Healthcare Professionals Recruitment & Retention

May 27, 2025

Municipality of Inverness County Supporting Healthcare Recruitment & Retention

The Municipality of Inverness County recognizes the vital role that healthcare plays in every community and is deeply committed to supporting both current and future healthcare providers across the region.

As part of this commitment, thanks to continued and generous provincial funding from the Office of Healthcare Professionals Recruitment, the municipality has launched a series of new promotional tools, forming a central part of a long-term strategy to attract and retain healthcare professionals in Inverness County.

The cornerstone of this initiative is a compelling new video, featuring personal stories and testimonials from dedicated local healthcare professionals:

• Amelie Maillet, Family Physician at Sacred Heart Community Health Centre and Doctors Nova Scotia’s 2025 Family Physician of the Year
• Jessica Deveaux, Clinical Nurse Lead at Sacred Heart Community Health Centre
• Bhreagh MacDougall, Family Physician at Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital
• Jessica Joshua, Senior Medical Laboratory Technologist at Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital

The video showcases the strength and collaboration within Inverness County’s healthcare community, set against the stunning backdrop of the region’s coastal and rural landscapes. Renowned local author and cartoonist Kate Beaton narrates the video, lending her distinctive voice and heartfelt connection to the area.

To complement the video, the municipality has developed two additional resources:

• An 11-page prospectus, offering a detailed look at what it’s like to live and work in Inverness County
• A two-page summary, providing a quick overview of the region’s key features and opportunities

These materials have already been shared with Nova Scotia Health recruiters and will continue to support a variety of future recruitment campaigns.

“These resources will be a cornerstone in our ongoing efforts to attract and retain healthcare professionals in our region,” said Lynn Carter, Healthcare Navigator for the Municipality. “No one can speak more authentically about the rewards of living and working in Inverness County than the healthcare providers who call it home. We’re deeply grateful for their time, insights, and the heart they brought to these projects.”

To view the video, prospectus and summary, or learn more about healthcare initiatives in Inverness County, please visit: Healthcare | Municipality of the County of Inverness .

Municipality of Inverness County to Host “Walk YOUR Way” Event in Support of Autism Nova Scotia

The Municipality of Inverness County is inviting all residents to participate in the upcoming Autism Nova Scotia Walk YOUR Way event on Saturday, June 7th, 2025. Walk YOUR way celebrates neurodiversity and encourages community inclusion by bringing people together in support of autistic individuals and their families in Inverness County.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, June 7th, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Inverness Education Centre Academy, 59 Veterans Memorial Court, Inverness, NS.

This inclusive, age- friendly walk and community gathering will feature fun, family- friendly activities and a BBQ by donation. The event is part of Autism Nova Scotia’s ongoing mission to create understanding, acceptance, and opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum across the province.

Proceeds and donations from the event will help support Autism Nova Scotia’s Strait Area Chapter who services the region and will support the work across the province, helping to fund programs, services, and advocacy efforts that make a meaningful difference in the lives of autistic individuals and their families.

About Autism Nova Scotia:
Autism Nova Scotia is a provincial organization dedicated to supporting people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as well as their families, caregivers, and professionals. With programs that span the entire lifespan, from early childhood to adulthood, the organization works to create inclusive communities where individuals on the autism spectrum are supported, understood, and empowered to thrive.

About the Municipality of Inverness County:
The Municipality of Inverness County is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible community for all residents. Through the creation of its first EDIA strategy, the municipality aims to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their background, have equal access to services, programs, and opportunities.

Access Awareness Week Nova Scotia

May 26, 2025

May 25 – 31 Proclaimed Access Awareness Week in Inverness County

May 25 – 31, 2025 is Access Awareness Week, which is a time to celebrate achievements made both by and for persons with disabilities in the areas of accessibility, transportation, housing, employment, recreation, education, and communication in Nova Scotia.

The theme for 2025 is “Our Voices, Our Votes: Disability Rights in Action.” This theme honours the critical role that persons with disabilities, along with families and supporters, have played in advocating for meaningful change. Their efforts have contributed to important legislation such as the Nova Scotia Accessibility Act, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and other key human rights advancements.
Additional information about the Disability Rights movement is available at: https://nsleo.com/aawns-take-action/#theme-resources

To acknowledge Access Awareness Week, The Municipality of Inverness County is proudly displaying a flag in Council Chambers at the Municipal Administration Building and shared a proclamation during the Committee of the Whole meeting on May 22. Read the proclamation here

For 39 years, communities across Nova Scotia have hosted events during Access Awareness Week to bring attention to the importance of removing barriers and supporting inclusion. In alignment with this, the Municipality of Inverness County will host an Adaptive Equipment Try-It Event on Friday, May 30 at the Al MacInnis Sports Centre. This event will offer attendees the chance to try adaptive recreation equipment available through the Recreation & Community Wellness Department.

To learn more about the Municipality’s ongoing efforts to reduce barriers for persons with disabilities, click here.

Municipal Bylaw Review – Public Feedback Invited

May 23, 2025

The Council of the Municipality of the County of Inverness Seeks Public Feedback Regarding Municipal Bylaw Review

The Council of the Municipality of the County of Inverness is considering the repeal of three municipal bylaws as part of an ongoing bylaw modernization process. If approved, the following bylaws will be officially repealed:

I. Bylaw Respecting the Repeal of Bylaw 14 – Tax on Commencing Business

Current: New businesses are required to pay a $50 administration fee when opening within the municipality.

Proposed Change: This fee will no longer be required. The municipality no longer charges to open a business in the County. Business registration is done by the Province via Registry of Joint Stocks.

II. Bylaw Respecting the Repeal of Bylaw 22 – Improvement Changes

Current: Property owners are responsible for 50% of the costs related to the installation of permanent curbs, gutters, sidewalks, or pavement, with the municipality covering the other 50%, based on property frontage.

Proposed Change: This bylaw is outdated and no longer relevant to the municipality. In addition, some provisions overlap and are now covered under the Capital Cost of Sidewalk Construction Policy.

III. Bylaw Respecting the Repeal of Bylaw 46 – Amendment to the Service Fees for Payment Cards

Current: Service fees are charged when municipal payments (e.g., property taxes, water bills) are made by credit card.

Proposed Change: These service fees are not required as credit cards are processed by a third-party vendor. Therefore, the bylaw is no longer required as any service fee is charged direct to the payee.

Public Input Welcome

Council invites public input on these proposed changes. Residents may provide written or oral submissions—either in support or opposition—at the next Regular Meeting of Council:

Thursday, June 5 at 9:30 a.m.

Council Chambers, Municipality of Inverness County Administration Building
375 Main Street, Port Hood.

Written submissions must be submitted by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 4 to:

Debbie Nicholson

PO Box 179

Port Hood, NS B0E 2W0

Email: Debbie.Nicholson@invernesscounty.ca

Copies of the bylaws are available online at invernesscounty.ca/government/bylaws/ and in print at the Municipal Administration Building during regular business hours (8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday).

This notice is published in accordance with the Municipal Government Act, Section 168.

Changes Introduced at Kenloch Waste Management Facility

Friday, May 23, 2025

Changes Introduced at Kenloch Waste Management Facility: New Tipping Fees for Construction & Demolition Materials and Non-Residential Waste

The Municipality of Inverness County will implement new tipping fees at the Kenloch Waste Management Facility for construction and demolition (C&D) materials and non-residential waste, effective Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

These updated fees are being introduced to better reflect the rising operational and transportation costs associated with processing and diverting waste in accordance with current provincial regulations.

Residential regular solid waste will not be impacted by these fees.

What Qualifies as Construction & Demolition Material?
Construction and demolition materials include, but are not limited to:

• Clean and treated lumber (excluding creosote-treated lumber)
• Drywall
• Asphalt shingles
• Concrete and masonry (bricks, tiles, blocks)
• Metals, glass, insulation, and plaster
• Flooring (e.g., laminate, hardwood, ceramic tile)
• Fixtures, cabinetry, windows, and doors

New Tipping Fee Structure for C&D Waste: Effective September 2, 2025
Previous rates, unchanged since 2006, were $75/metric tonne for mixed loads and $30/metric tonne for sorted C&D debris.

Starting September 2, new rates are as follows:

• Sorted Load (C&D materials separated by type): $48.00/metric tonne
• Unsorted Load (C&D materials not separated): $110.00/metric tonne
• Mixed Load (C&D materials combined with garbage, recyclables, organics, or banned materials): $235.00/metric tonne

New Tipping Fee for Non-Residential Waste: Effective September 2, 2025
For the first time, the municipality will introduce a tipping fee for non-residential residual waste (garbage).

• New Rate: $97.20 per metric tonne

This change means businesses will now be charged for garbage disposal, whether delivered directly or via a waste hauler. Commercial customers are advised to contact their service providers to discuss potential impacts on collection rates.

Why Are These Changes Being Made?
“These changes are necessary to ensure we can cover the operational and transportation costs required to sustain this vital community service,” said Keith MacDonald, Chief Administrative Officer, Municipality of Inverness County. “We understand that change takes time, similar to the transition during the treated lumber ban, we are committed to supporting residents and businesses throughout this process.”

Following updated regulations from the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Climate Change, as of March 28, 2025, the Kenloch facility is no longer approved to operate as a construction and demolition landfill. While the municipality explored the development of a new C&D landfill, regulatory, environmental, space, and financial constraints made the project unfeasible.

As a result, all C&D materials brought to the Kenloch facility will now be transported to the GFL Environmental Landfill in Boylston, Guysborough, or to another approved diversion facility based on material type and condition.

Proper sorting is essential to ensure compliance and to support waste reduction and recycling efforts.

Waste Reduction Support Services
The municipality continues to offer several services to help residents manage waste responsibly:

• Weekly curbside waste collection
• Annual Residential Bulky Waste Collection (spring)
• Household Hazardous Waste Collection
  • Next event: June 5 in Judique and Margaree

For updates, sorting guides, and more, please visit Waste & Recycling | Municipality of the County of Inverness .

Looking Ahead
“The Municipality of Inverness County is committed to building strong partnerships with our neighboring communities and identifying responsible, cost-effective solutions for waste management,” said Warden Bonny MacIsaac. “Our goal is to protect the environment while investing in a healthier, more sustainable future for our residents.”

Kenloch Waste Management Facility staff will use the next three months to educate residents and businesses about these upcoming changes.

For questions, please contact the Solid Waste Team by emailing waste@invernesscounty.ca or calling, toll-free 1-866-258-0223, selection Option #1.

Announcement – New Online Recreation Registration

May 21, 2025

Municipality of Inverness County Launches New Online Registration Platform

The Municipality of Inverness County is pleased to announce the upcoming launch of a new online registration platform for all recreation programs and equipment loan opportunities. Over the coming weeks, the municipality will transition to PlayFinder a community navigation and registration tool designed to better serve residents.

What is Playfinder?

PlayFinder (formerly Sport Hub) is a user-friendly, Nova Scotia-built platform designed to simplify the way residents access municipal recreation services. Developed with small communities in mind, PlayFinder enhances the registration experience with modern features and improved accessibility.

Key Benefits of PlayFinder:

• Secure online payments via credit card
• Streamlined family profile management, allowing all household members to register under one account
• Improved access to recreation programs and equipment loans in the county
• Mobile-friendly platform for easy registration on-the-go
• Dedicated local customer support from the PlayFinder team

What This Means for Users:

• All current users of the existing registration system will be automatically migrated to PlayFinder.
• On Wednesday, May 28th, users will receive an email invitation from PlayFinder (Support@PlayFinder.ca). This email will include a link to create a password and complete your new account setup.
• If you do not receive the email, please check your spam or junk folder. You can also contact support@playfinder.ca for help or simply create a new account directly on the PlayFinder website.
• If you prefer not to have your account transferred, please email calder@invernesscounty.ca before May 28th.

Once your account is set up, you’ll have full access to all recreation registration and equipment loan opportunities offered by the Municipality of Inverness County.

For questions about recreation programming, please contact krista.macinnis@invernesscounty.ca. For general transition or account concerns, reach out to jason.calder@invernesscounty.ca. For platform-specific support, the PlayFinder team can be contacted anytime at support@playfinder.ca.

Municipal summer recreation program registration will take place early June. More details to follow.

The Municipality of Inverness County and Playfinder appreciates your patience and support during this exciting transition to serve you better.

Public Engagement Session – Port Hood Park

You’re invited: Port Hood Community Park Public Engagement Session

Work is well underway on designing a new vibrant community park project in the heart of Port Hood. To support the ongoing design process, residents are invited to attend a public engagement session to learn more and share their input.

Date: Tuesday, June 3, 2025

Time: 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Location: St. Peter’s Parish Hall, Port Hood

What to expect:

Design consultants from Glenn Group Landscape Architects and Park Planners will present potential design concepts based on community input gathered to date, including feedback from a recent online survey. This is a chance for residents to view the initial plans and provide additional ideas or comments to help shape the next phase of the design.

Next steps:

Following the engagement session, a revised design will be developed. Once finalized and funding is secured, the project will move into the construction phase.

For more information or if you have questions about the project, visit Port Hood Community Park Project, email construction@invernesscounty.ca or call 1-866-258-0223, select option #5.

June Physical Activity Challenge Announced

Municipality of Inverness County Gears up for ParticipACTION Community Challenge

The ParticipACTION Community Challenge presented by Novo Nordisk, is back, and the Municipality of Inverness County is ready to get moving!

This national initiative encourages individuals and communities across Canada to embrace the benefits of physical activity, both for health and for fun. The challenge also brings a significant opportunity: the chance to be named Canada’s Most Active Community and earn a $100,000 prize to invest in local sport and recreation activities.

The Municipality of Inverness County is calling on residents to take part!

Here’s how you can join the movement:

• Local organizations: Register your June physical activity programs and events on the ParticipACTION website. Track participation to help the municipality’s chance of winning.
• Individuals: Sign up on the ParticipACTION website and take the pledge to be active throughout June, whether at home, school, work, or in your neighbourhood. Every step counts!

“We’ve consistently been ranked among the top communities in Nova Scotia, and we’re ready to push even harder this year!” said Jason Calder, Recreation Program Coordinator. In fact, in 2023 Inverness County was crowned the Most Active Community in Nova Scotia. This year, we are aiming to be the most active in Canada!”

Municipal Challenge

To support the ParticipACTION Community Challenge, the municipality will also be running a physical activity challenge throughout June. Starting June 1, residents can submit their minutes of activity (e.g. 120 minutes of activity) by email to recreation@invernesscounty.ca to compete for prizes of fitness equipment and gift cards from the Recreation & Community Wellness Department.

Participants are also welcome to include photos with their submissions to help celebrate active living in our communities. Sharing a photo is optional, but submitted images may be featured on the Municipality’s Facebook page.

About the ParticipACTION Community Challenge

The Community Challenge is a national physical activity and sport initiative that encourages everyone in Canada to get active throughout June in search of Canada’s Most Active Community. The challenge is open to all communities and individuals, ultimately recognizing Canada’s Most Active Community and awarding it $100,000 to support local physical activity and sport initiatives. In addition to the national winner, there is also a prize for the most active community in each province and territory as well as organization prizing.

The ParticipACTION Community Challenge presented by Novo Nordisk is proudly funded by the Government of Canada and Novo Nordisk.

Household Hazardous Waste Drop Off Events Announced

May 9, 2025

Municipality of Inverness County Announces Spring 2025 Residential Household Hazardous Waste Drop Off Events

The Municipality of Inverness County will host two Household Hazardous Waste Residential Household Hazardous Waste Drop Off Events on Thursday, June 5, 2025. These events, which are free to residents of the municipality, provide residents with an opportunity to safely and conveniently dispose of hazardous materials that are not collected through regular waste collection or accepted at municipal waste management facilities.

Event Details:

Judique Firehall

30 River Denys Rd. Judique

4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Margaree Firemen’s Club

7811 Cabot Trail, Margaree Forks

4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Accepted materials:

• 1lb propane cylinders
• Household cleaners
• Pesticides
• Bleach
• Fire extinguishers
• Helium tanks
• Pool chemicals
• Paint thinner/Varsol

Commercial and biohazardous waste will not be accepted.

Residents are encouraged to use the Waste Wizard online at www.invernesscounty.ca/services/sortitout/ for questions regarding waste disposal. Broader questions regarding solid waste may be directed to waste@invernesscounty.ca or by calling toll-free 1-866-258-0223, select option #1.

Statement: Lapu-Lapu Festival, British Columbia

May 2, 2025

Municipality of Inverness County Statement: Lapu-Lapu Festival, British Columbia

On this day of mourning in British Columbia, we, the Warden, Council Members, and staff of the Municipality of Inverness County extend our deepest condolences to the Filipino community. The recent tragedy during the Lapu-Lapu Festival in British Columbia was a senseless act that has caused profound grief and loss.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have been affected, and with all members of the Filipino Canadian community during this difficult time, including those who call Inverness County home. We share in your sorrow.

As a municipality that values diversity, inclusion, and the strength of multicultural communities, we recognize the immense contributions of Filipino Canadians to the social, cultural, and economic fabric of our province. This loss is felt by us all.

May those who have been lost rest in peace, and may their loved ones find comfort and strength in the support of their communities and neighbors.

With heartfelt sympathy,

Warden Bonny MacIsaac
On behalf of Municipality of Inverness County