Council amends Land-Use By-law to pause AI data centre development
Cumberland Municipal Council has approved second reading of an amendment to the Land-Use to implement a temporary pause on accepting AI Data Centre development permit applications.
Members of council were receiving a significant amount of community-based concern with regard to the potential development of AI Data Centres and wanted to complete the ongoing review of the Municipal Planning Strategy and Land-Use By-Law before considering any applications.
In June, council directed staff to provide information on the mechanics of implementing a moratorium on accepting applications for AI Data Centres.
This action is very similar to the short-term moratorium on wind turbine development enacted by council in early January 2022.
Staff recommendations are based on legal advice received at that time.
Council approves award of Maccan Wastewater Treatment Plan report
Cumberland Municipal Council has approved the award of the Maccan Wastewater Treatment Plan System Assessment Report RFP to WSP for $30,041.64 (which includes non-recoverable HST).
The approval to operate issued by Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Climate Change for the Maccan wastewater treatment plant requires a system assessment report be prepared.
A request for proposals was issued for this work and WSP was the only response.
Council allocates $55,000 for upgrades to Princess Street well in Springhill
Cumberland municipal council has approved allocating $55,000 from the Cumberland Water Utility’s depreciation reserve for upgrades to the Princess Street well in Springhill.
The Princess Street well was installed in approximately 1978 to supplement the town’s existing surface water drinking water supply. Since the commissioning of the Springhill water treatment plant in 2006, water from the Princess Street well has not been required.
Currently, the well would be classified as Groundwater Under the Direct Influence of surface water (GUDI). If the well were put into service, its classification would trigger a boil water advisory.
To remove the GUDI classification an assessment of the well must be completed by qualified professionals.
CBCL was retained to perform a Step 1 assessment of the well.
Recent dry summers have resulted in lower than normal water levels in Leamington Brook, the source water for the community of Springhill. If the supply of water from Leamington Brook needs to be supplemented, the Princess Street well would be put into service.
If the well is designated non-GUDI it will provide a supplemental source of water for the community without triggering a boil water advisory that would last for the duration the well is used.
Staff have reviewed the Level 1 report submitted by CBCL and have created a plan to address the identified well construction deficiencies.
CBCL has confirmed that completing the proposed upgrades will address the concerns identified in the Step 1 report.
Council approves withdrawal from Fire Capital Reserve for Breath Air Fill Station
Council has approved the withdrawal of $45,000 from Fire Capital Reserve to fund the Breath Air Fill Station Capital Project for the Pugwash Fire Department.
Funding for the purchase of a Breath Air Fill Station was approved by council in the 2026–27 capital budget in the amount of $67,507. A request for proposals was issued June 1 for the purchase of the equipment and closed on June 16.
Two proposals were received in response to the RFP, both of which were significantly over budget.
Staff recommend the additional costs be funded from the Fire Capital Reserve, which is projected to have a balance of $300,219 at March 31, 2027.
There are currently three fill stations among Cumberland County fire departments.
Council approves withdrawal from Capital Reserves for community centre roof reseal
Municipal council has approved a motion to withdraw $49,976.25 from Capital Reserves to fund the Dr. Carson & Marion Murray Community Centre Roof Reseal Capital Project.
The centre in Springhill is a major community hub that hosts recreation programs, events, and public gatherings throughout the year.
The facility’s roof is over 20 years old, which is consistent with the typical service life for a commercial roof system. Staff have identified active leaks in several areas of the facility, requiring immediate attention to prevent further deterioration and protect the building’s interior, equipment and programming spaces.
As a result of the increased project cost and the lower-than-anticipated grant contribution, an additional $49,976.25 is required to fully fund the project.
The project was tendered and awarded in August to CentiMark Ltd. in the amount of $172,640.25 (including non-recoverable HST).
Council approves funding request from Nova Scotia Highlanders museum
Council has approved $15,000 for Nova Scotia Highlanders Military Museum.
The museum preserves the history of the Nova Scotia Highlanders through exhibitions, programming, and community engagement initiatives.
The museum submitted a letter asking for $15,000 to help with opening a temporary location in Amherst, where they can relocate and preserve their exhibits and archives.
They were located in the armory on Acadia Street in Amherst before it was closed by the Department of National Defense.
Council approves the funding for Advocate District Development Association.
Cumberland municipal council approved a funding request of $3,000 from the Advocate District Development Association.
The ADDA owns the new building that houses the Cumberland Public Library Advocate Branch.
This new building, combined with rising costs, has contributed to increased operating expenses.
Second reading approved for Parrsboro and West Wentworth properties rezoning
Council has approved second reading of an amendment to the Land-Use By-law to rezone a property on Dominion Street, Parrsboro, from Downtown Commercial to Mixed-Use and approved second reading of a development agreement for two properties on James and Dominion streets.
The properties are currently vacant and being used as a parking lot.
The proponent is proposing to develop two multi-unit residential buildings creating 21 dwelling units.
Also passed through second reading is an amendment to the Land-Use By-law to rezone a West Wentworth property from Agricultural to Commercial Recreation.
The property is relatively close to some higher traffic tourism locations such as Ski Wenworth, which is a 10-minute drive, and the upcoming River Philip Golf Resort, which will be a 20-minute drive.
The proponent is looking to develop four serviced cabins on the subject property, to create fixed-roof overnight accommodations to serve the travelling public.
The accommodation will include parking facilities, walking paths, an outdoor gathering space with seating, individual hot tubs and decks for each cabin, and a shared sauna.
This proposal would support tourism in the area, providing accommodation for tourists using local amenities and visiting nearby tourism hotspots, such as hiking trails and the Ski Wentworth and the new golf course.
REMO organization by-law approved by municipal council
Council has approved second reading of the Regional Emergency Management Organization By-law.
Earlier this year the Department of Emergency Management developed a recommended by-law for municipalities to adopt.
The draft by-law provides the framework for the creation of the Regional Emergency Management Organization, the Regional Emergency Management Advisory Committee and the Regional Emergency Management Planning Committee as well as the Regional Emergency Management Coordinator position.
The by-law also sets out the duties and relationship between the various components of the Regional Emergency Management Organization, how a state of local emergency is declared and the powers and responsibilities of the mayor, council and employees of the municipality during an emergency.
Tax Reduction and Exemption Policy amended to add two properties
Municipal council has approved amendments to the Tax Reduction and Exemption Policy adding two organizations.
The Apple River Community Hall Society and the Advocate District Development Association requested to be added to the policy.
The Municipal Government Act gives council the authority through policy to provide full tax exemptions to properties for specific reasons, including being the property of a registered Canadian charitable organization that is used solely for charitable purposes, or property of a non-profit community, charitable, fraternal, educational, recreational, religious, cultural or sporting organization if, in the opinion of council, the organization provides a service that might otherwise be their responsibility.
The Apple River Community Hall Society provides an accessible, multi-purpose space for residents. There are many community functions that are held in the space. It is volunteer run and operated on a non-profit basis. The Advocate District Development Association property is where the library building was built.
Council approves Recreation Nova Scotia Anti-Racism Charter
Cumberland municipal council has approved the Recreation Nova Scotia Anti-Racism Charter.
Recreation Nova Scotia developed the Anti-Racism Charter, in partnership with Wisdom2Action and with funding from the federal government, to provide organizations across the province with a practical framework for acknowledging, addressing and preventing racism within recreation.
The charter recognizes that racism exists within the recreation sector and promotes proactive, organization-wide actions to create welcoming, inclusive, and equitable recreation opportunities for everyone in Nova Scotia.
The charter encourages organizations to acknowledge and address racism, provide ongoing training and educational opportunities, build racially representative communities and design equitable and inclusive opportunities.
The charter aligns with the municipality's commitment to creating recreation programs, facilities and services where all residents feel safe, welcome, respected and can participate.
It supports ongoing efforts to improve accessibility, provide equitable opportunities, strengthen relationships with diverse communities and ensure municipal recreation services reflect the needs of Cumberland's growing and increasingly diverse population.