the festivities, Anne met with fans at an open public event at the Anne Murray Centre.

See the CTV News Coverage Here
2018-19 GRANTS TO ORGANIZATIONS
JUNE & JULY GRANTS
Grants Approved by Council in June & July 2019
Organization
Project
Amount
Victoria's Quilts Canada
Quilts made by volunteers for cancer patients
$1,300.00
Parrsboro Band Association
Restoration of the Hall in Parrsboro
$3,000.00
Wentworth Community Development Council's C@PSite (WCDC C@PSite)
Assistance with wages of summer student who overseas educational programming for children.
$1,692.00
Springhill 2011 Lions Club
Assistance with school supplies for low income children in grades Primary to Grade 12 who attend Springhill schools.
$600.00
Malagash Bible Camp Association
Installation of new sign on their property
$1,000.00
Sutherland Lake Trail Groomers Association
Assistance to install a building for their safety equipment.
$3,000.00
Chignecto Glooscap Snowmobile Association
Trail Maintenance
$2,400.00
Cumberland Museum Society
Repairs to front step handrails and bottom posts
$3,000.00
13U AA Springhill Fencebusters Baseball Team
Assistance with costs associated with hosting the Atlantic Championships in Springhill.
$1,000.00

AMHERST CUMBERLAND MULTISPORT
The multisport program is designed for children in grades primary and one.

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STAFF SPOTLIGHT
MELISSA SIDDALL - BUILDING INSPECTOR
Climbing over a construction site, citing safety issues and pointing out deficiencies to contractors, was not what Melissa Siddall had in mind when she started working for the Municipality of Cumberland County 12 years ago.

With a certificate in Business Administration and Advanced Accounting, Melissa first worked as a term employee in Emergency Management Operations, moving on to a full-time position as administration for Public Works.  Since then, Melissa has worked in just about every department at the Upper Nappan Service Centre.

In 2008, Melissa joined the Planning and Development department. After working as administration with the department for nine years, Melissa was approached by her supervisor with the opportunity to be trained to be an Inspector. This started Melissa's 2-year journey for her Level I Certification, which she completed earlier this year, followed by being appointed a Building Official in the Municipality of Cumberland. Melissa holds the distinction of being the first woman to hold such an appointment.

Melissa says her commitment to the training and passing all the courses was a challenge, but worth every minute. She loves her job and being out serving the public everyday, doing her part to make the municipality safer. She says that assisting the public is her greatest satisfaction in the job. 

With all this experience under her belt, Melissa is now looking to the future and her next opportunity as she undertakes training to become a certified Fire Inspector.
GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
RBC Future Launch Community Challenge
As a partner in the Community Foundation of Canada Granting Program, Rural Communities Foundation of Nova Scotia is joining the RBC Future Launch Community Challenge. RCF is offering grants of up to $15,000 to five youth-led projects in rural Nova Scotia that address diverse and urgent local priorities.

The RBC Future Launch Community Challenge will enable youth to apply for funding to support their bold ideas to address urgent community priorities. It is an opportunity for young people to lead, learn new skills, gain experience, and build relationships in their local communities - all things that will help them prepare for the future of work. Later this year, RCF will also bring youth and community members together for 'Vital Conversations,' community dialogue focused on creating a better future together.

Deadline for applications is September 18, 2019.
Wellness Funds
Wellness Funds are for non-profit groups working to improve health in their communities and must address the health priorities identified by the Community Health Boards (CHBs) in their current community health plan.  Over the past decade, the delivery of health services in this province has been shifting from a primarily hospital-based model of care to a health promotion, or population health based approach.  This model of care seeks to maintain and improve the health of people and the communities in which they live through partnerships, and by addressing those aspects of a person's life that determine their health.  

All applicants are strongly encouraged to check in with your local CHB Coordinator prior to submitting your application. To identify your local CHB Coordinator, please click here.

Deadline: October 15, 2019
Enabling Accessibility Fund - Youth Innovation Component
The Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) is looking for dynamic youths who want to demonstrate leadership and their commitment to their communities by volunteering their time to build a more accessible Canada.

The EAF Youth Innovation Component provides an opportunity for youths to have a direct impact in the lives of people with disabilities by addressing accessibility barriers in public spaces or workplaces within their community or surrounding communities. Through this work, youths create greater awareness about accessibility needs and encourage organizations to apply for EAF funding to address existing accessibility barriers and build a more inclusive and accessible Canada.

Deadline: October 31, 2019

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.
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until 20 January 2020.

Learn More
SAFETY TIP - EXTREME HEAT
How to Stay Cool Outside in Extreme Heat
-Set up a shade canopy
-Reduce heat by setting up a misting system
-Get to know the shade schedule on your property or work site
-Wear hot weather clothing
-Try products to stay cool in the heat
-Avoid working in the heat of the day all-together
-Hydrate days in advance
 
These are just a few of the ways that you can mitigate the effects of the extreme heat. The temperatures are expected to cycle off and on from these heat waves throughout the remaining summer and it's important that as we go through our daily routines, we take time to remove ourselves from the oppressive heat.
 
Give yourself a break, and hydrate.
 
For more information on how to beat the heat here are a few sites that provide useful information and simple tips to help.

Red Cross
HAPPENINGS

Nova Scotia Gem & Mineral Show
Rockhound Roundup - Since 1966
Hosted by the Fundy Geological Museum
Join us for a weekend of beads, beading supplies, gems, minerals, jewellery, fossils, talks, demonstrations and workshops.

August 16-18

Opening Doors for Everyone (ODE)
Opening Doors for Everyone is a program offered by  ReachAbility. ReachAbility is a non-profit organization based in Halifax that is dedicated to inclusion and accessibility for all persons facing barriers.

ODE offers presentations across Nova Scotia regarding the Accessibility Act, Business ACCESS-Ability Grant program, diversity awareness and inclusive business practices.
 
Local presentation:  August 15th from 11:30am-1:30pm
Location:                 The Super 8, Amherst 
 
The presentation is  free and catered, and all participants leave with a resource bag filled with services and supports that correlate with the information provided in the workshop. 
 

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.
NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS FOR NEXT MONTH
Send us information about your community events and programs!

If you know of an upcoming  program or event in your community that you would like to see included in our municipal monthly newsletters, please contact us .
 
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