Port Hood Wastewater Lift Station Replacement Kicks Off April 27

The replacement of a wastewater lift station will kick off Monday, April 27, in Port Hood. Materials will be delivered to the site throughout the first week, with construction activity beginning the week of May 4.

The lift station, located at the intersection of Main Street and Convent Street, was installed in the 1970s, and is now at the end of its useful life cycle.

A wastewater lift station is a pressurized system that moves sewer from lower to higher elevations. Replacing the lift station will improve the efficiency and reliability of sewage handling in the area, reduce the risk of environmental incidents and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

The installation is scheduled to finish mid-summer.

What Residents Can Expect During Construction:

• Most work will take place off the roadway; however, there is a section of work that will cause a reduction to one lane of traffic. Traffic control will be on site during that time.
• There will be no planned interruption to municipal wastewater services throughout the duration of this project.

Construction Hours:

Construction work will be conducted during the following hours:

• Monday to Friday, 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Please note, work hours may vary depending on weather and other unforeseen circumstances.

Noise and traffic:

• There will be minimal impact to the surrounding area. Light construction noise may be noticeable during work hours.
• At times, traffic control measures will be in place. Any detours will be clearly marked and communicated in advance.

Safety Concerns:

• Public safety is our priority, please use caution around the construction zone.
• Access to the construction site is strictly prohibited. Unauthorized individuals are prohibited from entering the site for safety reasons.
• Please follow all signage and detour routes if needed.

This project represents an investment of $1,482,075, with 50% covered by the municipality’s capital budget, and the remaining 50% covered by the Nova Scotia Growth and Renewal for Infrastructure Development (GRID) Program.

If residents have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out:

• Email construction@invernesscounty.ca
• Call toll-free 1-866-258-0223, select option #0

To learn more about the project, visit Port Hood Wastewater Lift Station Replacement | Municipality of the County of Inverness

The Municipality thanks residents in advance for any inconvenience this project may cause.

Municipal Request — Check Your Water Shut Off (Curbstop)

The Municipality of Inverness County Public Works Department has been actively repairing water shut off (curbstop) valves damaged over the winter months.

Water shut off valves play a key role in the municipal water system. They control the water supply from the municipal water system to individual buildings and allow water to be turned on or off during emergencies or maintenance.

Every property connected to municipal water has a water shut off valve, typically located near the property line or roadway.

When damaged, these valves can cause flooding or prevent the water supply from being shut off in an emergency.

The Municipality is asking all residents and businesses connected to municipal water to inspect the water shut off valve on their property for any visible damage.

If you notice any issues, please report them to the Public Works Department:

• Email is preferred to publicworks@invernesscounty.ca . Please include a photo if possible.
• If email not an option, please call 1-866-258-0223, select option 4

Timely reporting and repairs help ensure reliable water service across the community.

Thank you for your cooperation in maintaining a safe and dependable water system.

Photo below of a water shut off (curbstop).

2026 Excellence in Healthcare Award Winners Announced

The Municipality of Inverness County proudly celebrated the outstanding contributions of local healthcare professionals at the second annual Awards for Excellence in Healthcare gala, held on April 22, at the Canton Culturel de Chéticamp.

More than 200 guests gathered to honour deserving award recipients from across Inverness County. This year, several new award categories were introduced to recognize the many partners involved in the circle of care.

2026 Award Recipients:

• Outstanding Doctor – Dr. Suze Egar, Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital
• Outstanding Nurse – Jessica Deveaux, Sacred Heart Community Health Centre
• Outstanding Long-Term Care Professional– Cathy Spence, Foyer Père Fiset
• Outstanding Mental Health Care Professional – Adam Matthews, Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital
• Outstanding Allied Health Professional – Brenda Rankin, Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital
• Outstanding Youth Healthcare Professional (30 years and under) – Hallie MacEachern, Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital
• Outstanding Support Services Professional – Jenny MacDonald, Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital & Betty Deveaux, Chéticamp Medical Clinic
• Outstanding Direct Patient Care Professional – Janet Fortune, Inverary Manor
• Excellence in Community Health and Wellness (Group or Volunteer) – The Inverness County Singers

In addition, a Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Dr. Michael Ojoleck, a recently retired dentist who practiced out of Port Hood for over 40 years, providing oral healthcare to generations of residents throughout the county.

“Tonight was a true celebration of many of our county’s finest healthcare professionals,” said Warden Bonny MacIsaac. “Inverness County is a place where people not only live and work but also thrive. Events like this highlight the strength and dedication of those who care for our communities.”

Each award recipient received a unique stained-glass ornament handcrafted by local Acadian artist Polycarpe LeBlanc of Polycarpe Glass Art. The designs reflect the natural beauty of their home communities.

Attendees enjoyed an evening of diverse cultural entertainment, including traditional Celtic and Acadian music, Chinese and Colombian dance, Mi’kmaq and African drumming, and a healthcare recruitment video showcasing opportunities in Inverness County.

The Awards for Excellence in Healthcare were made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including Event Sponsor –  Zutphen Contractors Inc., along with Cabot Cape Breton, Judy Intelligence, The Dancing Goat, Acadian Credit Union, Freeman’s Pharmacy, Cape Breton University, Cape Breton Medical Campus, Lake Shore Living, Doctors Nova Scotia, New Dawn Enterprises, the Multicultural Association of Cape Breton, Parks Canada, Cabot Trail Lavender, Nova Soapia, and Walker’s Preservery.

Inverness Multicourt Facility – Season Opening Update & Reminder

Spring has arrived, and preparations are underway to open the Inverness Multicourt Facility for the 2026 season.

While the Municipality recognizes that residents are eager to use the courts, it has come to the Municipality’s attention that the pickleball courts are being used for ball hockey, instead of the basketball courts.

While this enthusiasm is appreciated, the following guidelines must be observed:

Pickleball Courts

• Designated for pickleball use only to protect the specialized court surface.
• Activities other than pickleball can damage the acrylic court finish.
• Avoid wearing dark-soled shoes, as they may cause damage.

Basketball Courts

• May also be used for casual activities such as pickup games or ball hockey.

All participants use the facility at their own risk.

To report maintenance concerns, please contact the Municipality at construction@invernesscounty.ca .

An opening date and plans for the 2026 season will be announced soon.

The Municipality thanks residents for their cooperation and looks forward to the official opening of the courts.

Inverness Announces Volunteer Recognition Program Nominees

Inverness County Celebrates National Volunteer Week, Announces Volunteer Recognition Program Nominees

The nominations are in and the Municipality of Inverness County is proud to announce the 2026 Volunteer Recognition Program nominees! This announcement coincides with National Volunteer Week, taking place from April 19 to 25, 2026.

As part of the Municipality’s Volunteer Recognition Program, each year community members are invited to nominate local volunteers who make a difference. These nominees are then 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 also continues with weekly highlights of volunteers on the municipality’s official Facebook page. These recognitions start Wednesday, April 22 and will continue throughout the year.  Volunteers will also be featured in the Summer 2026 issue of the Participaper.

“Volunteers are at the heart of what makes our communities feel like home. Across Inverness County, people continue to show up for their neighbours in ways big and small, and that’s what makes this place so special,” says Warden Bonny MacIsaac, Municipality of Inverness County. “Municipal staff have the privilege of working alongside individuals who create connection and belonging every day. To all our volunteers, we thank you. If you’re thinking about getting involved, reach out, we’d love to help you find your place.”

This year’s volunteer award winners are:

• Lydia Babin, Ski Margaree Trails Society
• Larry Beaton, Mabou Rivers Trail Association
• Bonnie Boulton, Bayview Education Centre
• Carol Ann Boyd, Glendale Community Hall
• Lawrence Cameron, The Inverness County Singers
• Mary Frances Chisholm, Inverness Historical Society
• Phyllis Cote, Evergreen Seniors Club
• Donald Fortune, Margaree Salmon Association
• Nadine Hunt, West Mabou Beach and Trails Committee
• Curtis MacDonald, Glencoe Station Recreation Association
• Jacqueline MacDonald, Whycocomagh Lakeview Child Care Society
• Leona MacDonald, Judique Keldonan Seniors Club
• Trish MacDonald, Whycocomagh Waterfront Centre
• Sheila MacDonnell, Judique Historical Society
• Ann MacDougall, Port Hood Development Association
• Catherine MacKinnon, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church
• Alice MacLellan, Mill Road Social Enterprises
• Annie MacLellan, Mabou New Horizons Club
• Gary MacLellan, Glendale and Area Community Cooperative Ltd.
• Billy MacLeod, St. Joseph’s Parish of SouthWest Margaree
• Marlene MacMillan, St. Peter’s Parish Port Hood CWL
• Alec MacNeil, Mabou and District Community Development Association
• Eileen MacNeil, Lake Ainslie Weavers
• Bridget MacQuarrie, Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital Auxiliary
• Jean McCann, North Mountain Culture & Recreation Association
• Tom McCann, L’Arche Cape Breton
• Chris McDaniel, Margaree Highland Games
• Kristin Muntz, Margaree Area Development Association
• Monica Ragan, Mabou Gaelic and Historical Society
• Mary May Richard, Centre Mi-Carême
• Stephen Richard, West Bay Road and District Volunteer Fire Department
• Beth Ryan, Inverness County Centre for the Arts
• Betty Watts, Chestico Museum

Catherine MacKinnon was selected through a random draw to represent Inverness County at the annual Provincial Volunteer Awards Ceremony to take place September 28 in Halifax. Catherine’s dedication to her community is a wonderful example of the spirit of volunteerism that makes Inverness County a special place to live.

The Municipality thanks its volunteers for their continued dedication and service to the communities of Inverness County. If you’re interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities, contact:

Shannon MacLean

Project Coordinator

Culture & Community Development Team

1-866-258-0223, select option 7

Shannon.maclean@invernesscounty.ca

Council Seeking Feedback: Marketing Levy Bylaw

Municipality of Inverness County Council Seeks Feedback: Marketing Levy Bylaw Amendment

The Council of the Municipality of Inverness County is currently considering an amendment to Bylaw 44: Marketing Levy Bylaw, as part of an ongoing bylaw modernization process.

Current Bylaw 44: Authorizes the Municipality to collect a three percent marketing levy on all short-term, fixed-roof accommodations, including hotels; motels; cottages; and online vacation rental platforms such as AirBnB and VRBO. The current bylaw requires the owners of online rentals to pay the marketing levy to the municipality independently of the online platform.

Proposed Change: The proposed amendment to the current Marketing Levy Bylaw, suggested by Destination Cape Breton, would make it possible for online platforms such as AirBnB and VRBO to collect the marketing levy and remit it to the municipality, taking the additional responsibility off of the host.

About the marketing levy

The marketing levy fee is collected by the Municipality and passed on the Destination Cape Breton to support tourism and marketing efforts in Inverness County. As of January 1, 2024, the Cape Breton Island Marketing Levy is now set at 3% on all fixed-roof tourist accommodations. This includes short-term rentals like Airbnb, VRBO, etc. that are registered under the Tourist Accommodations Registration Act. To learn more about Destination Cape Breton and the marketing levy, visit destinationcapebreton.com/marketing-levy.

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, May 7th, 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 May 6th, 2026 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.

April Feedback Loop Survey Focuses on The Participaper

The Municipality of Inverness County is launching the April edition of The Feedback Loop survey today, April 16, with a focus on the municipality’s quarterly publication, The Participaper.

The Feedback Loop is a monthly survey initiative designed to gather resident 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.

“Over nearly 47 years, The Participaper has become a beloved periodical evolving from an eight-page newspaper into a 30+ page quarterly magazine delivered directly to resident mailboxes,” says Warden Bonny MacIsaac, Municipality of Inverness County. “We want to see the publication continue to evolve so we are taking this opportunity to hear directly from residents about what they want to see and read about in future editions.”

The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete, and all responses remain anonymous.

Residents can complete the survey online, with paper copies available at the Municipal Administration Building, 375 Main St., Port Hood and various locations throughout the County.

The survey will close on May 20, with the next survey launching May 21.

As participation grows and feedback is collected, the Municipality will compile and share summary reports highlighting key themes and insights gathered from residents.

The Participaper is also available online: Participaper

To access the survey, visit April Survey – Participaper  

For more information, including a list of locations where paper copies are available, visit The Feedback Loop | Municipality of the County of Inverness .

Book Club Launch

Municipality Launching Inverness County Book Club

Following strong community interest, the Municipality of Inverness County’s Recreation and Community Wellness Department is pleased to announce the launch of the Inverness County Book Club this month.

In February, the municipality invited residents to express interest in community book clubs through an online form. The initiative received nearly 70 responses from across Inverness County, demonstrating a clear appetite for a shared reading experience.

How it works

Each month, the municipality will announce a new book selection for participants to read and discuss. The club operates on a flexible, month-to-month basis, allowing readers to participate when it suits their schedules or when a particular title interests them. Attendance is not required every month.

Monthly discussions will be held in four locations across the county:

• Mabou: An Drochaid, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., first Thursday of the month
• Inverness: The Dancing Goat Café and Bakery, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., second Thursday of the month
• Whycocomagh: Whycocomagh Public Library (Whycocomagh Waterfront Centre), 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., third Thursday of the month
• Chéticamp: Chéticamp Public Library, 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., fourth Thursday of the month

Attendees should arrive having read the selected book and ready to take part in the discussion. Active members will also have the opportunity to vote on future book selections.

Books are chosen with availability through Eastern Counties Regional Library in mind; however, due to limited copies, participants may need to purchase their own. The municipality is not providing books at this time.

Launch event

The Inverness County Book Club will officially launch on Wednesday, April 15, at An Drochaid in Mabou at 6:00 p.m. This introductory session will provide an opportunity to meet fellow readers, learn more about the program, and share expectations for the club. Participants will also help shape ideas for future selections and discussions. Virtual attendance is also an option, and a link will be provided following registration.

Registration is now open at playfinder.ca. Advance registration is encouraged to support planning.

May selection

The first book for May is The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides.

For more information, contact the Recreation and Community Wellness team at recreation@invernesscounty.ca or call toll-free 1-866-258-0223 (select option 6).

Bulky Garbage 2026

Council Approves Spring Bulky Garbage Collection, Seeking Contractors

The Municipality of the County of Inverness is pleased to announce that the 2026 Residential Spring Bulky Garbage Collection is approved to take place starting Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

The municipality has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to procure contractors to carry out the special collection. Interested contractors may submit a proposal prior to 2:00 p.m., April 23^rd, 2026.

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

Start date for curbside placement: Sunday, May 17, 2026

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 must 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.
• Residential Spring Bulky Collection does not apply to commercial properties.

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 (select option #1) or email waste@invernesscounty.ca.

Municipality Hosts Autism Acceptance Month Sensory Skate

The Municipality of the County of Inverness Recreation & Community Wellness Department hosted a special Autism Acceptance Month Sensory Skate on April 7th, offering a dedicated and inclusive ice time for individuals with sensory and accessibility needs.

This event was part of an ongoing Sensory Skate series held on Tuesdays at the Al MacInnis Sports Centre in Port Hood, made possible through funding support from the Association of Municipal Administrators Nova Scotia (AMANS). The series provides a consistent opportunity for individuals and families to access the rink in a calm, welcoming environment.

Designed to reduce barriers, Sensory Skate sessions feature a low-stimulus atmosphere with reduced noise, fewer distractions, and beginner-friendly supports. Participants are encouraged to skate at their own pace, helping to build confidence while ensuring a safe and positive experience.

“Programs like Sensory Skate are about more than recreation – they are about belonging,” said Krista MacInnis, Recreation & Community Wellness Department Youth Coordinator. “The session included light games and refreshments and provided additional opportunities for participants and families to connect in a relaxed and supportive setting.”

“By creating opportunities that are intentionally inclusive, we’re helping ensure that all residents have the chance to participate fully in community life,” said Anna Solomon, Accessibility and Senior Safety Coordinator.

The Autism Acceptance Month Sensory Skate was open to the public, with ice time specifically designed to support those with sensory needs. To learn more about the skating program, contact Accessibility and Senior Safety Coordinator, Anna Solomon at anna.solomon@invernesscounty.ca or call 902-258-7690.