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Capital Campaign Launch with Open House Sessions
Capital Campaign Launch with Open House Sessions

Capital Campaign Launch with Open House Sessions

Capital Campaign Launch for Port Hood Community Park with Open House Sessions

The Municipality of Inverness County, in support of and partnership with the Port Hood Community Park Planning Committee, is excited to announce the launch of a capital fundraising campaign to bring a new community park to life, and they’re inviting the community to be part of it.

This vibrant new park will be built in the heart of Port Hood, on land generously donated by Ted & Hermina vanZutphen located at the corner of Main St. and Wharf Rd., site of the former Port Hood Consolidated School. The vision is to create an inclusive space where residents of all ages can play, connect, and grow together.

The Municipality will be hosting two open-house sessions in early December and is inviting members of the public to stop by at either scheduled time to learn more about the project and capital campaign, and opportunities to be a part of it.

Event Details:

  • Date: Thursday, December 4, 2025
  • Time: 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
  • Location: Municipal Council Chambers, 375 Main St., Port Hood
  • What to expect: Drop-in style session with a chance to speak with members of the park planning committee and municipal staff, learn about the capital campaign and opportunities to become involved in the project, and enjoy light refreshments.

The capital campaign goal is to raise $500,000 in a combination of financial and in-kind contributions. In-kind support may include land preparation, construction services, equipment, landscaping, and sustainable design features (benches, picnic tables, fencing) that will ensure the park’s long-term success. Campaign contributions will support a portion of park construction costs.

There will be naming opportunities for significant contributions, and all donations over $50 will be eligible for a charitable tax receipt.

“To secure provincial and federal funding, we need to show that the Port Hood community is behind this project, in both spirit and financial commitment,” said Keith MacDonald, Municipality of Inverness County Chief Administrative Officer “Every contribution, large or small, helps demonstrate that Port Hood values accessible, shared spaces for recreation and connection.”

Members of the planning committee will be reaching out to local businesses in the coming weeks. Community members and supporters will also have an opportunity to contribute to the fundraising goal and become involved in the project. Join us at either open house session on December 4 to learn more!

You can also visit Port Hood Community Park Project | Municipality of the County of Inverness .

PSA: Mabou Voluntary Water Conservation Directive

Public Service Announcement: Mabou Transitioning from Mandatory to Voluntary Water Conservation Directive

November 20, 2025

Thanks to the efforts of residents, Mabou is transitioning from a mandatory water conservation directive to a voluntary directive for users of the Mabou municipal water system.

While water conservation is no longer required by mandate, it remains strongly encouraged to help ensure the long-term sustainability of our water supply.

Water Conservation Tips:

  • Take short showers and avoid baths.
  • Turn off taps when brushing teeth or washing dishes.
  • Only run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads.
  • Keep a bottle of water in the fridge to avoid running the tap for cold water.
  • Limit toilet flushing.
  • Avoid non-essential outdoor water use.
  • Promptly repair any leaks in and around taps and plumbing.

To learn more about water conservation, visit Water & Wastewater | Municipality of the County of Inverness .

Detect and Report Leaks:

Leaks can waste thousands of litres of water and often go unnoticed. Watch for:

  • Persistent puddles or soggy ground
  • Running water or unexplained streams
  • Sudden drops in water pressure

If you suspect a water leak in your community, please report it immediately by calling 1-866-258-0223, select option #9.

Should water tower levels drop, a mandatory water conservation advisory will be re-issued. The municipality thanks you for your cooperation and understanding.

On November 4, 2025, the Municipality of Inverness County issued a mandatory water conservation directive due as water levels were critically low due to an extended period of dry weather this fall and not enough groundwater replenishment.

Bylaw Modernization: Council Seeking Public Feedback

Municipality of Inverness County Council Seeks Feedback: Municipal Bylaw 50

November 20, 2025

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

Bylaw 50:

Current: This bylaw was created to amend Bylaw 30: Capital Cost of Sewer and Water, adding a frontage rate (connection charge) for residents of Maple St. Inverness, accessing the Inverness water and wastewater system. This street was not included in the original Capital Cost of Sewer & Water Construction bylaw.

Proposed Change: Repeal Bylaw 50 as a Municipal Fees Policy was adopted in October 2025 by Council, making this bylaw redundant. The fees outlined in Bylaw 50 are now included in the new fees policy.

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, December 4 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 December 3, 2025, to:

Debbie Nicholson
375 Main St.
PO Box 179
Port Hood, NS B0E 2W0
Email: Debbie.Nicholson@invernesscounty.ca

Copies of all municipal 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.

 

 

 

PSA: Port Hood Fire Hydrant Replacement

November 19, 2025

Public Service Announcement: Port Hood Fire Hydrant Replacement – Temporary Water Service Disruption

The Municipality of Inverness County advises that municipal staff will be on site replacing a fire hydrant in Port Hood on Thursday, November 20. As a result, nearby residents will temporarily experience water discolouration and low water pressure, with a potential for temporary loss of service.

Date: Thursday, November 20

Start Time: Work will begin at 7:00 a.m. Residents will likely notice low water pressure and discolouration shortly after.

Traffic Impacts: traffic control will be on site near Little Mabou Rd. starting at 8:30 a.m. for the duration of the work.

Fire Hydrant Location: Across Main St. from Little Mabou Rd.

Affected Area: The isolation area for the work runs between Convent St. and Little Mabou Rd. Users of the municipal water system in that area and north towards Marble Hill will be impacted during the repair.

See Map

How to Prepare

In case of loss of service, the Municipality advises residents to prepare by:

  • Filling containers with drinking water in advance
  • Filling a bathtub to have water available for flushing toilets

The duration of the work will depend on site conditions. Please monitor the Municipality’s website and Facebook for updates regarding service restoration.

Please share this advisory widely with neighbours, friends, and visitors to ensure everyone stays informed.

The Municipality thanks residents for their patience and cooperation and apologizes for any inconvenience this work may cause.

Update: Foyer Père Fiset Flood Restoration Work Complete

A facility issue at Foyer Père Fiset Nursing Home in Chéticamp on Wednesday, October 8, caused flooding within the facility. Two residential wings were affected, impacting 44 of the home’s 70 residents.

Restoration efforts have officially concluded, ahead of schedule, and a deep cleaning of the affected rooms and living spaces is underway.

Twenty-five residents who were temporarily relocated to other long-term care facilities in Cape Breton will gradually return to Foyer Père Fiset in the next few weeks.

The County of Inverness Municipal Housing Corporation would like to extend sincere appreciation for the support, effort and professionalism displayed by everyone involved and looks forward to seeing Foyer Père Fiset residents return.

Update: Bylaw Modernization Process

November 17, 2025

Council Continues Bylaw Modernization Process, Repeals Bylaws 20, 21, 24, 40

At the Regular Meeting of Council on Thursday, November 13, the Council of the Municipality of the County of Inverness agreed to repeal four Municipal Bylaws. The decision to repeal the bylaws was made as part of an ongoing bylaw modernization process. Effective Friday, November 14, the following bylaws are no longer in effect:

i. Bylaw 20 – Trailers Bylaw
As trailer regulations are now covered under the Municipality’s Land Use Bylaw and Municipal Planning Strategy, Bylaw 20 was repealed and not replaced.

ii. Bylaw 21 – Trailer Courts Bylaw
Trailer court regulations are now covered under the Municipality’s Land Use Bylaw and Municipal Planning Strategy, so Bylaw 21 was repealed and not replaced.

iii. Bylaw 24 – Development Officer Bylaw
This bylaw outlined the relationship between Council and the Eastern District Planning Commission (EDPC). Council and the Director of EDPC have established clear and directive practices, so Bylaw 24 was out of date. It has been repealed and not replaced.

iv. Bylaw 40 – Bylaw Respecting Relief from Liability
This bylaw outlined how the Municipality discharged sewage and wastewater, but the language was vague. New bylaws and policies better address the matters in more detail; therefore, Bylaw 40 was outdated and unnecessary. It was repealed and not replaced.

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.

Foyer Père Fiset Flood

November 5, 2025

Update: October Foyer Père Fiset Flood

A wastewater backup at Foyer Père Fiset Nursing Home in Chéticamp on Wednesday, October 8, caused significant flooding within the facility. Two residential wings were affected, impacting 44 of the home’s 70 residents.

Restoration efforts have been ongoing since the incident and are expected to be completed by early December.

Initially, 10 residents were temporarily relocated to other long-term care facilities in Cape Breton. Over the past few weeks, that number has increased to 25, with residents moved to facilities in Inverness, Glace Bay, Sydney, and Port Hawkesbury.

Foyer Père Fiset has 60 long-term care and 10 residential care rooms. Currently, 39 residents remain on-site. The facility anticipates that some residents will be able to return to their rooms before all restoration work is completed. Affected residents, family and next-of-kin will be updated accordingly.

Appreciation continues for the staff at Foyer Père Fiset and the other long-term care facilities across the island for their ongoing support to reduce any disruption to residents in care.

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

PSA: Mandatory Water Conservation Directive – Mabou Water System

November 4, 2025

Public Service Announcement: Mandatory Water Conservation Directive for Users of the Mabou Water System

Water levels in the Mabou water system are critically low due to an extended period of dry weather this fall and not enough groundwater replenishment. As a result, the Municipality of Inverness County is issuing a mandatory water conservation directive for all Mabou residents connected to the municipal system. Municipal staff are working to increase the water supply by bringing a second well online.

Although we are currently experiencing rain, it takes time for precipitation to have a meaningful impact on well levels. Until the water supply can be increased, everyone must reduce water use to protect the system and ensure a safe, reliable supply for all residents.

This directive takes effect immediately (Tuesday, November 4) and will remain in place until water storage levels return to a safe and stable level.

Water Conservation Tips:
  • Take short showers and avoid baths.
  • Turn off taps when brushing teeth or washing dishes.
  • Only run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads.
  • Keep a bottle of water in the fridge to avoid running the tap for cold water.
  • Limit toilet flushing.
  • Avoid non-essential outdoor water use.
  • Promptly repair any leaks in and around taps and plumbing.

To learn more about water conservation, visit invernesscounty.ca/services/infraemerg.

Detect and Report Leaks:

Leaks can waste thousands of litres of water and often go unnoticed. Watch for:

  • Persistent puddles or soggy ground
  • Running water or unexplained streams
  • Sudden drops in water pressure

If you suspect a water leak in your community, please report it immediately by calling 1-866-258-0223, select option #9.

Enforcement

According to the Municipality’s Water Utility Rules & Regulations:

The Water Utility can require customers to conserve water if it believes conservation is necessary to maintain reliable service for everyone. If a conservation directive is in place and a customer does not follow it, their water service may be temporarily shut off. Service will be restored once the customer agrees to follow the directive or when the directive is lifted.

There is a fee to reconnect water service: $60 during regular working hours or $160 outside regular working hours.

Conserving water is a shared responsibility, and every drop counts.

The Municipality thanks residents for their cooperation.

Please note: the other six water systems in the municipality remain under a voluntary water conservation advisory.

Youth Sewing Workshop Recap

October 28, 2025

Youth Learn to Sew and Reduce Waste During Waste Reduction Week

Building on the success of previous intergenerational programs—like the popular youth cooking classes held in Mabou last spring—the Municipality of Inverness County hosted a youth sewing workshop on Wednesday, October 22, as part of Waste Reduction Week celebrations.

Seven children, ages 5 to 11, joined instructor Josephine Williams to learn basic sewing skills and create one-of-a-kind bags from thrifted flannel shirts. The hands-on activity encouraged creativity and introduced youth to practical repair and upcycling skills—showing how simple actions can give textiles a new life and keep them out of the landfill.

Solid Waste Educator Nicole Latimer, who organized the event, said she received enthusiastic feedback from both parents and participants, including stories of kids going home to teach their grandparents the sewing techniques they had learned.

“It’s exciting to see young people take an interest in repairing and reusing,” said Latimer. “These small skills can make a big difference—not just for reducing waste, but for building confidence and independence.”

Workshops like this one help youth gain the confidence to make small clothing repairs—such as hemming pants, mending seams, or sewing on buttons—skills that can extend the life of clothing and reduce textile waste. Textiles such as clothing and blankets are one of the fastest-growing types of waste in Nova Scotia, making up nearly 18% of landfill space in 2023.

Waste Reduction Week

Organized each October during Circular Economy Month, Waste Reduction Week encourages Canadians to rethink how they use and reuse everyday items. This year, Divert Nova Scotia’s theme—Swap, Share, Thrift, Repair—focused on extending the life of products through creative reuse and repair. The municipality’s youth sewing workshop reflected that message while continuing its commitment to offering meaningful, skill-building opportunities for young residents.

RFP Issued for Margaree Airstrip Property

RFP Issued for Lease and Use of Margaree Airstrip Property

The Municipality of the County of Inverness has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the lease and future use of municipally owned property located at 604 Big Intervale Rd., Margaree Valley, formerly the site of the Margaree Airport.

The Municipality is seeking proposals from non-profit organizations or private businesses to present plans for the site that will bring meaningful value to the Margaree Valley community.

This property is in District 2 (Margaree/St. Joseph du Moine). To inform the RFP development process, District 2 Councillor Blair Phillips hosted two community meetings to hear residents’ ideas for the future of the site. To gather more input, the municipality also launched a community survey with over 100 responses received.

About the Property:

Originally developed in 1963, the former Margaree Airport occupies a 34-acre (13.75-hectare) parcel and operated as a registered aerodrome until its closure for public use around 2021.

The site includes:

  • Electrical service to the terminal building
  • Well and septic systems
  • Road access via Cranton Crossing Rd. and East Big Intervale Rd. from Margaree Centre.

Key Details: