British Home Child Day

September 22, 2025

County of Inverness Joins Communities Across Canada in Honouring British Home Children

At the Committee of the Whole meeting on Thursday, September 18^th, the Council of the Municipality of Inverness County proclaimed Sunday, September 28^th as British Home Child Day in the County.

National British Home Child Day was declared by the Government of Canada in 2018 to recognize the lives and legacies of the over 100,000 British Home Children sent to Canada between the late 19^th century and the 1970s. An estimated 300 children landed between Inverness and Victoria counties, particularly in Whycocomagh and surrounding area. These children came from poor and marginalized families in the British Isles and were sent abroad under child migration schemes. Many endured harsh conditions and were placed as labourers on farms or as domestic workers. Contrary to popular belief, only 12% were true orphans. Many grew up ashamed and unable to speak about their experiences, though they contributed greatly to Canadian society, with over 25,000 enlisting in the World Wars.

Today it is estimated that over four million Canadians are descendants of British Home Children.

Proclamation

The Beacons of Light Tribute

Since 2019, Beacons of Light has united Canadians in remembrance by illuminating landmarks, monuments, and buildings in red, white, and blue, or in yellow—the latter representing Home Children Canada’s floral emblem, the sunflower.

Individuals are invited to participate in the “Porch Light Tribute” by leaving their outdoor lights on overnight on September 28, symbolically leaving the light on for children who never made it home.

For more information, visit:
homechildrencanada.com
britishhomechildren.com

Municipal Planning Strategy & Land Use Bylaw In Effect

September 11, 2025

Municipal Planning Strategy & Land Use Bylaw Approved and Now in Effect

The Municipality of Inverness County’s new Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use Bylaw officially came into effect today, September 11, 2025.

This milestone follows provincial legislation passed in 2018 (Bill 58), which mandates that all municipalities in Nova Scotia ensure their entire jurisdiction is governed by an approved Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use Bylaw.

In response, the Municipality launched Plan Inverness, a comprehensive initiative to develop updated planning documents tailored to the region’s needs. This work was completed as part of Plan Eastern, a collaborative planning initiative with the counties of Antigonish, Richmond, and Victoria, aimed at delivering consistent land use planning across Eastern Nova Scotia.

Public Engagement & Approval Process

To ensure transparency and community involvement, the Municipality, in partnership with the Eastern District Planning Commission (EDPC), hosted two public hearings:

March 19, 2025 – Focused on proposed wind turbine regulations
May 22, 2025 – Addressed the full Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use Bylaw

Additional public information sessions were held, where residents had the opportunity to review draft documents, speak directly with EDPC representatives, and ask questions.

On March 19th, 2025, Municipal Council formally adopted the amended Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use Bylaw Concerning the Regulation of Wind Turbine Development. On May 22, 2025, Municipal Council formally adopted the proposed Plan Inverness Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use Bylaw. The documents were then submitted to the Nova Scotia Department of Municipal Affairs for ministerial review.

The Minister has approved both documents, with amendments.

To learn more about the amendments, review both Ministerial letters here:

In Effect as of Today

As of September 11, 2025, the new Plan Inverness – Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use Bylaw and the amended Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use Bylaw Concerning the Regulation of Wind Turbine Development are officially in effect. These documents provide the regulatory framework to guide future growth and development across the Municipality.

Access the Documents

The documents can be found online here:

About Eastern District Planning Commission:

In Nova Scotia, it is a legal requirement to obtain development and/or building permits before starting any construction on a site or building. For residents of the Municipality of Inverness County, these services are provided by Eastern District Planning Commission (EDPC).

Whycocomagh Boil Water Advisory Lifted

Public Service Announcement: Boil Water Advisory Lifted – Whycocomagh

The Municipality of Inverness County advises that the Boil Water Advisory for users of the Whycocomagh water system has been lifted.

If you suspect a water leak, please call the emergency line at 902-258-5048.

The municipality thanks the community for their patience and cooperation. Please share this message with friends, family, and neighbors who may not receive this notice.

Whycocomagh Boil Water Advisory Continutes

August 31, 2025

Public Service Announcement: Boil Water Advisory Continues – Whycocomagh

The Municipality of Inverness County advises that the Boil Water Advisory issued on August 29 for users of the Whycocomagh water system remains in place at this time.

All Whycocomagh water users are advised to continue to:

Bring tap water to a rolling boil for at least one to two minutes before use.
Allow water to cool before using it for:
- Drinking
- Making ice
- Brushing teeth
- Washing dishes
- Preparing food and beverages

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

The Municipality of Inverness County apologizes for any inconvenience and thanks residents for their patience and cooperation as we work to restore safe and reliable water service.

Whycocomagh Water System Boil Water Advisory

August 29, 2025

Public Service Announcement: Boil Water Advisory – Whycocomagh Water System

The Municipality of Inverness County is issuing a Boil Water Advisory for all users of the Whycocomagh water system, following a water leak reported earlier today, August 29, on Milford Rd., Whycocomagh. This boil water advisory is expected to remain in place until at least Sunday, August 31, at 10 a.m.

At this time, all Whycocomagh water users are advised to:

Bring tap water to a rolling boil for at least one to two minutes before use.
Allow water to cool before using it for:
- Drinking
- Making ice
- Brushing teeth
- Washing dishes
- Preparing food and beverages

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

Please note, the water leak reported earlier today, August 29, on Milford Rd., Whycocomagh has been repaired. Water services previously disrupted for residents of Milford Rd. and Bayview Dr. will return this evening.

Although the water system repair work is now complete on Milford Rd., the site requires further work to restore it to its original condition. Municipal staff will return Tuesday, Sept. 2 to finish this work. Until then, residents are asked to use caution when driving in the area.

The Municipality of Inverness County apologizes for any inconvenience and thanks residents for their patience and cooperation as we work to restore safe and reliable water service. Updates will be shared when further information is available.

Seeking Feedback:
Margaree Airstrip Development

August 29, 2025

Margaree Airstrip Community Survey Launched

The Municipality of Inverness County is seeking input on the future use of municipally owned property located at 604 Big Intervale Road, Margaree Valley, currently the site of the Margaree Airstrip.

Located in District 2 (Margaree/Saint Joseph du Moine), the property has been the focus of recent engagement efforts with District 2 Councillor Blair Phillips hosting two community meetings which included discussions with residents about their ideas for the future of the site.

To gather further input on the future use of the site, the Municipality has launched a short, anonymous survey for District 2 residents. It will take only a few minutes to complete and provides another opportunity for community members to share their vision for the property.

The survey will remain open until Friday, September 12.

Take the survey online here.

Paper copies are also available.
To request a copy:

Email: blair.phillips@invernesscounty.ca
Call: 902-248-2357

About the Property
The Margaree Airstrip spans a 34-acre (13.75-hectare) parcel and operated as a registered aerodrome until its closure to public use around 2021.

The site features:

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

Reminder: New Tipping Fees at Kenloch Waste Management Facility

August 29, 2025

REMINDER:
New Tipping Fees at Kenloch Waste Management Facility to Take Effect September 2

The Municipality of Inverness County is reminding the community that construction and demolition (C&D) materials and non-residential waste dropped off at the Kenloch Waste Management Facility will be subject to higher tipping fees effective this Tuesday, September 2.

Regular residential solid waste will not be impacted.

Non-residential residual waste (garbage from commercial customers) will now be subject to tipping fees. This means businesses will now be charged for garbage disposal, whether delivered directly or via a waste hauler. Commercial customers should reach out to service providers to discuss potential impacts on collection rates if they have not already.

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

For the full release, new fees, and comprehensive list of C&D materials, visit https://invernesscounty.ca/changes-introduced-at-kenloch-waste-management-facility/.

All questions regarding solid waste can be directed to waste@invernesscounty.ca or by calling toll-free 1-866-258-0223, option #1.

Announcement: County of Inverness Municipal Housing Corporation

August 19, 2025

County of Inverness Municipal Housing Corporation Announces Departure of CEO and Launches Recruitment for Successor

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–has announced that Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Stephen Doiron, will step down from his role effective December 31, 2025. Following his departure, Doiron will return to the private sector.

The Municipality of Inverness County has initiated a recruitment process to identify a new CEO who will continue to advance the corporation’s objectives.

As CEO, Doiron played a pivotal role in unifying the operations of four separate facilities under a single corporate structure. His leadership led to the development of a new executive team, centralized financial operations, streamlined staffing processes, and the implementation of numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, we extend our sincere thanks to Stephen for his dedication, leadership, and the lasting contributions he has made to our organization, facilities, and communities,” said Michael Coady, Chair of the Board. “We wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”

The search for a new CEO is now underway. The position is currently being advertised, and qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

For more information about the role and how to apply, please visit TalentSorter .

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: Voluntary Water Conservation Advisory

August 14, 2025

Public Service Announcement: Voluntary Water Conservation Advisory – Municipality of Inverness County

Thanks to the continued efforts of residents, the Municipality of Inverness County is transitioning from a mandatory water conservation advisory to a voluntary advisory for all users of the 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 like watering lawns or hosing down driveways.
Promptly repair any leaks in and around taps and plumbing.

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 902-258-5048.

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

PSA: Water Conservation Advisory

August 7, 2025

Public Service Announcement:
Water Conservation Advisory – Municipality of Inverness County

Due to an extended period of low precipitation and no significant rainfall expected in the coming weeks, the Municipality of Inverness County is issuing a Water Conservation Advisory for all users of the municipal water system. All residents and businesses are asked to help conserve water supply during this time.