News
WestCumb Amateur Radio Club Unveils New Communications Trailer With Municipal Support
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The WestCumb Amateur Radio Club recently unveiled an auxiliary communications trailer that’s the only one of its kind in the Maritimes and was developed with financial support from the Municipality of Cumberland, the Town of Amherst and the Christie-Smith Community Fund.
“Across the country various radio clubs have had these for many years, but this is the first one in the Maritimes,” Steve Orr said. “Moncton and Halifax have something similar, but it’s more for equipment and you can’t go inside it. There’s no other trailer like this that other amateur radio clubs in the Maritimes have.”
Hurricane Dorian in late 2022, the wildfires in HRM and Barrington in 2023 and in the Annapolis Valley last summer are examples of the extreme weather and natural conditions being faced by first responders and emergency management officials in Nova Scotia.
Orr said residents expect communications to be there no matter the conditions, but with the increased frequency of severe weather, things like phone, internet and other communications tools may not be available.
That’s what makes units such as this so important.
“We always like to think that the internet will always be there and that cellular phones will always be there, but the reality is that we know from previous experiences they can be affected,” he said. “As much as the province has a terrific TMR system, weather and the environment can still get you. The concept is if all those services go down, amateur radio operators can bring their unique set of skills to continue communications in a disaster.”
Orr said sections of Cumberland County could be considered remote and its unique geography make this command unit vital. The trailer can be taken anywhere in the county, set up and immediately begin communicating – even if landlines, cell phones and digital services (like the internet) are knocked out.
It’s equipped with solar panels for power and has numerous antennae in support of various communications tools, most notably high frequency radio – something that may seem aged compared to modern technology but remains infallible during a crisis.
“When it comes to EMO and the province’s deployment of resources, the closest office we have is in Truro. The issue is Truro is on the other side of the Cobequid Pass, which can be a huge geographic roadblock in certain weather,” Orr said. “We approached the county and enlisted the town’s support as well as the Smith-Christie foundation. Between the three of them it’s fully funded.”
The trailer was first proposed by longtime WestCumb ARC member Jim Langille and in early 2025 Orr and Mike Johnson made presentations to both municipal councils and last June both councils provided $15,000 in grants funding with the charitable Smith Christie fund rounding out the required funds.
“Investing in this mobile command unit is about making sure the Municipality of Cumberland is prepared when our communities need it most,” Mayor Rod Gilroy said. “Whether it’s severe weather, wildfires or another emergency situation, reliable communication can save lives. The WestCumb Amateur Radio Club has created an incredible resource that strengthens emergency preparedness across our region and we’re proud to support a project that will benefit residents for years to come.”
The new trailer was ordered from Quebec and picked up in Moncton last fall. Members of the amateur radio club went to work putting all the pieces together to bring the modern communications-command post together in a relatively short period of time.
“We have a number of people in our organization with particular skill sets that went to work assembling this unit,” Orr said. “We have people who are very good at cabinetry, some who are very good at welding who did some of the mounts for us. Many people made this a reality.”
Now that it’s operational, Ott said the club intends to take it out and about to community events as a communications centre and as a go-to command centre for events around the region.
“This trailer is a welcome addition to the tools Cumberland EMO has to fill gaps that arise during times of conventional communication loss,” auxiliary regional EMO coordinator Mike Johnson said. “ We have had several examples of communication loss from Hurricane Fiona, Dorion and the two internet cable cuts which caused huge disruption to emergency services.
“It is a reality that communication loss will happen when systems are overloaded or impacted by hardware failures due to extreme weather events or accidental damage. During these events,
Cumberland Regional EMO has developed plans to exercise a variety of backup plans to ensure residents can get the help they need from emergency services.”
Johnson said the auxiliary communication service trailer can support multiple operators and multiple communication systems simultaneously to reach across a community, the county or the province. In fact, with the included High Frequency radios, they can reach around the world if need be.
Council News in Brief from May 27, 2026
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Municipality not interested in acquiring former Springhill school properties
Cumberland municipal council has approved a motion directing the chief administrative officer to advise the province that the municipality has no interest in acquiring the former West End-Memorial and Junction Road elementary school properties.
The two former schools were replaced by the new Springhill Elementary School in 2024.
Nova Scotia Department of Public Works had advised that the properties are surplus to their needs. They have canvassed all provincial government departments and agencies, and no interest has been expressed in either property.
As the next step in their process, they had offered the properties to the municipality.
All municipal operating departments have been canvassed and none have expressed an interest or a viable potential use for the properties. Given the age of the buildings, the unknown environmental condition and the likely significant cost of demolition and/or redevelopment the municipality would be assuming significant financial, operational and environmental risk by agreeing to reassume control of the properties.
Council approves amended Pole Banner Policy
Cumberland municipal council has approved an amendment Pole Banner Policy.
The municipality currently installs graduate banners in Springhill and Parrsboro, and veterans banners in Springhill, on municipally approved utility poles.
Due to increasing requests from community groups and organizations for banner installations, council adopted the Pole Banner Policy last September to provide clear and consistent
guidelines for the use of municipal infrastructure.
The policy was developed to support community engagement and promotion while ensuring safety, fairness and consistency in the use of municipal infrastructure. It outlines application procedures, installation periods, responsibilities and banner limits.
In Springhill, the current limit of 140 banners was based on a practical installation route along: 166 Junction Rd. to Main Street and 170 Main St. to 210 McGee St.
The route was selected to maximize visibility while ensuring installations remain safe, appropriate, and manageable within existing municipal resources.
Increasing the limit to 169 banners required an amendment to the Pole Banner Policy and would result in additional operational and financial impacts. Estimated annual installation and removal costs for 169 banners are approximately $16,340 (excluding benefits).
In addition, the municipality would be required to purchase and install 27 new banner brackets at an estimated cost of $2,025, bringing the total estimated cost for 2026-27 to $18,365.
These costs are charged to the Springhill area rate.
Council approves large, small and large operations and maintenance grants
Council has approved the 2026-27 Large Capital, Small Capital and Large Operations & Maintenance grants totalling $534,995.
The municipality annually grants funding to organizations across several categories.
For 2026-27, following the revisions to the Grants Policy, council has deliberated and made recommendations for three grant categories:
- $263,000 in Large Capital grants
- $46,995 in Small Capital grants
- $225,000 in Large Operations & Maintenance grants
The municipality received approximately $1.4 million in requests for financial assistance across all grant categories. This exceeds the overall budget. In these three categories alone, requests totalled over $1 million.
Recipients include:
Large Capital Grant Applicants
Chignecto Glooscap Snowmobile Association - $24,000
Cumberland Trails Association - $8,000
Joggins Improvement Committee - $18,000
King Seaman Church Society - $15,000
Lillian Allbon Animal Shelter - $5,000
Oxford Agricultural Society - $28,000
Oxford Arena Association - $10,000.00
Oxford Community Centre - $87,000
Parrsborough Shore Historical Society - $17,000
Route Six Snowmobile Club - $2,000
Southampton Community Centre - $14,000
Sutherlands Lake Trail Groomers Association - $5,000
Wentworth Learning Centre - $30,000
Small Capital Grant Applicant
Cumberland County Museum & Archives - $3,000
Diligent River Community Hall Association - $6,620
Fundy Winds Marsh - $3,000
Joggins Fossil Institute - $5,000
King Edward Lodge #86 - $6,000
Oxford Marksman Association - $8,550
Spencer's Island Community Association - $5,000
Springhill Heritage Group - $6,075
Wallace and Area Recreation - $3,750
Large Operations & Maintenance Grant
Amherst Food Assistance Network Association - $5,000
Cliffs of Fundy - $75,000
Cumberland County Transition House - $5,000
Greville Bay Shipbuilding Museum Society - $7,500
Joggins Fossil Institute - $29,240
Maggie's Place - $8,000
Oxford Arena Association - $10,000
Parrsboro and Area Lions Club - $28,000
Pugwash Farmers Market - $2,260
RHJAJA - Community Centre - $40,000
Ship's Company Theatre - $15,000
Council approves appointments Accessibility Advisory Committee
Municipal council has approved the appointments of Christie Blackie, Dave MacEwan, Amanda Purdy, Helen Sims, Samantha Heffernan, Paul Williams and Melissa Thompson as members of the Accessibility Advisory Committee.
The Accessibility Advisory Committee’s main role is to monitor the implementation of the Accessibility Plan and advise council on identifying, preventing and eliminating barriers for people with disabilities in municipal programs, services, initiatives and facilities.
The committee plays a pivotal role in helping the Municipality of Cumberland become an accessible community and meet its obligations under Nova Scotia’s Accessibility Act.
Council approves appointments to Equity and Diversity Advisory Committee
Council has approved the appointments of Michelle Parsons, Rachel Smith, Kumari Giles, Amanda Mollon and Kris Reid as members of the Equity and Diversity Advisory Committee.
The Equity and Diversity Advisory Committee’s main role is to monitor the implementation of the Equity and Diversity Plan and contribute to the annual report on progress, advise council on the creation of a refreshed Equity & Diversity Plan for April 2028, advise council on the impact of municipal services, policies and procedures on the public as it relates to equity, diversity and inclusion, as directed by the municipality.
Municipal council approves second reading of amended Public Sewers By-Law
Cumberland municipal council has approved second reading of a by-law to amend the Public Sewers By-Law.
The Public Sewers By-law establishes contaminant discharge limits to protect municipal infrastructure and the environment.
The Municipality’s current Public Sewers By-law discharge limits are based on the Model Sewer Use By-law, a scan of other Nova Scotia municipalities’ sewer use by-laws and the requirements of the municipality’s sanitary sewer infrastructure.
Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Climate Change (NSECC) now requires Surrette Battery to enter into an agreement with the municipality to discharge wastewater from its pre-treatment system into the municipal wastewater collection system.
Previously, Surrette Battery reported test results directly to NSECC and no municipal agreement was required.
Reviewing the wastewater quality testing shared by Surrette Battery, there is general compliance with the discharge criteria in the Public Sewer By-Law. Surrette Battery’s results for the sulphate discharge criteria are routinely above the by-law’s limit.
The current version of the Model Sewer By-Law has removed sulphates from their substances list. Sulphates can potentially cause corrosion of concrete infrastructures under the correct conditions. Based on the removal of sulphates from the Model By-Law substance an amendment to the municipality’s Public Sewer By-Law was recommended.
Council approves second reading of by-law amendment for Pugwash proposal
Municipal council has approved second reading of a by-law amendment to rezone a Pugwash property from Institutional to Commercial General.
The Durham Street property is the former site for the Pugwash Fire Hall. It was vacated in 2009 when the fire department moved to its new location on Highway 6.
The owner is proposing to retrofit the building to create commercial and residential uses. The intent would be to establish one rentable commercial unit and a short-term rental unit on the second floor of the building.
First reading approved for Springhill property by-law amendment
Council has approved first reading of a by-law amendment to rezone a Springhill property from Lower Density Residential to Multi-Unit Residential.
A public hearing will be held prior to second reading.
The property, located on MacFarlane Street, is 1,576 square metres of vacant land located in a primary residential area, adjacent to various other residential zones.
The proponent wants to development two three-unit buildings totalling six dwelling units.
Each unit is intended to be one-bedroom, approximately 37.2 square metres in size.
Each unit will have a seven-foot by seven-foot resin shed and a small deck on the front and back end of the units.
The proponent is proposing designated parking stalls for each unit. The stalls are designed intentionally large as the units are intended to accommodate senior living. While the units are not exclusively designated for seniors, the units are designed especially for senior living.
Council approves first reading of by-law amendment for Southampton properties
Council has approved first reading of a by-law amendment to the Land-Use By-Law to rezone a pair of Southampton properties to County Commercial while adding abattoir as a permitted use and adding a special requirement limiting the scale of the abattoir and requiring its use to be as an accessory to a butcher shop.
There will be a public hearing prior to second reading.
The property is currently zoned Country Residential.
The proponent is looking to reopen a previously existing abattoir in Southampton to serve a community need for local abattoirs and works to help address food security issues.
The proponent intends to sell the processed meat to locals as well as to sell the meats on a commercial/wholesale basis. The operational set is becoming increasingly common and popular among local butchers, as it allows for a more ethical and humane killing of animals.
Municipal council approves appointment of Tanya Mills as Building Official
Council has appointed Tanya Mills as a Building Official and Fire Inspector for the Municipality of Cumberland.
Mills has worked for the municipality for three years, starting as administration for the Permits and Inspections group and most recently completing her training as a Residential Inspector.
She received her qualification from the Nova Scotia Building Code Training and Certification Board on May 11, 2026.
Council directs staff to complete report on mobile vendor/food trucks in Springhill
Council has passed a motion directing staff to provide a report, including a jurisdictional scan and recommendations regarding permitting and fees for mobile vendor/food trucks operating within the former town of Springhill.
There continue to be several mobile food trucks setting up and operating on an increasing basis in Springhill. At present these operators pay no property taxes or fees to the municipality.
In contrast, the five remaining local eating establishments pay significant commercial property taxes each year and employ dozens of people – contributing to the local economy. These businesses also give back to the community by supporting many sports teams, local events and organizations throughout Springhill and Cumberland County.
Job Posting: Administrative Assistant
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The Municipality of the County of Cumberland is currently accepting resumes for an Administrative Assistant.
Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy conducting testing in Minas Passage
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In the coming days, the Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy (FORCE) will be doing short, vessel-based testing activities in Minas Passage and the FORCE test area as part of the Ocean Sensor Innovation Platforms (OSIP) project – a collaborative effort with Acadia University and other partners to develop and test monitoring methods and equipment for use in strong tidal currents.
People may see brief vessel activity during daylight hours, including placing and retrieving equipment. Work will take place only when weather and sea conditions are suitable. Operations will be conducted from the Nova Endeavour, operated by Huntley’s Diving and Marine.
For further information
Municipality of Cumberland property tax bills in the mail
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If you own property within the Municipality of Cumberland keep an eye on your mailbox as the 2026-27 tax bills are in the mail.
On March 30, 2026, municipal council approved a $43.2-million operating budget and a $13.3-million capital budget.
The general residential rate remains at $1.17 per $100 assessment and the commercial general rate remains at $2.74 per $100 assessment. Property owners in the former towns of Springhill and Parrsboro also pay area rates in addition to the general rate.
The Springhill and Parrsboro area rate is $0.48 per $100 of assessment for residential and $1.19 per $100 assessment for commercial properties.
The village rate in River Hebert is 10 cents per $100 assessment, while in Pugwash it’s 38 cents per $100 assessment for residential properties and 45 cents per $100 assessment for commercial.
Due date for tax payments is June 30, 2026.