Temp. Closure of Shean Trail Crossing – Starting Sept. 21
Temporary Closure of Inverness Shean Trail Crossing – Starting Sept. 21
The Municipality of Inverness County is advising that as part of the Central Avenue Rebuild Project, the Shean Trail crossing will be temporarily closed due to ongoing work to install new water infrastructure.
Starting Sept. 21, trail users will not be able to pass through the work area during construction hours (dawn until dusk). Access to the crossing will be restored at the end of each workday. This work is anticipated to take a few days. An update will be shared once the work is complete and trail access is restored.
The Municipality thanks residents and trail users for their cooperation and patience as this important work is completed.
Central Avenue Rebuild Project – Saturdays Added
To support the schedule for the Central Avenue Rebuild Project, construction may occasionally take place on Saturdays.
The project is scheduled for completion by December. However, weather events have affected the construction schedule, and additional workdays and hours may be required to keep the project on track.
Construction hours may vary from day to day and may extend from dawn until dusk.
The Municipality of Inverness County thanks residents and businesses for their patience and cooperation as this important infrastructure project continues. Once complete, the project will provide lasting improvements that support residents, businesses, and visitors for years to come.
Reminders:
Project Information Centre
Residents are invited to drop in and speak directly with a municipal representative about the project.
The Project Information Centre will open on select days throughout the fall.
- Location: Inverness Fire Hall, 15797 Central Ave., Inverness
- Tuesday, September 22
- Thursday, October 1
- Thursday, October 8
- Tuesday, October 13
- Tuesday, October 20
- Tuesday, October 27
- Hours: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Please note that hours are subject to change. Residents are encouraged to check www.invernesscounty.ca/CentralAveRebuild for updates.
Stay Informed
Residents and businesses are encouraged to stay informed throughout construction by using the following resources:
- Central Avenue Rebuild Project Webpage:
- Project Newsletter
- Sign up to receive project updates directly in your inbox here: Central Avenue Rebuild Project Newsletter.
- Subscription is also available through the project webpage.
September Feedback Loop Survey Focuses on Food Access
The Municipality of Inverness County is launching the September edition of The Feedback Loop survey today, September 17, with a focus on how residents are accessing food and the associated challenges they may face.
The Feedback Loop is a monthly survey initiative designed to gather feedback on a variety of municipal topics throughout 2026. Surveys are released on the third Thursday of each month and invite residents to share their perspectives, experiences, and ideas.
“This survey will allow us to hear directly from residents about their experiences accessing food in their communities and determine where additional supports are needed and opportunities exist,” says Warden Bonny MacIsaac, Municipality of Inverness County. “The information gathered will help us support the local food system, making it more accessible, affordable, and responsive to the needs of our communities.”
The Feedback Loop is the Municipality’s survey series to hear resident feedback. All answers remain anonymous unless you choose to share your contact information in the final question. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey.
The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete, and all responses are anonymous.
The survey is available online, with paper copies available at the Municipal Administration Building, 375 Main St., Port Hood, and other locations throughout the County. To complete the survey, visit Feedback Loop – Community Food Access – Fill out form .
The survey closes on October 14. The next edition of The Feedback Loop will launch on October 15.
For more information, including a list of locations where paper copies are available, visit The Feedback Loop | Municipality of the County of Inverness.
Western Cape Breton REMO Statement of Appreciation
*Sharing on behalf of Inverness, Victoria, and Richmond Counties and the Town of Port Hawkesbury
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The Western Cape Breton Regional Emergency Management Organization (REMO) would like to thank the many partners who supported the team during the significant rainfall event that began September 4, 2026.
Widespread flooding resulted in road closures, power outages and disruptions to transportation networks. As a result, a State of Local Emergency (SOLE) was declared for the counties of Inverness, Victoria and Richmond on September 5.
With funding support from the Nova Scotia Department of Emergency Management, Inverness, Victoria and Richmond Counties, and the Town of Port Hawkesbury, partnered to establish the Western Cape Breton Regional Emergency Management Organization (REMO).
A REMO brings neighbouring municipalities together to coordinate emergency planning, preparedness, response and recovery. It provides a structure for municipalities and emergency response agencies to work collaboratively when an incident extends beyond the capacity of a single community.
This was the first major event for the REMO and demonstrated the value of regional coordination. All four municipal partners worked together, alongside provincial partners and first responders, to support residents throughout the region.
The Western Cape Breton REMO extends its sincere appreciation to the Nova Scotia Departments of Emergency Management and Public Works for the significant support, guidance and coordination provided throughout the event.
Additional thanks go to the Town of Port Hawkesbury for opening the Civic Centre to serve as the emergency coordination centre. The facility provided a central location where representatives from each municipality, government partners and response agencies could work together to coordinate the emergency response.
We also extend our gratitude to the RCMP, EHS, Ground Search and Rescue, the Nova Scotia Guard, local volunteer fire departments, Canadian Red Cross, regional centres for education, Eastern District Planning Commission, Strait IT and Nova Scotia Health for their support throughout the response.
Finally, the REMO would like to thank the residents, community halls and groups across Inverness, Victoria and Richmond Counties and the Town of Port Hawkesbury who reached out to offer their assistance. Your willingness to help your neighbours and your communities during a challenging time is greatly appreciated.
Update – Judique Water Conservation Directive
Judique Water Conservation Directive Remains in Effect
As we head into the weekend, the Municipality is providing an update on the mandatory water conservation directive issued in Judique on September 7. The directive remains in effect.
Intermittent rainfall continues to cause high levels of turbidity (mud) in the Judique dam. The water treatment plant resumed operations earlier this week but was shut down again yesterday following heavy rainfall to prevent damage from the muddy water.
The plant is operating again. However, storage tank levels are still low due to the plant shutdown. The Municipality is keeping the conservation directive in place through the weekend to allow storage levels to recover.
With more rain in the forecast, the Municipality cannot yet provide a timeline for when the directive will be lifted. Updates will be made on invernesscounty.ca and on the Municipality’s Facebook page as they are available.
The Municipality thanks residents for their patience and apologizes for the inconvenience this may cause.
For more information about water conservation and for conservation tips, visit invernesscounty.ca/services/public-works/water-conservation.
Resident Support Line Closing Friday, September 11 + FAQs
*Sending on behalf of Inverness, Victoria, Richmond Counties and Town of Port Hawkesbury
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The Western Cape Breton Regional Emergency Management Organization (REMO) residents support phone line will close Friday, September 11 at 4 p.m.
The phone line was set up for impacted residents from Inverness, Victoria, Richmond Counties and the Town of Port Hawkesbury to report non-emergency issues and concerns related to a State of Local Emergency declared on Sept. 5.
Starting Monday, September 14, at 8:30 a.m., impacted residents are encouraged to contact their respective municipality.
- Inverness County: 1-866-258-0223, option 3 / emo@invernesscounty.ca
- Victoria County: 902-578-1994 / info@victoriacounty.ca
- Richmond County: 1-800-567-2600, option 9, / info@richmondcounty.ca
- Town of Port Hawkesbury: 902-625-2746 / emo@townofporthawkesbury.ca
All emergency situations should be reported to 911.
The resident support line received approximately 80 phone calls. Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions:
Is there any financial assistance available for home or property damage?
Further information about disaster funding assistance will be shared once available.
I have no insurance. What can I do?
Further information about disaster funding assistance will be shared once available.
It is not safe to return to my home. What can I do?
If you have no alternative accommodations, please contact your respective municipality.
My basement is flooded. What do I do?
Call your insurance provider. If you do not have insurance, please contact the Insurance Bureau of Canda Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-227-5422.
My culvert is impassable. Who should I call?
If the culvert is on a provincial road, contact the Nova Scotia Department of Public Works hotline: 1-844-696-7737. If the culvert is on a private road, contact your insurance provider.
My drinking water source has been impacted. What should I do?
Contact the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Climate Change at 1-800-565-1633.
How do I report damage to my road?
- For provincial roads, call the Nova Scotia Department of Public Works hotline at 1-844-696-7737.
- If the road is privately owned, call your insurance provider.
- If you do not have insurance, contact the Insurance Bureau of Canada, Consumer Information Centre toll-free at 1-844-227-5422.
I have damage to my home and/or property. What do I do now?
Call your insurance provider. Residents with general insurance questions are encouraged to call the Insurance Bureau of Canada Consumer Information Centre toll-free at 1-844-227-5422.
Who do I call to report or receive an update regarding a power outage?
Contact the Nova Scotia Power Customer Service Line: 1-877-428-6004.
How do I properly dispose of storm related debris (trees/shrubs/bushes, etc.) or food waste?
Please contact your municipality’s solid waste team for further direction.
- Inverness County: 1-866-258-0223, option 1
- Victoria County: 902-295-3231, option 2
- Richmond County: 902 226-2396
- Town of Port Hawkesbury: 902-625-7888
To stay informed, visit your respective municipality’s website and social media channels.
Inverness Water Update
Inverness Water Conservation Directive & Boil Water Advisory Lifted
The Municipality of Inverness County would like to notify users of the Inverness water system that the Water Conservation Directive and Boil Water Advisory are no longer in effect as of Thursday, September 10, at 1:30 p.m.
The Municipality extends sincere thanks to the residents and businesses of Inverness for their patience and cooperation during this disruption.
State of Local Emergency lifted for Richmond County
*Sharing on behalf of Inverness, Victoria and Richmond Counties, and the Town of Port Hawkesbury
The State of Local Emergency has been lifted for Richmond County today, Sept. 9.
A State of Local Emergency (SOLE) was called on Sept. 5 for Inverness, Victoria and Richmond Counties following widespread flooding that had resulted in road closures, evacuations, and disruptions to transportation networks.
The SOLE for Inverness and Victoria Counties was lifted Sept. 8. Further assessment of roads and infrastructure was required for Richmond County, however today, Sept. 9, it was determined that it was safe to lift the SOLE.
PLEASE NOTE:
While travel is not prohibited, there will be some road closures throughout each impacted municipality. Road signage will be posted and motorists are asked to exercise caution in those affected areas.
Reminders for Residents:
- Residents from Inverness, Victoria and Richmond Counties and the Town of Port Hawkesbury are encouraged to continue calling the municipal support line.
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- Phone number: 902-625-7888
- Hours of operation: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- What callers can expect: Calls will be answered by a municipal representative. If residents are unable to reach someone when they call, they may leave a voicemail, and a representative will return their call. The nature of the concern will determine the appropriate response and follow-up.
- The support line is intended for non-emergency issues and concerns. Any situation requiring immediate emergency assistance should be reported by calling 911.
- Residents with general insurance questions are encouraged to call the Insurance Bureau of Canada’s Consumer Information Centre toll-free at 1-844-227-5422. Insurance Bureau of Canada is the national industry association representing Canada’s private home, auto and business insurers. To learn more about supports available, visit Cape Breton Flooding: Insurance Bureau of Canada provides insurance guidance .
The Western Cape Breton Regional Emergency Management Organization (REMO) thanks residents for their patience and cooperation during what has been a difficult time.
In September 2026, Inverness, Victoria and Richmond Counties and the Town of Port Hawkesbury partnered to establish the Western Cape Breton Regional Emergency Management Organization (REMO).
A REMO brings neighbouring municipalities together to coordinate emergency planning, preparedness, response and recovery. It provides a structure for municipalities and emergency response agencies to work together when an incident extends beyond the capacity of a single community.
SOLE Lifted for Inverness/Victoria Co., Remains for Richmond Co.
*Shared on behalf of Inverness, Victoria and Richmond Counties and the Town of Port Hawkesbury
State of Local Emergency Lifted for Inverness & Victoria Counties, Remains in Place for Richmond County
The State of Local Emergency has been lifted for Inverness and Victoria Counties. The State of Local Emergency remains in place for Richmond County. Travel is not prohibited; however, residents are encouraged to assess road conditions and check 511 before heading out.
A State of Local Emergency (SOLE) was called on Sept. 5 for Inverness, Victoria and Richmond Counties following widespread flooding that had resulted in road closures, evacuations, and disruptions to transportation networks. The SOLE was put in place not only to support public safety, but also to enable emergency responders and public works teams the ability to travel swiftly to impacted areas, assess conditions, and support residents.
After consultation with provincial partners, the Western Cape Breton REMO has determined that it is safe to lift the SOLE for Inverness and Victoria Counties. Due to further assessment of roads and infrastructure in the hardest hit areas of Richmond County, the SOLE is remaining in place for Richmond County.
Key Tips for Impacted Residents:
- Residents with general insurance questions are encouraged to call the Insurance Bureau of Canada’s Consumer Information Centre toll-free at 1-844-227-5422. Insurance Bureau of Canada is the national industry association representing Canada’s private home, auto and business insurers. To learn more about supports available, visit Cape Breton Flooding: Insurance Bureau of Canada provides insurance guidance .
- Residents from Inverness, Victoria and Richmond Counties and the Town of Port Hawkesbury are encouraged to continue calling the municipal support line.
- Phone number: 902-625-7888
- Change in hours of operation: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Any changes to the support line or its hours will be shared if/when available.
- What callers can expect: Calls will be answered by a municipal representative. If residents are unable to reach someone when they call, they may leave a voicemail, and a representative will return their call. The nature of the concern will determine the appropriate response and follow-up.
- The support line is intended for non-emergency issues and concerns. Any situation requiring immediate emergency assistance should be reported by calling 911.
- For current road conditions, visit 511 Nova Scotia .
- Visit your municipal website and/or Facebook pages for future updates, continue to call the resident support line as needed, and pay close attention to safety signage on the roads when travelling.
Inverness Boil Water and Conservation Advisories
PSA: Municipality Issuing Water Conservation & Boil Water Orders for Inverness Water System Users
The Municipality of Inverness County is issuing a water conservation directive and a boil water advisory for all users of the Inverness water system, following a water main break earlier today, September 8, near Central Ave. and Park St.
Water Conservation
Although staff have completed repairs, there was significant water loss due to the break. Users of the water system are being asked to conserve water until the water storage levels return to normal.
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.
Boil Water
The boil water advisory is a precautionary measure due to a loss of pressure in the waterline supplying Inverness. It will remain in effect until water quality testing confirms it is safe for consumption.
Effective immediately, Inverness water system users are advised to:
- Bring tap water to a rolling boil for at least one minute before use.
- Let the water cool before using it for:
- Drinking
- Making ice
- Brushing teeth
- Washing dishes
- Preparing food and drinks, including infant formula
- Providing to pets
Please share this notice with neighbours, friends, and visitors to help keep everyone informed. Updates will continue to be shared on invernesscounty.ca and on the Municipality’s Facebook page.
Residents with additional questions may contact the Municipality’s Public Works Department at 1-866-258-0223, option 4 or email Publicworks@invernesscounty.ca .
To learn more about boil water advisories, visit Boil Water Advisories | Municipality of the County of Inverness.
The Municipality of Inverness County apologizes for the inconvenience and thanks residents for their patience and cooperation while we work to restore normal water service.

