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 Municipality of the County of Cumberland's Councillors, CAO and Mayor joined the Town of Amherst's Mayor, CAO and Councillors on Wednesday after completing the process to approve an intermunicipal agreement to support the construction of homes in Amherst and the County.
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.
“This agreement shows what’s possible when municipalities work together with a shared goal,” said Mayor Gilroy. “By finding a practical solution to long-standing boundary and servicing challenges, we’re helping to support a major housing development that will benefit residents on both sides of the line and support much-needed future growth in our region.
“This project represents a significant step forward in addressing the housing needs of our region,” Gilroy added. “By updating our by-laws and working cooperatively with Amherst, we’re creating opportunities for new homes, new investment, and a stronger region for everyone.”
The Municipality of the County of Cumberland's CAO Greg Herrett and Mayor Rod Gilroy took a moment to celebrate with the Town of Amherst's Mayor Rob Small and CAO Jason MacDonald after Wednesday's meeting. Both Councils separately approved second reading of a by-law amendment to complete implementation of an intermunicipal agreement first signed in October, 2024.
Both councils approved the intermunicipal agreement in October, 2024. Through a joint application to the Nova Scotia Regulatory and Appeals Board, that has been approved pending the approval of these by-laws, Amherst will take in part of the “Dolan lands” currently in the County. In exchange, the Municipality of Cumberland will receive access to sewer connections for up to 400 residential units in a defined service area.
