News
Municipality Honours Steve Varner For 37 Years of Service
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The Municipality of Cumberland has recognized one of its longest-serving employees upon his retirement.
Steve Varner went to work with the former town of Springhill in the fall of 1989 and has held numerous jobs at the old Springhill Arena and town hall/administrative offices and is retiring after 37 years of service.
“I’m going to miss it. I’m going to miss everyone I’ve worked with over the years and I’m going to miss helping people in the community,” the 68-year-old Varner said. “I was always told you’ll know when it’s time to retire and leaving now allows my wife, Janice, and I to do some travelling and some other things while our health is still good.”
It was in the fall of 1989 when Varner was invited to an interview for a part-time position at the arena.
“It was at 9 o’clock on a Thursday night that the old arena committee met with me. Darrell White, who was deputy CAO at the time, called me the next morning and offered me the job,” he said.
Working at the arena, he looked after ice maintenance, cleaned the ice and did general maintenance around the building and its grounds, including cutting the grass in the summertime.
Participate in Welcoming Week Across Cumberland County
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Welcoming Week is an opportunity to celebrate the people from around the world who have chosen to make Nova Scotia—and communities like ours—home.
Strong communities are built when everyone feels welcomed, respected and included. Welcoming Week reminds us that each of us has a role to play in creating communities where newcomers can build connections, share their experiences and talents, and feel a true sense of belonging.
Here in the Municipality of Cumberland, we are proud of the diversity, ideas, cultures and traditions that newcomers bring to our communities. They help enrich our workplaces, neighbourhoods, schools and community organizations while contributing to a stronger future for Cumberland County.
During Welcoming Week, we encourage everyone to reach out, make a connection and help ensure that all who call our municipality home know they are welcome.
Together, we can build a community where everyone belongs.Parrsboro:
Here is a listing of events across Cumberland County:
Parrsboro
Chalk Drawing
Friday Sept. 11
10-11 am
209 Main St., Parrsboro Service Centre (and other Main St. sidewalks)
Contact: Steph Keilhack (902) 694-3159
Springhill
This event is aimed at newcomers, but everyone is welcome. There will be several service providers and community groups on hand including Primary Health Care!
Wellness Fair on Monday, Sept. 14, from 11 am to 3 pm.
Dr. Carson & Marion Murray Community Centre
6 Main St. Springhill, NS
Contact: Steph Keilhack (902) 694-3159
Vendors:
Northern Zone Mobile Health and Wellness Team
Bridges Counselling Centre
Cumberland County Transportation Services (CCTS)
Autumn House
Maggie’s Place
Cumberland Adult Network for Upgrading (CAN-U)
Cumberland Homelessness & Housing Support (CHHSA)
United Way Maritimes
Caregivers NS
Alzheimer's Society of NS
Northern Region Respite Services
Safety NS
YMCA
The Municipality of Cumberland
SOAR Community Health Board
Pugwash
You're invited! Join us for a free, family-friendly Welcoming Week event at the Pugwash Public Library on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm.
Come celebrate community, connection, and belonging with activities, refreshments, and opportunities to meet new friends. Everyone is welcome!
The Village will be busy with the Farmers’ Market happening at the same time. Parking is available on Water Street.
If the weather permits we will be spending time outside, so please be sun safe with hats and sunscreen.
There is also a water fountain on site, so remember your refillable bottle.
North Shore Community Health Board
Multicultural Association of Cumberland
Lilac Place: Resources for Women
Amherst
Join us on Sept. 19 for Welcoming Week 2026. Our welcoming week event is a time for people to come together to learn and connect with the various cultures in our community!
Join us for live performances, vendors and food from 2-7 p.m. at the Travelodge Amherst and Wandlyn Conference Centre.
Coastal Planning Input Survey Closing September 13.
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What matters most to you when it comes to planning for our future along the coast? Take a few minutes to share your priorities, concerns, and ideas — your input can help shape the Municipalities approach to coastal planning efforts along the coast.
Plus complete the survey and be entered to win a Municipality-branded mug!
Council Passes 1st Reading of Land-Use By-law Amendment on AI Data Centres
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Cumberland Municipal Council has passed first reading of a by-law to amend the Land-Use By-law to place a temporary pause on accepting AI Data Centre Development Permit Applications. The next step is a public hearing which will be scheduled for September.
Members of Council have been receiving community concerns about the potential development of AI data centres. In June, Council directed staff to provide information on the mechanics of implementing a moratorium on accepting development applications for AI data centers.
This pause will allow for the completion of the ongoing comprehensive review of the Municipal Planning Strategy and the Land-Use By-Law which will provide further guidance to Council before it considers any future development inquiries regarding AI data centres.
Council Recording Available on YouTube
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