News
Notice of Adoption - By-law to Amend the Land Use By-law 25-09
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Second Reading and Adoption of the By-law to Amend the Land Use By-law 25-09 took place on Wednesday, January 21st, 2026 at a Special Council meeting.
This By-law enables the implementation, under the Land Use By-law, of the Intermunicipal Service Agreement between the Town of Amherst and the Municipality of Cumberland regarding the sanitary sewer service.
Notice of Adoption - By-Law to Amend the Public Sewers By-law 25-08
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Second Reading and Adoption of the By-law to Amend the Public Sewers By-law 25-08 took place on Wednesday, January 21st, 2026 at a Special Council meeting.
This By-law enables the implementation of the Intermunicipal Service Agreement between the Town of Amherst and the Municipality of Cumberland regarding the sanitary sewer service.
To see the bylaw, go to https://www.cumberlandcounty.ns.ca/government/by-laws/3189-by-law-to-amend-the-public-sewers-by-law-25-08-1/file.html
Municipality of Cumberland, Town of Amherst make historic agreement
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In an historic initiative finalized at a joint meeting of the two Councils on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, the Municipality of Cumberland and the Town of Amherst separately approved second reading of by-law amendments to complete the implementation of an Intermunicipal Agreement signed back in October of 2024.
The agreement features a boundary change to facilitate housing development by the Town and access by the County to the Town’s sanitary sewer infrastructure to support future residential development in the County just outside the Town boundary.
“This intermunicipal agreement is a strong example of how the Town of Amherst and the Municipality of the County of Cumberland can work together to address housing supply challenges," said Amherst Mayor Rob Small. "By aligning our municipal boundary and infrastructure planning, we’re enabling future housing development within the town while also extending sewer access to facilitate residential development outside, but near, our common boundary – a practical, forward-looking solution that benefits our entire region.”
Municipality of Cumberland Mayor Rod Gilroy said the agreement shows what’s possible when both municipal units work towards a common goal.
Parrsboro Fire Department Takes Delivery of New Rescue Vehicle from Municipality
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The Municipality of Cumberland continues to invest in its fire departments to better protect local communities.
The Parrsboro Fire Department has received a new 2026 F-550 walk-around rescue truck from the Municipality. The truck was built by Fort Garry Fire Trucks in Winnipeg, Manitoba. It includes slide-out trays on both sides, making it easier for firefighters to access equipment during emergencies.
The new truck replaces a 1994 Freightliner rescue vehicle.
“This new truck is very important to our department,” said Fire Chief Allan Bennett. “It replaces an older vehicle that served us well. The new truck is smaller and easier to drive on narrow streets and in tight spaces.”
Municipal Property Owners Receiving 2026 Assessment Notices from PVSC
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Property owners within the Municipality of Cumberland are receiving their 2026 Assessment Notices by mail from the Property Valuation Services Corporation (PVSC).
Assessments are conducted annually by the corporation, the province’s independent, municipally funded, not-for profit assessment authority. Values reflect market conditions as of Jan. 1, 2025, and the physical state of each property as of Dec. 1, 2025, including any renovations or demolitions.
This year’s Assessment Roll reaches $206.3 billion provincially - a growth of 8% over last year.
In the Municipality of Cumberland, residential assessments grew from $3,305,613,400 in 2025 to $3,555,605,200 in 2026. Commercial assessments increased from $388,790,200 in 2025 to $397,026,400 in 2026.
The total assessment roll increased to $3,952,631,600 in 2026 from $3,694,403,600 in 2025.
“The 2026 Roll reflects steady growth across residential and commercial markets in Nova Scotia,” says Charlene MacNeil, Director of Assessment.
“Smaller, affordable options such as manufactured homes remain strong, while industrial parks and vacant land lead commercial growth. Apartments, condominiums, and other multi-unit properties - such as duplexes - are also experiencing notable growth, driven by new construction provincewide.”
The Capped Assessment Program (CAP) rate is 2.6%, up from 1.5% last year. Approximately 72% of residential properties - 416,847 accounts - qualify for the CAP, which limits the amount the taxable assessed value can increase year over year.
PVSC representatives and assessors are available to answer property owner questions at 1-800-380-7775 or
The deadline to appeal your 2026 property assessment is Feb. 12, 2026. Your signed appeal must be received no later than midnight on Feb. 12, 2026.
