Climate Risk Assessment Survey
December 22, 2025
Municipality Encouraging Residents to Complete Climate Risk Survey
The Municipality of Inverness County is inviting residents to participate in a short survey that will help inform a climate risk assessment and adaptation plan currently underway across several municipalities in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland & Labrador.
The survey, developed by McAllister & Craig Disaster Management Inc., asks residents to share their perspectives on climate-related risks in their communities, such as storms, flooding, wildfires, and other potential emergencies. The feedback collected will help ensure the assessment and resulting adaptation plan reflect local concerns and priorities.
The survey takes only a few minutes to complete and is an important opportunity for residents to contribute to planning efforts that will strengthen community preparedness and resilience. To complete the survey, visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/HazardSurveyDecember2025.
The survey is open until January 7, 2026.
About the project
The climate risk assessment and adaptation plan is funded through the Green Municipal Fund, administered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. Led by McAllister & Craig Disaster Management Inc., the project involves identifying climate-related risks across Inverness County, evaluating how climate change may impact local communities, and developing strategies to address these risks.
McAllister & Craig are engaging with municipal staff and the public to gather data which will be used to create a plan that ensures climate risks are identified and communities are prepared and protected.
Statement on the Passing of Former Councillor
Statement on the Passing of Former Councillor, Gloria Marie LeBlanc
Gloria Marie LeBlanc was a remarkable woman who touched the lives of many. She was a shining example of strength, kindness, and dedication. As a nurse, devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she made a meaningful difference in the lives of those around her.
For 19 years, Gloria served as Councillor for District 2 (Margaree/St. Joseph du Moine), where she was a steadfast advocate for her residents, working tirelessly to address the issues that mattered most to her community. Her unwavering dedication, sharp wit, and strong will made her a respected and formidable presence, and her legacy will continue to inspire those who follow in her footsteps.
With Gloria’s passing on December 17, 2025, we, the Warden, Council Members, and staff of the Municipality of Inverness County, extend our deepest condolences to Harry, her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. May you find comfort in the love and support of those around you, and may her memory be a blessing to all who knew her.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Warden Bonny MacIsaac
On behalf of Municipality of Inverness County
Holiday Waste Collection Schedule
December 16, 2025
Public Service Announcement: Holiday Waste Collection Schedule
The Municipality of Inverness County is advising residents of the waste collection schedule for the upcoming holiday season:
- Thursday, December 25: there will be no collection on Christmas Day. Instead, there will be a makeup collection for Thursday routes on Tuesday, December 30.
- Friday, December 26: there will be no collection on Boxing Day. Instead, there will be a double collection on Friday, January 2.
- Thursday, January 1: no collection on New Year’s Day. Instead, there will be a double collection on Thursday, January 8.
Collection will not be impacted on December 24th or December 31st.
For reminders and updates, download the Recycle Cape Breton app or visit https://invernesscounty.ca/services/sortitout/.
Municipal Housing Corporation Announces New CEO
December 8, 2025
County of Inverness Municipal Housing Corporation Announces New CEO
The County of Inverness Municipal Housing Corporation, which oversees the operation of two long-term care homes and two small options homes in Inverness County, is pleased to announce the appointment of Frank Nelson as its incoming Chief Executive Officer. He will succeed Stephen Doiron, who has served in the inaugural CEO role since September 2022.
A resident of South Lake Ainslie, Nelson brings 15 years of senior administrative leadership within a large long-term care organization. He also has more than ten years of management experience with a not-for-profit healthcare organization that provided medical insurance counselling and client advocacy services to older adults and persons with disabilities.
“I’m thrilled to have an opportunity to share my experience and knowledge so close to home and look forward to advancing the County of Inverness Municipal Housing Corporation’s many initiatives to improve care for residents, their caregivers, and the dedicated staff in each of our facilities,” said Nelson.
Frank Nelson will assume the CEO position on December 8, 2025, beginning a transition process alongside the outgoing CEO.
About the County of Inverness Municipal Housing Corporation
The County of Inverness Municipal Housing Corporation (CIMHC) is a not-for-profit corporation comprised of four separate entities: two long-term care homes; Inverary Manor, (Inverness) and Foyer Père Fiset (Chéticamp) and two small option homes; Koster Huis (Mabou) and Port Hood Small Options (Port Hood).
PSA: Port Hastings Water System Impacts on Monday, December 8
The Municipality of Inverness County would like to advise that the Town of Port Hawkesbury will be completing a final water system connection (“tie-in”) on Monday, December 8, 2025, as part of a construction project. (A tie-in is simply the last step where new pipes or equipment are connected to the existing water system.)
During the Town of Port Hawkesbury’s work on December 8, the Port Hastings water system will be isolated from the Town of Port Hawkesbury’s system. During that time, all customers on the Port Hastings water system will be supplied by the Port Hastings water storage tank.
Customers of the Port Hastings municipal water system will not be impacted while this work is underway, however during the morning of Tuesday, Dec. 9, they may experience temporary water discolouration or reduced water pressure while the system is flushed. In the event of discolouration, run cold water until it is clear. If possible, avoid laundry or heavy water use during the shutoff on December 8.
The municipality thanks residents for their patience while this important work is completed.
Notice: Facilities Closure
December 10, 2025
Municipal Facilities and Offices Closed on Wednesday, December 17
The Municipality of Inverness County advises residents that all offices and facilities will be closed on Wednesday, December 17 for staff training. The following facilities will be closed:
- Strathlorne Municipal Recycling Facility – 15109 Highway 19, Strathlorne
- Kenloch Waste Management Facility – 420 West Lake Ainslie Rd., Inverness
- Recreation and Community Wellness Office – 186 High Rd., Port Hood
- Municipal Administration Building – 375 Main St., Port Hood
Solid waste collection will not be impacted. In case of a water or wastewater emergency, call 1-866-258-0223, select option 9.
Facilities will reopen for regular hours on Thursday, December 18.
16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
December 4, 2025
Council Marks 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
At the Regular Meeting of Council on Thursday, December 4, Inverness County Warden Bonny MacIsaac recognized the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. This campaign runs every year from November 25 to December 10. Its goal is to raise awareness about violence toward women, girls, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and to encourage action to prevent it.
The campaign begins on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and ends on International Human Rights Day. It also includes December 6, the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. This day honours the 14 women who were killed in the 1989 École Polytechnique Massacre because they were women.
Gender-based violence continues to affect many people in Nova Scotia. If you are experiencing violence or abuse, you can call or text 211, or visit ns.211.ca, to learn about supports and services in the province.
Council Repeals Bylaw 50
December 4, 2025
Municipality of Inverness County Council Repeals Municipal Bylaw 50
At the Regular Meeting of Council on Thursday, December 4, the Municipality of the County of Inverness Council voted to repeal Municipal Bylaw 50: Bylaw Amending Bylaw 30 – Capital Cost of Sewer and Water. The repeal comes as part of an ongoing bylaw modernization process.
Bylaw 50 was originally created to amend Bylaw 30 by adding a frontage rate (connection charge) for Maple St. residents in Inverness who were connected to the water and wastewater system. However, in October 2025, Council adopted a Municipal Fees Policy that included the same fees found in Bylaw 50, making Bylaw 50 redundant.
Council voted to repeal Bylaw 50 and not replace it.
All municipal bylaws are available online. Print copies are available at the Municipal Administration Building (375 Main St., Port Hood) during regular business hours (8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday – Friday).
This notice is published in accordance with the Municipal Government Act, Section 169.
Recycling Changes Launch: What it Means for Inverness County
December 1, 2025
Recycling Changes Launch Across the Province: What it Means for Inverness County
Starting December 1, Nova Scotia will launch a new residential recycling model that shifts responsibility from municipalities to the producers of packaging and paper products. This change is part of the province’s extended producer responsibility (EPR) initiative, designed to divert more waste away from landfills.
Impacts in Inverness County
The Municipality of Inverness County has opted into the EPR program. Under this new model, recycling operations will now be overseen by Circular Materials, a national non-profit organization.
However, residents will not see any changes to their curbside collection routines. The Municipality will continue to provide residential curbside pickup and remains available to assist residents with questions about solid waste and recycling.
What’s New in Blue Bags
With the introduction of EPR, several new items can now be placed in blue bag recycling, including:
Blue Bag 1 (Paper):
- Paper laminate packaging, such as:
- flour bags
- pet food bags
- popcorn bags
- Cardboard boxes, such as:
- Pizza boxes
- Food wrappers, such as:
- muffin wrappers
- burger wrappers
- sandwich wrappers
- Laminated paper
Blue Bag 2 (Plastics & containers):
- Multi-layer containers, such as:
- hot and cold beverage cups (disposable coffee cups)
- ice cream cartons
- cookie dough spiral cans
- frozen juice spiral cans
- potato chip spiral cans
- Plastic tubes, including:
- toothpaste
- deodorant
- hand cream containers
- Small item plastic packaging, such as:
- bottles/pumps
- candy/gum containers
- pails
- garden pots
- seedling trays
For a detailed list of accepted materials, visit invernesscounty.ca/sortitout to view the Residential Curbside Collection Guide.
Items No Longer Accepted
Books will no longer be accepted in blue bag recycling. Residents are encouraged to donate them to local thrift stores. If this option is not suitable, books may be placed in regular curbside garbage (black bags).
Curbside Collection and Support
Curbside collection schedules and routines remain unchanged.
Residents with questions about collection in Inverness County can continue to contact the Municipality at waste@invernesscounty.ca or by calling 1-866-258-0223 (option 1).
To stay informed on schedules and sorting guidance, download the Recycle Cape Breton App for Android or iOS, or visit invernesscounty.ca/sortitout.
Santa for Seniors 2025
November 27, 2025
Santa for Seniors Program Spreads Holiday Cheer Across the Municipality
The Municipality Inverness County Recreation & Community Wellness Department is once again inviting residents to get involved with “Santa for Seniors” this holiday season. The Santa for Seniors program connects local students with older adults (55+) by providing handmade gifts and cards to bring extra warmth, recognition, and joy at this time of year.
The municipal Seniors Safety Program supports older adults throughout the municipality by providing access to information through Age Well lunch-and-learn sessions, assistance with grant applications, and recreation-based programming tailored to seniors. Working closely with seniors’ clubs and seniors-serving organizations, the program helps address the needs of older adults, particularly in rural and remote communities.
The Santa for Seniors initiative offers a special, handmade holiday gift created by local students. The goal is to brighten the season for seniors who may be experiencing loneliness or isolation, while fostering meaningful intergenerational connections within our communities.
This year, the Recreation & Community Wellness Department has partnered with local schools including Bayview Education Centre, Whycocomagh Education Centre, and Inverness Education Centre/Academy. Students will participate in craft-making workshops to design cards and gifts that will be distributed to Santa for Seniors participants.
Community members are encouraged to register themselves or a friend to receive one of these thoughtful, handmade gifts. The program is open to individuals aged 55 and over.
Residents without internet access or those who have questions about the program are invited to contact:
Anna Solomon
Accessibility & Seniors Safety Coordinator
Phone: (902) 615-3670
Email: Anna.Solomon@invernesscounty.ca
To learn more about seniors activities within the Municipality of Inverness County, visit invernesscounty.ca/seniors.