News
Eight Municipality of Cumberland employees recognized for years of service
- Details
The Municipality of Cumberland honoured eight employees for their years of service to the residents of Cumberland County during an all-staff event at the Dr. Carson & Marion Murray Community Centre in Springhill on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
“Each year of service represents more than just time on the job. It reflects dedication, professionalism, and a commitment to serving our residents with care and pride. Whether you work behind the scenes or on the front lines, each of you plays a vital role in keeping our communities strong, connected, and moving forward,” Mayor Gilroy said.
“Local government is where people experience public service most directly. It’s where roads are maintained, water flows, recreation programs thrive, and support is there when it’s needed most. That doesn’t happen by accident—it happens because of people like you who show up every day ready to make a difference.”
Chief Administrative Officer Greg Herrett said employees play a prominent role in making the municipality a great place to work.
He congratulated the eight recipients for their years of service and dedication to the municipality.
“Reaching a milestone like this doesn’t happen by chance. It reflects years of hard work, consistency, and a strong commitment to public service. Each of you being honoured today has helped shape this organization in meaningful ways—through your experience, your knowledge, and your willingness to go the extra mile,” Herrett said.
“What stands out most about long-serving employees is not just what you’ve done, but how you’ve done it. You’ve supported your colleagues, adapted to change, and continued to deliver high-quality service to our residents year after year.
“As an organization, we rely on that kind of dedication. It creates stability, builds trust, and sets an example for others to follow. You’ve helped build a workplace culture we can all be proud of.”
Those recognized in 2026 include:
Betty Anne Paris, 45 years, Customer Service Representative in Parrsboro
Isabelle Chapman, 40 years, Crossing Guard/Flagger
Cathy Ward, 35 years, Payroll & Benefits
Candace Calder, 20 years, Crossing Guard
Barry Melanson, 20 years, Wastewater Operator/Mechanic
Melanie Predergast, 15 years, Recreation & Community Services, Admin Assistant
David White, 10 years, Driver
Bradly Wood, 10 years, Water Treatment Operator

Municipality of Cumberland Chief Administrative Officer Greg Herrett is shown with service award recipients David White, Isabelle Chapman, Bradly Wood, Cathy Ward and Melanie Prendergast. Missing are recipients Betty Anne Paris (45 years), Barry Melanson (15 years) and Candace Calder (20 years). Darrell Cole – Municipality of Cumberland photo
News from the March 25, 2026, meeting of Cumberland municipal council
- Details
Cumberland approves rezoning of Springhill, Port Howe properties
Cumberland municipal council approved second reading of an amendment to the Land Use By-Law to permit the development of a self-storage facility on Junction Road in Springhill.
The property, which was one time housed the NSLC, is 3,965 square metres of vacant land.
The property owner is looking to create self-storage facility on the subject lands. The facility would consist of two 20x80ft storage containers, which will house individual self-storage units.
Council also approved second reading of an amendment to the Land Use By-Law that will rezone a portion of land at 3544 Kolbec Rd., Port Howe from Agriculture to Commercial Recreation.
This will permit the development of a campground on five acres of a 40-acre plot of land.
The subject property is a waterfront lot located along the River Philip.
Call for Citizen Members - Accessibility Advisory Committee
- Details
The Accessibility Advisory Committee is a group of citizens and municipal staff who want to help make Cumberland more accessible.
Accessibility is making it easier for people with disabilities to live full lives. The committee’s job is to give advice to Council about accessibility in the Municipality.
Please send a letter of interest by Friday, April 10, 2026.
A letter of interest explains what kinds of perspectives and experiences you could bring to the committee.
If you have questions, or would like to be on the committee, please reach the Community Engagement Coordinator at
Letters of interest can be sent to
Mail: Municipality of Cumberland County
Attn: Clerk's Office
1395 Blair Lake Rd.
Upper Nappan, NS
B4H 3Y4
The Terms of Reference will tell you details about the committee.
The Policy on Citizen Appointments will tell you about things like the honorarium. https://www.cumberlandcounty.ns.ca/.../65.../file.html
Help Shape the Future of Cumberland County
- Details
Help shape the future of Cumberland
The Municipality of Cumberland is reviewing its Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use Bylaw. Your input matters! Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and share your feedback on the direction of growth, land use, and community priorities.
Complete the MPS and LUB Review Survey:
https://form.jotform.com/FBM_Planning/cumberland-mps-and-lub-review
Your voice will help guide planning decisions that affect housing, businesses, community development, and the places we live and work. Please share the survey with neighbours, organizations, and anyone with an interest in the future of our communities.
New Energy Building Codes Coming Into Effect April 1
- Details
Nova Scotia is adopting updated energy efficiency codes designed to reduce energy use in housing and small buildings.
The new energy efficiency codes will come into effect on April 1, 2026.
These changes support provincial targets for reducing greenhouse gas and carbon emissions. They also align Nova Scotia’s standards with national energy efficiency goals. The implementation is part of a four-year phased plan to improve the energy performance of buildings across the province.
