May 2021
COUNCIL SESSION DATES
PUBLIC COUNCIL SESSIONS FOR MAY 2021
In May, Council sessions will be held on:

  • Wednesday, May 5 (Public Council)
  • Wednesday, May 12 (Public Committee of the Whole)
  • Wednesday, May 19 (Public Council)

All sessions will begin at 3:30PM unless advertised otherwise. 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 this link.
To view the upcoming Council agenda, or to view minutes from past Council sessions, please visit our website or click here: Council Minutes.
NEW CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER (CAO)
MUNICIPALITY WELCOMES NEW CAO
The Municipality of Cumberland welcomed a new Chief Administrative Officer, Greg Herrett, on Monday, April 19, 2021. Greg, a Certified Professional Accountant, brings over 20 years of Municipal Government experience with him, including 16 years as CAO for the Town of Amherst.

Our Council and staff are excited to welcome Greg to our organization!!
HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS
MUNICIPAL OFFICE HOURS FOR VICTORIA DAY
In recognition of Victoria Day, our Service Centres and the Dr. Carson and Marion Murray Community Centre will be closed on Monday, May 24, 2021.

We will re-open Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at 8:30 am
 
For emergencies with public sewer, water or bylaw enforcement, during this time please call (902) 667-2358
TEMPORARY BUILDING CLOSURES
For more information, please visit our website.
FINANCE UPDATE
PAYMENT OPTIONS DURING COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS
As mentioned above, the Municipality has temporarily implemented a number of operational changes due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Effective immediately, and until further notice, operational changes will include the following:

A reminder that there are the following methods of payment possible:
DROP BOXES LOCATED AT ALL 3 SERVICE CENTRES
Upper Nappan Service Centre - 1395 Blair Lake Road, Upper Nappan (Mon-Fri, 8:30am-4:30pm)
Dr. Carson & Marion Murray Community Centre - 6 Main Street, Springhill (Tues & Thurs, 10am-noon & 1:00pm-3:00pm)
Parrsboro Service Centre - 209 Main Street, Parrsboro (Mon-Fri, 8:30am-4:30pm)

MAIL CHEQUES
Mail to: 1395 Blair Lake Road, Upper Nappan, NS B4H 3Y4.
*Please write your tax account number on the cheque.

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
Contact your local bank. Payments can be made at most financial institutions via phone or online banking service.
(To add the Municipality of Cumberland as a payee, search for “Cumberland”, select Cumberland Municipal County Tax from the list, use your six digit tax account number shown on your bill (this number begins with a 6). Remember to submit payments separately for each tax account number.

PRE-AUTHORIZED PAYMENT
The Municipality of Cumberland now accepts pre-authorized payment. Forms can be found on our website or call 902-667-2313 to request one to be mailed. Please provide staff at least 14 days to complete the request.

PAY BY CREDIT CARD
Credit card payments are only available online through Paymentus a secure third-party credit card provider. We cannot take credit card payment over the phone or in person. Paymentus charges a service fee of 2.85% for each transaction. To access this service visit our website.
PROCUREMENT
CURRENT REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS AND TENDERS
T-MCC-2101: BUILDING DEMOLITION - PARRSBORO
Closing Date: May 4, 2021 at 2:00PM

T-MCC-2102: MANUFACTURE AND DELIVERY OF A RESCUE COMMAND VEHICLE, A COMMERCIAL SIDE CONTROL PUMPER AND A COMMERCIAL PUMP TANKER
Closing Date: May 5, 2021 at 2:00PM

T-MCC-2013: SHINIMICAS FIRE DEPARTMENT BUILDING
Closing date: May 14, 2021 at 2:00PM

JOB OPPORTUNITIES
CURRENT OPENINGS
Please read the Employment Ads for details about position location and how to apply

GLOOSCAP CAMPGROUND ATTENDANTS:
Closing Date: May 5, 2021
RIVER HEBERT TRANSFER STATION
CN RIGHT-OF-WAY VEGETATION CONTROL NOTICE
CONTROL MEASURES
CN manages vegetation using both chemical and mechanical methods. They are sensitive to concerns the community may have regarding chemical vegetation control. At CN, they are committed to environmental safety and sustainability.
The track infrastructure is composed of two main sections, the ballast section typically ranging from 16-24 feet (which is primarily gravel and supports the track structure) and the right of way portion (which is the area outside of the ballast section to the CN property boundary).

The 16-24 foot ballast section and the areas around signals and communications equipment that are critical for safe railway operations will be managed using chemical methods. 

CN has retained professional contractors qualified to undertake this work. They are required to comply with all laws and regulations applicable to CN. In addition, the contractors will ensure that vegetation control is performed with consideration of the environment and in accordance with the highest industry standards.

PUGWASH WATER BILL UPDATE
TECHNICAL ISSUE
The first water bill for Pugwash Water Utility customers went out in the mail recently. We’ve heard from a few customers that there’s a technical issue when adding a new payee for online banking. We’ve contacted our bank, and they are working to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

Thanks to the keen customers who brought this issue to our attention. Contact our office 667-2313 for an alternative online payment option until the issue is resolved.
VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION
NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK
Each year the Municipality of the County of Cumberland honours the tireless work of our volunteers across the county.

During National Volunteer Week, April 18th - 24th, we celebrated and recognized all of our treasured volunteers around Cumberland!

Check out our Facebook photo album for some of our local volunteers who were nominated to be recognized for their hard work and dedication by the organizations they volunteer with.
A MESSAGE TO OUR VOLUNTEERS FROM MAYOR SCOTT
REVIEW OF PARRSBORO WASTEWATER PROJECT
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Q&A APRIL 8, 2021
Council of the Municipality of Cumberland met via Zoom for a special committee of the whole on Thursday, April 8, 2021. The meeting opened with a territorial acknowledgement..
The councillor representing district 8, Carrie Goodwin asked questions submitted by the public regarding the Parrsboro wastewater treatment project . Questions submitted by the residents of district 8 centered around project decisions, funding for the project, the tendering, the local improvement charge and sewer rate, and also and perhaps most importantly, moving forward.

Supporting documents for this meeting include:

You can find the Formal minutes of the April 8 meeting here.
A Facebook live recording is available on the municipal Facebook page
MUNICIPAL GRANT UPDATE
GRANTS APPROVED BY COUNCIL IN MARCH AND APRIL 2021
Southampton Community Centre - $3450

Advocate District School - $600

Parrsboro Creative - $2000
SUMMER PROGRAMS
CUMBERLAND FIRE SERVICE UPDATE
WORKING TO BRING DIVERSITY TO FIRE SERVICE
The Cumberland Fire Service has been striving to become a more diverse organization. There are huge untapped resources of people in our communities that would be of value to our local fire departments if the desire to volunteer is there. There are many other tasks in the fire service other than running into structure fires and dragging hoses around. Drop into your local fire department to see what opportunities are available.

CUMBERLAND ENERGY AUTHORITY
STREETLIGHT UPDATE
During the past year, the Municipality assumed ownership of public streetlights throughout the County. Any remaining high pressure sodium lights were then converted to locally-sourced LED fixtures. These changes will significantly reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, while also saving the Municipality thousands of dollars per year.
The Cumberland Energy Authority is now the main contact of any streetlight related cases. The CEA would like residents to know that there are several known light outages and special light situations that are currently being addressed. Please contact Sarah LeBlanc, Executive Assistant to the CEA to file any future outages or concerns. She can be reached by email or by phone at (902) 667-3028.

Thank you for your patience with the project and stay safe.
SURPLUS PROPERTY IN PARRSBORO
NOTICE TO REGISTERED CHARITABLE AND NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
The Municipality of Cumberland has declared the former Recreation Hall Building at the Glooscap Campground, Two Islands Road, near Parrsboro, to be surplus.

Registered charitable and non-profit organizations operating in Cumberland County interested in acquiring the structure at no cost (other than the recipient’s costs removing the structure) are invited to contact The Director of Community Development by email only for further information. 
Interested organizations will be required to submit a proposal that includes the location where the structure will be relocated, the name of the person or organization that will transport the structure, and the date by which the structure will be removed from the Campground at the recipient’s expense. The structure is being offered “as is, where is”. 

This notice will be withdrawn on May 17, 2021. The municipality reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to reject any and all proposals.
PUBLIC WORKS UPDATE
STAYING THE COURSE...
Public Works has shifted gears from winter ice / snow control to spring and summer activities. Damage caused by snowplows has been repaired and the septage facility has re-opened.

Public Works is getting equipment ready such as benches and sorting stations, mowers.

Starting installs for new water laterals and repairs that could not be done while the ground was frozen, see photo of water lateral install underway in Parrsboro. Water main valve exercising is taking place, to be followed by Unidirectional Flushing.

Crews are gearing up for a busy summer of water and sewer maintenance work, including water line replacement and manhole maintenance.
There is apparently a supply issue with traffic paint due to plant shutdowns in Texas. Alternate sources of traffic paint are being sought for refreshing the markings on roads in Parrsboro and Springhill.
SOLID WASTE UPDATE
VICTORIA DAY GARBAGE COLLECTION
Is your regular solid waste collection day on Monday? Be prepared for a schedule change for Victoria Day.

Instead of May 24 pickup, your collection date will be Saturday, May 22.

Any questions, contact CJSMA via their website  or download the app.
CJSMA TIPS AND TRICKS
HEAT ALERT SYSTEM
REGIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OFFICE (REMO) PREPARES FOR SUMMER HEAT
Preparing for extreme heat is critical for local governments. The Cumberland Region Heat Alert Response System (HARS) is designed to protect public safety through prevention of health risks, mitigative actions, and effective response to extreme heat events. The plan provides guidance to municipal governments and community organizations to ensure a harmonized response to heat warnings issued during the summer.

Much like snowfall warning and heavy rain warnings, heat warnings are provided to assist the public in planning, prevention, and mitigation.

Examples of heat related illnesses include: (in descending order of severity) Heat stroke, Heat exhaustion, Heat fainting, Heat cramps, Heat rash, Heat edema (blistering)

There are three levels to the heat warning system.
  • Heat Warning
  • Extended Heat Advisory
  • Severe Heat Advisory
 
Generally, these warning will be issued when temperatures are above 29 c for consecutive days and nighttime lows remain above 16 c for the same time period.

Heat warnings will initiate a variety of actions from public announcements and advice on mitigating strategies to the opening of cooling centers for extreme events.

With Climate Change providing a warmer climate, Cumberland REMO will be monitoring these heat advisories to respond with messages to the public through mainstream and social media. Wishing everyone a safe and happy summer.
GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
DIVERSITY AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY FUND & COMMUNITY AND CULTURAL IDENTITIES FUND
Communities, Culture and Heritage (CCH) is committed to not-for-profit and volunteer organizations that support diversity, cultural expression, and underserved populations.
The Diversity and Community Capacity Fund (DCCF) invests in the capacity-building efforts of organizations that represent traditionally marginalized communities and promote diversity and social equity. The Cultural Communities and Identities Fund (CCIF), a companion program, supports activities which recognize and celebrate the diversity of Nova Scotia’s new, emerging, and established cultural communities. By embracing and sharing our cultural identities, our province becomes a more welcoming, resilient, and creative place to live.

*Up to 75% to a max of $10,000
Deadline: May 31, 2021
SPORT NOVA SCOTIA'S "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.

Please connect with your Regional Sport Consultant to determine eligibility and next steps. Contact info:
Courtney Nicholson-Patriquin at 902.890.3793 or by email.

Deadline: June 15, 2021
SPORT NOVA SCOTIA
KidSport provides grants to kids (18 years and younger) from families facing financial barriers so they can participate in registered sport programs and experience the lifelong benefits of a season of sport. KidSport Cumberland provides grants of up to $300 per eligible kid, per year (January 1st - December 31st) towards sport registration fees. 
Grants are intended to be used for sport registration and equipment fees; travel and competition fees are not eligible for funding.

You must register your kid in a sports program prior to applying for KidSport funding.
HELPING COMMUNITIES
The McCain Foundation believes that strong communities offer citizens well-being and opportunity in all areas of life. The Foundation provides grants for projects, both small and large, in the areas of arts and culture, community services, education, environment and health and welfare.

Eligibility:
-Have a charitable registration number.
-Supports Atlantic Canada
-Request aligns with the McCain Foundation’s values of Empowerment, Integrity and Innovation.
-Request seeks to strengthen arts and culture, community service, education, environment or health and welfare.
-No religious or political organizations

No deadline
COMMUNITY SPIRIT AWARD
THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR'S COMMUNITY SPIRIT AWARD
The Lieutenant Governor's Community Spirit Award celebrates the power, strength and diversity of vibrant communities across Nova Scotia. It profiles their achievements and increases their visibility through a formal recognition program. 

Up to four Nova Scotian communities are honoured each year. Recipients are chosen by a selection committee based on community applications that best fit the award’s criteria. Communities selected for the award promote citizen engagement, civic pride and a positive outlook on the future.
Successful communities are honoured through celebration and recognition. The Lieutenant Governor attends a community celebration, presents a hand-crafted award and unveils a sign to display in the community. There is province-wide public recognition through the media.

Deadline is May 31, 2021 at midnight.
OPPORTUNITIES & RESOURCES
NEW PROVINCE-WIDE ONLINE MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCE FOR YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS: "TOGETHERALL"
Togetherall’s online peer-to-peer community is clinically moderated by registered mental health practitioners, and offers individuals a safe and anonymous place to express their thoughts, concerns and triumphs 24/7. Supported by RBC Future launch and in partnership with Nova Scotia Health and the QEII Foundation, Togetherall is now free for all youth and young adults aged 16 - 29 in Nova Scotia!
Togetherall highlights:
  • FREE to ALL youth and young adults aged 16-29 in Nova Scotia.
  • No referral needed.
  • A safe, online community where members remain anonymous to each other, drawing strength and insights from others that have real lived experiences with common mental health concerns.
  • A clinically moderated platform where trained, registered mental health practitioners monitor the community around the clock to ensure individuals are safe and can escalate to local emergency services where risk is identified. 
  • Access to self-assessments, recommended resources, self-guided courses and other creative tools to help members express and track how they are feeling, and foster wellbeing.

Watch this short explainer video or visit www.togetherall.com to learn more.

To learn more about other e-mental health and addictions tools offered by Nova Scotia Health, visit the “Online Tools” section of their website at MHAhelpNS.ca/tools .
THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY HELPING TREE FOR SENIORS
This one page document has a long list of local resources and numbers to call in regards to seniors' issues.

To get your own copy, please reach out to our Senior Safety Coordinator at (902) 664-4540 or contact her by email.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY - PUGWASH GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE
Pugwash Ground Search and Rescue is a volunteer run organization that serves all of Cumberland County in the event a person becomes lost or missing in our vast tracks of wilderness. The group also provides mutual aid to search teams all across Nova Scotia when called upon by the Provincial Emergency Management Office.

We are currently welcoming new members of all skill levels and backgrounds in the Cumberland area to help fill many roles within the group. We meet monthly at our headquarters on King Street in Pugwash (or online during Covid-19) and provide training in map reading, compass navigation, GPS and search techniques.

If you are interested in joining a great group of outdoorsy people, please reach out to pugwash_gsar@hotmail.com.
For more information on Lyme Disease and how to identify, as well as reduce your risk and recognize symptoms, please visit:
CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS
The following social media platforms are maintained by the Municipality

MUNICIPALITY OF CUMBERLAND
CUMBERLAND ENERGY AUTHORITY
CUMBERLAND REGIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
ACCESSIBLE CUMBERLAND
SPRINGHILL RECREATION
PARRSBORO RECREATION
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:
Municipality of the
County of Cumberland