Flower Potting Workshop – Open for Registration

April 16, 2025

Municipality of Inverness County to Host Flower Potting Workshop

The Municipality of Inverness County is hosting a series of flower potting workshops throughout the County. Administered through the Recreation and Community Wellness Department, the workshops aim to bring people together and reduce social isolation, improve overall well-being, and increase creativity through expression in arts and crafts. The first workshop will be hosted in the community of Port Hood with more to follow.

Workshop Details:

Date: Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Location: Port Hood Seniors Lounge, 23 Reynolds Street, Port Hood

Participants are encouraged to bring a small plant to exchange or pick one that is provided. Each person will be painting their own pots and leave with a potted plant to enjoy for the spring. Refreshments and light snacks will be provided.

“We’re really hoping that hosting these events at seniors’ community lounges throughout the county reduces barriers to participation and encourages the community to come together” says Maggie MacDonald, Accessibility & Senior Safety Coordinator for the Municipality of Inverness County.

Registration:

To attend, advance registration is required. Please contact Maggie MacDonald, Accessibility Coordinator, at Maggie.macdonald@invernesscounty.ca or by phone at (902) 258-7960 to reserve a spot.

Community Park Coming to Port Hood

April 17, 2025

Municipality of Inverness County to Build Community Park in Port Hood – Launches Survey

The Municipality of Inverness County is excited to announce the launch of a vibrant community park project in the heart of Port Hood – alongside a public survey designed to gather input. Whether you live in Port Hood, learn in Port Hood, work, shop, play, or visit, we want to hear from you.

Thanks to a generous donation of land by Ted & Hermina vanZutphen, the future Port Hood Community Park will be located at the corner of Main St. and Wharf Rd., on the site of the former Port Hood Consolidated School.

The Port Hood Community Park will be thoughtfully designed with the community – and especially its youth – in mind, as a hub of activity, connection, and fun.

“The Municipality’s vision is to create a people-centric park that is inclusive, accessible, and builds upon the natural beauty and energy of the space – a place for gathering of all ages and abilities”, said Melanie Beaton, Deputy CAO, Municipality of Inverness County. “The Municipality recognizes the generous donation from Ted & Hermina of this land, for what will become a well-loved park, creating a legacy for generations to enjoy.”

Design consultants, Glenn Group Landscape Architects & Park Planners, have been hired to design the park. To help guide their work, residents are invited to complete a short survey and share their ideas for the space.

The survey will remain open from Thursday, April 17 to Thursday, May 1, 2025. Paper copies will also be available at the Municipal Administration Building, located at 375 Main St., Port Hood.

After the survey closes, the consultants will use the feedback to develop potential park designs. A public engagement session will be held later this spring, where these design concepts will be presented, and further input gathered.

Following that, a revised design will be prepared and once approved and funding is secured, the project will move into the construction phase. Updates will be shared with the community as the project progresses.

A Planning Committee has been formed to guide the planning and construction phases. This group includes members of the community with support from members of Municipality of Inverness County staff. Glenn Group consultants will provide support and direction throughout the planning and construction phases of the project.

“We want to create this park in collaboration with our community. We are asking people to fill out the survey so that the community will better understand the benefits of creating a space like this for our youth, and see themselves in its design,” says Port Hood Community Park Planning Committee Member, Ardell Hawley.

If members of the public have questions about the Port Hood Community Park Project, visit Port Hood Community Park Project, email construction@invernesscounty.ca or call 1-866-258-0223, select option #5.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING: MUN PLANNING STRATEGY & LAND USE BYLAW

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING OF MUNICIPAL PLANNING STRATEGY AND LAND USE BY-LAW FOR THE MUNICIPALITY OF THE COUNTY OF INVERNESS

Please take notice that the Council of the Municipality of the County of Inverness intends to consider, and if deemed advisable, adopt “The Plan Inverness Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-Law” at the regular Council meeting to be held at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

The object of these documents is to comply with the Province of Nova Scotia’s Minimum Planning Requirements Regulations for the Municipality of the County of Inverness.

Copies of the proposed documents may be inspected by interested persons at the Municipal Building, 375 Main Street, Port Hood, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, excluding Statutory Holidays or by clicking the links below.

Plan Inverness – Municipal Planning Strategy – DRAFT
Plan Inverness – Land Use By-Law – DRAFT
Draft Zoning Map

The public are invited to make any written or oral presentations at the Public Hearing to be held on:

Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
Municipal Administrative Building
Port Hood Court House,
375 Main Street,
Port Hood, P.O. Box 179, NS B0E 2W0

Dated at Port Hood, in the County of Inverness, Province of Nova Scotia, this 16th day of April 2025.

Keith MacDonald
Chief Administrative Officer
Published in accordance with the Municipal Government Act, Section 168.

Update – Inverness Beach and Boardwalk Access

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 16, 2025

Municipality of Inverness County Announces Update to Timeline for the Inverness Wastewater Treatment Plant – Outfall Partial Replacement Project

The Municipality of Inverness County would like to provide an update on the Inverness Wastewater Treatment Plant – Outfall Partial Replacement Project taking place on Inverness Beach.

The project focuses on the partial replacement of a section of a pipe (outfall) that runs treated wastewater (also known as effluent) from the Inverness Wastewater Treatment Plant into the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

As previously announced, the project was scheduled to run from Early April to April 15, 2025. An archaeological assessment and marine construction phase were successfully completed. However, due to unfavourable and unpredictable weather conditions, the onshore construction portion of the project (temporarily impacting access to Inverness Beach and a section of the boardwalk) will continue until the end of April, tentatively between Friday, April 25, and Wednesday, April 30. This date is subject to change based on weather conditions.

“We’re proud of the progress made on this project, especially given the unpredictable weather and ocean surf conditions,” said Melanie Beaton, Deputy CAO, Municipality of Inverness County. “Our crews have adapted quickly, and we’re nearly there. We thank our community for their patience and respecting our safety measures around the site. We look forward to delivering a finished result that benefits the community, residents, and businesses for years to come.”

As bird nesting season began yesterday, April 15, the municipality would like to reassure the community that the team is working closely with Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources to conduct daily site surveys to protect the nesting population.

Although there will be areas of the beach that are fully accessible depending on where residents enter the beach, access to walk the entirety of the beach may depend on tidal conditions. In addition, a section of the Inverness boardwalk will remain closed for the duration of the project.

The Municipality of Inverness County acknowledges the inconvenience, however, asks the public to please stay off the dunes to avoid trampling dune vegetation.

If members of the public have questions or concerns, please free to reach out:

Email: construction@invernesscounty.ca
Call toll-free: 1-866-258-0233, select option #5.

Volunteer Opportunity – County Audit Committee

The Municipality of Inverness County is seeking two volunteers to sit on the Audit Committee for a one and two-year term.

The committee’s role is to act as an advisory board carrying out critical review functions on behalf of council. The primary function of the Audit Committee is to assist the Municipality of the County of Inverness in fulfilling their oversight responsibilities related to quality and integrity of financial reporting along with ensuring the appropriate systems and controls for the proper recording of transaction and protection of assets are in place. Interested in joining the committee?

You’re eligible to apply if you:

are at least 18 years of age
are not related to a member of Council or to an employee of the Municipality of Inverness County
have been a resident of the Municipality of Inverness County for the last six months before making an application and must continue to be a resident of the municipality throughout the term of the appointment
are not ineligible for an appointment pursuant to the Municipality’s Public Appointment Policy.

Candidates will:

serve without pay
must meet at least two times per fiscal year, or otherwise as needed to fulfill its duties.
complete mandatory Audit Committee Training prescribed by the Nova Scotia Department of Municipal Affairs
understand financial statements and issues at a reasonable level
have an ability to receive correspondence by email, access digital documents in MS Word, Excel, or pdf formats, and have a working knowledge of computers

Interested applicants can apply online. Printed application forms are also available at the municipal administration building, 375 Main Street, Port Hood. Printed applications and references can be dropped off at the municipal administration building, addressed to Finance Department, labeled with Audit Committee Application.

Review the Audit Committee Terms of Reference online. Applications will be accepted until the vacant position is filled.

2025 Bulky Garbage Collection Date Announced

The Municipality of Inverness County is pleased to announce the 2025 Residential Spring Bulky Garbage Collection, taking place from Monday, May 12 to Friday, May 16, 2025.

This special collection allows residents to dispose of large items that are too big for regular curbside pickup. Please note that regular garbage (items that can fit in a standard garbage bag) will not be collected as part of the bulky item pickup.

Important Dates & Information:

Start date for curbside placement: Saturday, May 10, 2025
Deadline for curbside placement: No later than 7 a.m. on Monday, May 12, 2025
Collection period: May 12 – May 16, 2025

To ensure your items are properly collected, they must be placed curbside within 10 feet from the road and left in place for the duration of the collection period.

For a complete list of materials accepted during the bulky garbage collection, residents can refer to the fact sheet.

Key Reminders for Residents:

A 20-item limit per household applies.
Items longer than four feet must be broken down.
Keep all items within 10 feet of the road for easy access.
The collection trucks will visit each road only once during the collection period.
Regular household garbage and recyclables should be kept separate from bulky items.
Items in trailers or trucks will not be collected.
The collection team is not responsible for cleaning up debris after pickup.
Residents must remove non-accepted items after collection.
Be sure not to place important items near the bulky garbage pile – items mistakenly taken are not the municipality’s responsibility.
If a yellow tag is placed on an item, it means it was not eligible for pickup. Please remove the item and dispose of it properly.

In addition to bulky garbage collection, a Residential Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Event will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at Judique Firehall and Margaree Forks Firehall from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. More information about this event will be shared soon.

To learn more about properly sorting solid waste and recyclables, check out the Municipality of Inverness County Sort It Guide.

For more information, please contact the Solid Waste Team by calling toll-free 1-866-258-0223 (selection option #1) or email waste@invernesscounty.ca.

Inaugural Awards for Excellence in Healthcare Gala Reception

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 2025

Municipality of Inverness County to Host Inaugural Awards for Excellence in Healthcare Gala Reception

The Municipality of Inverness County is proud to announce the inaugural Awards for Excellence in Healthcare Gala Reception, set to take place on Wednesday, April 23rd at Place des arts Père-Anselme-Chiasson, located at 15118 Cabot Trail, Chéticamp.

The Healthcare Awards were designed to recognize and celebrate the outstanding contributions of healthcare professionals in Inverness County. A call for nominations was sent out to the community in search of remarkable individuals in various healthcare categories.

“It’s crucial that we recognize and celebrate the incredible healthcare workers who show up every day to provide essential services to our community,” said Bonny MacIsaac, Warden of the Municipality of Inverness County. “This event also serves as a great opportunity to attract healthcare professionals who may be considering living in our County. We want to ensure that our healthcare team knows just how much they are valued.”

Winners were chosen by a selection committee, and the celebration will include the announcement of these deserving individuals.

Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, April 23rd
Location: Place des arts Père-Anselme-Chiasson, 15118 Cabot Trail, Chéticamp
Admission: $25 for the general public (No charge for current or retired healthcare professionals)
Registration: All guests are asked to register online.

The Gala Reception will also serve as a reminder of the ongoing need to recognize and celebrate the contributions of healthcare professionals in the community. The awards will be held annually to acknowledge the dedication and service of Inverness County’s healthcare providers and to highlight the invaluable services they offer.

The Awards for Excellence in Healthcare Gala Reception has been generously funded by the Office of Healthcare Professionals Recruitment and Doctors Nova Scotia.

For more information about the event, please contact Healthcare Navigator, Lynn Carter at 902-323-0057 or lynn.carter@invernesscounty.ca.

Infrastructure Upgrade to Impact Inverness Beach and Boardwalk Access

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 7, 2025

Municipality of Inverness County Announces Temporary Impact to Inverness Beach and Boardwalk for Wastewater Infrastructure Replacement

The Municipality of Inverness County is advising the public that a portion of Inverness Beach and the boardwalk will be temporarily impacted for two weeks in April due to the replacement of a portion of an aging wastewater pipe beneath the beach and boardwalk. The necessary work is part of the ongoing Inverness wastewater treatment plant project.

The outfall pipe, approximately 180 meters of a 1,000-meter-long buried pipe responsible for transporting treated wastewater from the Inverness wastewater treatment plant into the Gulf of St. Lawrence, has reached the end of its operational life. Installed in 1972 alongside the original wastewater treatment plant, the pipe has had no known upgrades since its installation. This replacement will ensure the continued safe and effective functioning of the wastewater infrastructure.

Project Timeline:

The project is expected to conclude by April 15, 2025, with construction affecting a small section of Inverness Beach and the boardwalk.

Construction Phases:

Phase 1: Archaeological Assessment

Impact: Minimal noise and foot traffic. One or two consultants will be digging by hand and sifting through soil in search of potential artifacts.

Timeline: April 2-3

Phase 2: Marine Construction

Impact: A floating excavator will trench the ocean floor for the new pipe installation. No impact to residents by foot or on the water.

Timeline: April 7-15

Phase 3: Onshore Construction

Impact: Equipment will be on a section of beach and boardwalk. The construction area will be fenced off and a section of the boardwalk will be closed. There will be areas of the beach that are fully accessible depending on the where you enter the beach, however access to walk the entirety of the beach may depend on tidal conditions. Minimal noise and foot traffic expected.

Timeline: April 7-15

As part of preparing for this project, equipment was transported to the construction site in early March to meet spring weight restrictions.

What to Expect During Construction:

Construction Hours:

Monday to Thursday, 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Please note work hours may change due to weather/tidal conditions, and other unforeseen circumstances.

Noise and Traffic:

Increased foot traffic and construction noise are expected during work hours.
There will be occasional construction vehicle movement in the area.

Safety Concerns:

Unauthorized access to the construction site is prohibited for safety reasons.
Please do not approach construction crews and avoid entering the site.
Pedestrian safety: Always exercise caution when near the construction zone, especially when on the beach or boardwalk.
Pets: Always keep your pets on a leash. Extra caution is advised at dusk due to uneven beach terrain.

Questions or Concerns:

For further information, please contact:

Visit: Inverness Wastewater Treatment Plant – Outfall Partial Replacement
Email: construction@invernesscounty.ca
Phone: toll-free 1-866-258-0223, select option #5

Project Specifics:

Tender Identification Number: MCI-TEN-2024-015
Engineering Consultant: CBCL Engineering & Environmental Design Services
Contractor: Zutphen Contractors

Environmental Impacts:

The project area is highly regulated due to its environmental sensitivity. Several permits have been secured to protect the natural environment, including approvals from the Federal Department of Fisheries, Nova Scotia Environment & Climate Change, and Communities, Culture, Tourism & Heritage and Natural Resources. This project complies with the Nova Scotia Environment Act, Fisheries Act, Species at Risk Act, Canadian Navigable Waters Act, Migratory Birds Convention Act, and additional relevant provincial and federal legislation.

Project Budget:

The total project cost is estimated at $800,000, with funding sourced from a collaborative investment totaling approximately $18 million from federal, provincial, and municipal governments. Specifically, the Government of Canada has contributed $7.2 million through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, the Province of Nova Scotia has invested $5.9 million, and the Municipality of Inverness County has committed $4.9 million.

About the Municipality of Inverness County

The Municipality of Inverness County is committed to maintaining and improving infrastructure to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents and visitors. This project is part of ongoing efforts to enhance the community’s wastewater treatment systems and preserve the natural environment of the region.

Earth Month Litter Cleanup Challenge

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 1, 2025

Municipality of Inverness County Kicks Off Earth Month Litter Cleanup Challenge

The Municipality of Inverness County is inviting residents to participate in the Earth Month Litter Cleanup Challenge this April. As part of Earth Month, the challenge encourages everyone to help keep our communities clean by collecting litter throughout the municipality.

How to participate:

Pick up a litter kit at a participating Canada Post or library location.
Collect litter from anywhere in the municipality.
Complete a submit an online form

For each bag of litter collected, participants will earn one entry for a chance to win a $50 gift card to their local grocery store.

“Whether you’re tackling a park, shoreline, or your own neighborhood, every bag of litter you collect makes a difference,” says Nicole Latimer, Municipality of Inverness County Solid Waste Coordinator. “We had tremendous success with this initiative last year, and we are excited to see how the community responds this year.”

The Earth Month Litter Challenge winner will be announced on Thursday, May 1.

Each litter kit includes gloves, bags, and everything needed to get started. Litter kits are available at participating locations throughout the municipality, including participating Canada Post offices and libraries:

Chéticamp Post Office 15240 Cabot Trail Cheticamp, NS	Pleasant Bay Post Office 23592 Cabot Trail Pleasant Bay, NS
Inverness Post Office 16 Upper Railway Street Inverness, NS	Port Hastings Post Office 11 Lovers Lane Port Hastings, NS
Judique Post Office 5447 Route 19 Judique, NS	Port Hood Post Office 218 Main Street Port Hood, NS
Mabou Post Office 11541 Main Street Mabou, NS	Margaree Post Office 5520 Cabot Trail Margaree, NS
West Bay Road Post Office 565 Cenotaph Road West Bay Road, NS	Whycocomagh Post Office 115 Main Street Whycocomagh, NS
Port Hawkesbury Public Library 304 Pitt Street (inside SAERC) Port Hawkesbury, NS	Alexander Doyle Public Library 11156 Route 19 (inside Dalbrae Academy) Mabou, NS
Chéticamp Public Library 15359 Cabot Trail Chéticamp, NS	Coady & Tompkins Memorial Public Library 7972 Cabot Trail Margaree Forks, NS

This initiative is generously supported by Coastal Action, who donated supplies for the litter kits.

For more information, please contact the Municipality of Inverness County Solid Waste Team at waste@invernesscounty.ca or call 1-866-258-0223, option #1.

About the Municipality of Inverness County:
The Municipality of Inverness County is committed to fostering a cleaner, greener community for all its residents. This Earth Month Litter Cleanup Challenge is one of several initiatives aimed at reducing waste, protecting the environment, and encouraging responsible community engagement.

Inverness County Celebrates National Volunteer Week 2025

Each year, communities across Canada come together to celebrate National Volunteer Week, and the Municipality of the County of Inverness is proud to launch its 2025 Volunteer Recognition Program in celebration of National Volunteer Week 2025, taking place from April 27 to May 3, 2025.

National Volunteer Week is a time to honor the dedicated individuals who give their time and effort to support the causes they believe in and make a lasting impact on their communities. The Municipality of Inverness County invites community members to nominate local volunteers who make a difference. These nominees will be recognized for their invaluable contributions with a certificate of recognition and a gift certificate from a local Municipality of Inverness County business of their choice.

The recognition will continue throughout the year with weekly highlights of volunteers on the municipality’s official Facebook page. Volunteers will also be featured in the Summer 2025 issue of the Participaper.

“We are so proud of the many volunteers in our community who dedicate their time and energy to making the Municipality of Inverness County a better place to live, work, and play,” said Lisa Organ, Volunteer Recognition Program Coordinator. “This program is just a small way to say thank you for everything they do to make our communities stronger.”

Nomination Deadline:
April 18, 2025

Nominate a volunteer today by:
Sending your submission to Lisa Organ at lisa.organ@inverenesscounty.ca or calling 902-787-3507 for more information.

We thank our volunteers for their continued dedication and service.

Contact:
Megan Wludyka
Chief Communications Officer
Municipality of Inverness County
Phone: 1-866-258-0223, selection option #5
Email: communications@invernesscounty.ca

About the Municipality of the County of Inverness

The Municipality of the County of Inverness is committed to enhancing the quality of life for all residents and fostering a sense of community and belonging through programs and initiatives that support our local people and businesses.