Central Avenue Rebuild Project – Construction Begins July 6

Construction on the Central Avenue Rebuild Project will officially begin on Monday, July 6 in the community of Inverness.

Starting at 7:30 a.m., residents will see traffic control measures being set up between Broad Cove Banks Rd. and the Shean Trail crossing. Traffic will be reduced to one lane beginning at 8 a.m. and will remain in place until 4:30 p.m.

The roadway will reopen to two lanes of traffic outside of construction hours.

Residents should expect delays and are encouraged to allow extra time for travel.

Impacts to Solid Waste Collection

To reduce impact to solid waste collections in the community, Inverness residents are being asked to place items curbside by 6:30 a.m. (instead of 7 a.m.). Collection routes may be altered due to construction; however, solid waste will continue to be collected on regularly scheduled days, though pickup times may be earlier or later than usual.

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 July, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

  • Location: Inverness Fire Hall, 15797 Central Ave., Inverness
  • July Dates:
    • Tuesday, 7
    • Friday, 10
    • Thursday, 16
    • Tuesday, 28
    • Thursday, 30
  • 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.

August dates will be posted later this month.

Details about a community open house will also be shared during the week of July 6.

The Municipality of Inverness County thanks residents and businesses for their patience and cooperation as this important infrastructure project gets underway. Once complete, this project will deliver lasting improvements that support residents, businesses, and visitors for years to come.

Project Background:

About the Project

The Central Avenue Rebuild Project includes the full reconstruction of Central Avenue and will feature:

  • New water and wastewater piping and associated infrastructure.
  • Replacement of the existing wastewater lift station located near the Shean Trail crossing.
  • Improved sidewalks, multi-use pathways, and crosswalks.
  • Streetscape and beautification enhancements.
  • A fully reconstructed roadway with upgraded stormwater infrastructure, delivered in partnership with the Nova Scotia Department of Public Works.

Stay Informed

Residents and businesses are encouraged to stay informed throughout construction by using the following resources:

Temporary Water Conservation Request – Inverness

Inverness, Nova Scotia – The Municipality of Inverness County will be conducting maintenance work on the Inverness water system on Tuesday, June 23.

While water service will not be interrupted, one well will be temporarily taken offline, reducing the amount of water available throughout the day.

As a result, residents are asked to voluntarily conserve water while the work is underway.

Once maintenance is complete, the well will return to service and normal water use may resume. Residents can help reduce water consumption by:

  • Taking shorter showers and turning off taps when brushing teeth or washing dishes.
  • Running dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads.
  • Avoiding non-essential outdoor water use, such as watering lawns or washing driveways.

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

Upcoming Roadside Photography for Central Avenue Rebuild Project

Inverness, Nova Scotia – The Municipality of Inverness County would like to advise residents that, over the coming days (June 22 – 26), municipal representatives will be taking roadside photographs throughout Phase One of the Central Avenue Rebuild Project, from Broad Cove Banks Rd. to James St., Inverness.

These photographs are required to document existing roadside conditions prior to the start of construction.

Municipal staff conducting this work will be clearly identified by high-visibility safety vests.

Staff will remain within the road right-of-way and will not enter private properties or take photographs of homes.

To learn more about the project:
Visit: Central Avenue Rebuild | Municipality of the County of Inverness
Email: CentralAve@invernesscounty.ca
Call: 1-866-258-0223, option 8

Port Hood Lift Station Replacement Update

Work continues on the replacement of the Port Hood Wastewater Lift Station, located at the corner of Main St. and Convent St., Port Hood

Over the past two weeks, crews have excavated trenches, assembled and installed piping, and connected the new infrastructure to the lift station system. This phase of the project is anticipated to be completed next week (June 22–26). Once this work is finished, the roadway will be graded and the area cleaned up.

Construction activities will then shift back to the lift station site.

Intermittent traffic control measures will remain in place on a portion of Main St. (in front of 375 Main St.), reducing traffic to a single lane for the duration of the project.

Motorists can expect minimal delays; however, they are encouraged to allow extra travel time when travelling through the area. Should the project schedule require additional time, an update will be provided.

The Municipality thanks residents and motorists for their patience and cooperation throughout this work.

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

Beach Bingo 2026

Beach Cleanup Bingo Returns this July

The Municipality of Inverness County is excited to announce the return of Beach Cleanup Bingo for July 2026.

The game is a fun and rewarding way for residents and visitors of Inverness County to help keep local beaches and shorelines clean. It encourages beachgoers to collect common litter items, like bottle caps, lobster bands, rope, and plastics, while checking items off their card for a chance to win a grocery store gift card.

The goal is to reduce shoreline pollution, raise awareness, and have some fun while protecting Inverness County’s treasured beaches.

How to play

  • Download the bingo card below—save it to a mobile device to fill out digitally or print a copy at home
  • As you collect beach litter throughout July, mark items off on the bingo card
  • Once the card is complete, email it to waste@invernesscounty.ca by August 1, 2026, to be entered in the prize draw

Note: Beach cleanups must take place in Inverness County to be eligible.

Download Card Here

Prizes

  • Full bingo: $50 gift card
  • Mini bingo: Two $25 gift card

The draw will take place on August 5, 2026.

For any questions regarding Beach Cleanup Bingo, please contact Solid Waste Educator Nicole Latimer at nicole.latimer@invernesscounty.ca.

Whycocomagh Boil Water Advisory Lifted – June 12, 2026

The Municipality of Inverness County would like to notify users of the Whycocomagh water system that the Boil Water Advisory is no longer in effect as of today, June 12, at 3:30 p.m.

As a result of the advisory being lifted, the water voucher program will end, and outstanding vouchers will not be honoured. Any Whycocomagh residents who would like to collect water at the scheduled water pick-up today may still do so at the Whycocomagh Fire Department from 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

The Municipality would like to extend sincere thanks and appreciation to the Whycocomagh Volunteer Fire Department and Whycocomagh Co-op for partnering on resident support programs, the Cape Breton Regional Municipality for assisting with sourcing water when the advisory came into effect, and the businesses and residents of Whycocomagh for their patience, cooperation, and adaptability.

The Municipality will continue to work towards securing a sustainable long-term solution for Whycocomagh’s residents.

June Feedback Loop

June Feedback Loop Survey Focuses on the Environment

The Municipality of Inverness County is launching the June edition of The Feedback Loop survey today, June 18, with a focus on the environment and climate change.

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.

This month’s survey was created in partnership with Atlantic Coastal Action Program (ACAP) Cape Breton—a non-profit organization that the Municipality works closely with on climate-related projects and activities—to get a better understanding of residents’ awareness of environmental issues in Inverness County.

“We’re always grateful for the work that ACAP Cape Breton does in Inverness County,” says Warden Bonny MacIsaac, Municipality of Inverness County. “This feedback will help both the Municipality and ACAP understand residents’ awareness and priorities when it comes to the environment and climate change and help guide joint efforts going forward.”

“Inverness County has so much nature for us to learn from and enjoy,” say Monica Ragan, ACAP Cape Breton’s Program Manager for Western Cape Breton. “Using the results of this survey, we can better tailor programming to help residents connect with their environment in a fun and informative way.”

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 July 15, with the next survey launching on July 16.

About ACAP Cape Breton

Founded in 1992, Atlantic Coastal Action Program (ACAP) Cape Breton works directly on practical solutions that help protect and restore the natural environment. They are a charitable not-for-profit organization staffed by a passionate team of environmental scientists and educators. Our work spans four core areas: Habitat Restoration, Environmental Monitoring, Environmental Education, and Waste Diversion.

ACAP and the Municipality collaborate on projects, programming, and initiatives related to climate change, water conservation, waste diversion, and more.

To access the survey, visit https://forms.office.com/r/8DgBTWysKH

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

Phase One of Inverness Central Avenue Rebuild Project

Construction Set to Begin on Phase One of Inverness Central Avenue Rebuild Project

The Municipality of Inverness County is taking an important step toward modernizing critical infrastructure in the community of Inverness. Phase One of the Central Avenue Rebuild Project is set to begin late June following the recent award of a construction tender to Brilun Construction Ltd.

Central Avenue Rebuild is one component of a broader generational investment in infrastructure improvements throughout the community of Inverness. Related projects include:

Together, these investments are helping renew aging infrastructure, improve environmental performance, enhance safety and accessibility, and support future growth in the community.

With the tender awarded, Central Avenue Rebuild will involve a full reconstruction of Central Avenue, including:

  • New water and wastewater piping and associated infrastructure.
  • Replacement of an existing wastewater lift station located near the Central Avenue trail crossing.
  • Improved sidewalks, multi-use paths, and crosswalks.
  • Streetscape and beautification enhancements.
  • A fully reconstructed roadway with upgraded stormwater systems, delivered in partnership with the Nova Scotia Department of Public Works.

Project Timeline

  • Phase One extends from the intersection of Broad Cove Banks Road to James Street.
  • Construction is expected to begin late June and continue through December 2026.
  • Future phases are planned to continue from James Street to the Inverness County Centre for the Arts (ICCA) driveway and include additional infrastructure upgrades, such as a new wastewater lift station at the ICCA driveway. The timing and scope of future phases will depend on market volatility and contractor availability.

“Reaching this construction milestone reflects the dedication and cooperation of many partners who have worked together to make this project possible,” said Keith MacDonald, Chief Administrative Officer, Municipality of Inverness County. “From regulators at all levels of government to utility providers, landowners, and technical teams, a tremendous amount of planning and coordination has been required to get to this point. The start of construction is an important milestone and a testament to the collaborative effort behind this project. The Municipality is excited to see this project move into the construction phase.”

What Residents Can Expect

Construction will create temporary impacts for residents, businesses, commuters, and visitors. The Municipality will work closely with the contractor to minimize disruptions wherever possible and maintain access to homes, businesses, and community facilities throughout construction.

Additional information regarding construction schedules, traffic impacts, detours, and project milestones will be shared as details are confirmed.

MacDonald added, “This investment will replace aging infrastructure, improve safety and accessibility, and support the long-term needs of our community. While construction will bring temporary disruptions, we are committed to keeping residents informed every step of the way.”

Stay Informed

The Municipality will be hosting a public open house, with the date and location to be announced in the coming weeks.

Residents and businesses are encouraged to stay informed through the following resources:

Central Avenue Rebuild Project Webpage – www.invernesscounty.ca/CentralAveRebuild

  • Central source for project information.
  • Construction updates and project milestones.
  • Frequently asked questions.
  • Contact information for project inquiries.

Project Newsletter

Project Information Centre – Inverness Fire Hall, 15797 Central Ave., Inverness

  • Visit during posted hours to speak directly with a Municipal representative and ask questions about the project.
  • Drop-in dates and times will be shared once confirmed.

Project Funding

This Central Avenue Rebuild project is funded through a partnership between municipal, provincial, and federal governments under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.  The total for the project is $8,355,733, with the Municipality covering $1.87 million.

BACKGROUNDER

Why the Central Avenue Rebuild Project is Needed

2019 assessment of the Municipality’s water and wastewater systems identified significant concerns with aging infrastructure along the corridor.

The assessment found that key infrastructure assets had reached the end of their service life and were at increasing risk of failure. Without replacement, these conditions could lead to service disruptions, environmental impacts, and public health concerns.

Central Avenue Rebuild Project Benefits

Once complete, the project will provide:

  • Reliable water and wastewater services.
  • Reduced risk of service interruptions and infrastructure failures.
  • Improved pedestrian safety and accessibility.
  • Enhanced streetscape and community appearance.
  • Increased infrastructure capacity to support future growth and development.

Whycocomagh Boil Water Advisory Update – June 10, 2026

The Municipality of Inverness County is providing an update related to the ongoing Whycocomagh boil water advisory.

Leak Detection Work Ongoing:

Leak detection work will continue throughout today, June 10, and likely into the overnight hours. Leak detection work involves looking for areas where water is leaking from the system by checking for drops in pressure or certain sounds. Members of the team will be wearing high visibility vests.  When this work is underway, water pressure may be reduced temporarily.

Water Pick-Up & Voucher Programs Reminder

Water distribution and voucher pick-up will continue until the boil water advisory is lifted.

Upcoming Pick-Up Dates:

  • Wednesday, June 10
  • Friday, June 12

Time: 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Location: Whycocomagh Volunteer Fire Department, 9519 Trans Canada Highway, Whycocomagh

Impacted residents may collect one four-litre jug of drinking water per person, to a maximum of three jugs per household:

• One-person household: one jug (4 litres)
• Two-person household: two jugs (8 litres)
• Three or more people: three jugs (12 litres)

Please note: Friday, June 12 will be a double pick-up day to ensure residents have enough drinking water for the weekend.

Residents may also collect a water voucher during the distribution period. Vouchers can be redeemed at the Whycocomagh Co-op for bottled drinking water.

Residents requiring assistance with water or voucher pick-up are asked to contact the Municipality’s Public Works Department at 1-866-258-0223, option 4.

Updates will continue to be shared on the Municipality’s website and Facebook page. Residents are encouraged to check these sources regularly for the latest information.

To learn more, visit https://invernesscounty.ca/whycocomaghboilwateradvisory/

Whycocomagh Public Library Open

New Library Opens in Whycocomagh

The Municipality of Inverness County, in partnership with the Eastern Counties Regional Library (ECRL) are pleased to announce that the Whycocomagh Public Library has opened its doors to the community.

Located in the lower level of the Whycocomagh Waterfront Centre (9650 Hwy 105), the new public library will integrate ECRL library services, visitor information, and municipal services and programming in a welcoming space.

Hours and Services:

The Whycocomagh Public Library will be open during the following hours this summer:

  • Monday – Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • Thursday: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
  • Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • Saturday: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Sunday: closed

The hours are designed to give the public ample opportunity to enjoy the community space and access the available services.

Visitors to the library can access standard ECRL services including:

  • Registration of new ECRL library cards & reregistration of older accounts
  • Circulation services – Book, DVD, and audiobook borrowing

As well as creative and design services such as:

  • Black and white printing and photocopying
  • 3D printing and design
  • Laser engraving
  • Vinyl cutting
  • Use of a Cricut® machine

The Whycocomagh Public Library will also have a space devoted to a Visitor Information Centre for visitors to Inverness County throughout the year.

“Libraries are public spaces that welcome everyone,” says Warden Bonny MacIsaac, Municipality of Inverness County. “This new library will be a place where people can learn, connect, access services, and build community together. We are proud to support a model that expands access to library services while creating a vibrant gathering place for Whycocomagh, We’koqma’q and surrounding communities.”

“Eastern Counties Regional Libraries is pleased to partner in opening this new library in Whycocomagh,” says James Fuller, Chair of Eastern Counties Regional Library. “We look forward to serving Whycocomagh, We’koqma’q and area for years to come.”

For questions about the library, drop in during operating hours, or contact:

  • By phone: 1-902-631-2078
  • E-mail:  whycocomagh@ecrl.ca.
  • Visit ecrl.ca/locations/whycocomagh-public-library

Details are underway to plan a grand opening event, scheduled for Saturday, June 27. More details will be shared once confirmed.