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.

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.

- 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.

Drone Mapping and Damage Assessment Operations

*Sharing on behalf of Inverness, Victoria and Richmond Counties and the Town of Port Hawkesbury

Cape Breton Flood Response: Drone Mapping and Damage Assessment Operations

Residents in areas impacted by flooding may notice drone activity in the coming days as part of ongoing flood damage assessment efforts.

The Western Cape Breton Regional Emergency Management Organization (REMO), (made up of Inverness, Victoria and Richmond Counties, and the Town of Port Hawkesbury), in partnership with GlobalMedic (a registered Canadian charity mandated to provide people affected by disaster with humanitarian aid) and emergency management partners, is conducting aerial mapping and imaging of areas impacted by the recent flooding and severe weather event.

The drones will be used to capture information about damaged roads, infrastructure, shorelines, and other affected areas to support damage assessments, recovery planning, and response efforts. Residents may see drones operating over public roadways and surrounding areas, particularly near West Bay Road and Marble Mountain.

“The information collected will help our emergency management officials, engineers, and response agencies better understand the extent of the damage and prioritize recovery efforts,” says Jerron Hawley, Emergency Coordination Centre Incident Commander. “We thank residents for their patience and cooperation as this important work is completed.”

For safety reasons, people are asked not to approach drone operators while they are working and to continue following any travel advisories or road closure notices that remain in effect.

State of Local Emergency Update – September 8, 2026

*Sharing on behalf of Inverness, Victoria and Richmond Counties and the Town of Port Hawkesbury

First and foremost, our thoughts are with the family, friends and community members affected by the tragic loss of life near Cleveland. This has been an extraordinarily difficult event for residents across Cape Breton and the Strait Area, and our deepest sympathies are with everyone who has been impacted.

From the outset, our priority has been public safety. Municipalities, the Regional Emergency Management Organization (REMO), first responders and provincial agencies have been working around the clock to assess conditions, share information, support affected communities and respond to changing circumstances.

Current Status

The State of Local Emergency remains in effect.
Solid waste and recycling collection is cancelled today (Sept. 8) for Inverness, Victoria and Richmond counties.
For the most up-to-date information around school closures, residents are encouraged to check with their regional centre for education.

Regional Coordination

Supported by funding from the Nova Scotia Department of Emergency Management, Inverness, Victoria and Richmond Counties and the Town of Port Hawkesbury recently partnered to establish a Regional Emergency Management Organization (REMO).

This is the first major event for this REMO, and it has demonstrated the value of regional coordination. All four entities have been working together, alongside provincial partners and first responders, to support residents throughout the region. This response is ongoing.

REMO Response

As the weather events unfolded, a Joint Operations Centre was established in Port Hawkesbury, bringing together representatives from Inverness, Victoria and Richmond Counties and the Town of Port Hawkesbury. With guidance and support from the Nova Scotia Department of Emergency Management, the REMO has been working closely with the RCMP, EHS, local fire departments and the Nova Scotia Department of Public Works.

A support telephone line opened September 6 to provide residents with a central point of contact to report non-emergency issues and concerns related to the current emergency situation. Approximately 50 calls have been received to date, including requests for medical assistance, questions about emergency response capabilities and reports of road conditions.

We want to be very clear with residents: police, fire and ambulance services remain available to respond to 911 calls. If a resident cannot be reached because of a road closure, washout or blocked driveway, emergency responders have additional resources available, including helicopters and specialized equipment, where required.

Next steps

The REMO will continue to work closely with provincial partners and consider their recommendations as decisions are made regarding the State of Local Emergency and the ongoing response.

Residents are encouraged to visit their 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.

We recognize the uncertainty and disruption residents are experiencing, and we thank everyone for their patience, cooperation and understanding.

Water Conservation Directive Issued for Judique Water System

The Municipality of Inverness County is issuing a mandatory water conservation directive for users of the Judique water system effective today, September 7, 2026.

The directive is necessary because heavy rainfall over the weekend has significantly increased turbidity (mud) in the water source (Judique dam). The volume of turbid water is currently too high for the Public Works team to properly treat before it enters the water storage tank.

As a result, the treatment plant has been temporarily shut down to allow the turbidity to settle at the Judique dam and water treatment conditions to return to normal.

While the treatment plant is shut down, users of the Judique water system are relying on the water currently available in the storage tank. Water conservation is therefore necessary to help maintain the available water supply until normal treatment can resume.

At this time, residents are asked to conserve water by following these 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.
Promptly repair any leaks in and around taps and plumbing.

To learn more about water conservation, visit Water Conservation | Municipality of the County of Inverness.

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

Western Cape Breton Municipal Support Line Remains Open

A municipal support line for Western Cape Breton residents that opened earlier today (Sept. 6), will remain open until further notice, providing residents with a central point of contact to report non-emergency issues and concerns related to the current emergency situation.

Municipal Support Line: 902-625-7888
Hours of operation: The support line will be available 8 a.m. to 8 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 available to residents of Inverness, Victoria and Richmond Counties and the Town of Port Hawkesbury.

The support line is intended for non-emergency issues and concerns. Any situation requiring immediate emergency assistance should be reported by calling 911.

On September 5, municipal officials from Inverness, Victoria and Richmond Counties, and the Town of Port Hawkesbury declared a State of Local Emergency due to widespread flooding, resulting in road closures, evacuations and disruptions to transportation networks.

To learn more about the local state of emergency, visit State of Local Emergency Declared in Parts of Cape Breton | Municipality of the County of Inverness.

For current road conditions, visit https://511.novascotia.ca/.

Western Cape Breton Municipal Support Line Opens Sept. 6

*Sharing on behalf of Inverness, Victoria and Richmond Counties, and the Town of Port Hawkesbury.

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Four municipalities are working together to support residents affected by the ongoing State of Local Emergency in western Cape Breton, including Inverness, Victoria and Richmond Counties and the Town of Port Hawkesbury.

A municipal support line will open Sunday, September 6, at 8 a.m. The line will provide residents with a central point of contact to report non-emergency issues and concerns related to the current emergency situation.

Municipal Support Line: 902-625-7888
Hours of operation: The support line will be available Sunday, September 6, from 8 a.m. to 8 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 available to residents of Inverness, Victoria and Richmond Counties and the Town of Port Hawkesbury.

The support line is intended for non-emergency issues and concerns. Any situation requiring immediate emergency assistance should be reported by calling 911.

Additional hours of operation will be announced as they are confirmed.

Earlier today, September 5, municipal officials declared a State of Local Emergency as response efforts continue and crews assess damage to roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure.

Widespread flooding has resulted in road closures, evacuations and disruptions to transportation networks. Conditions remain dangerous, and residents are encouraged to follow directions from emergency officials, stay away from affected areas and avoid unnecessary travel where possible.

To learn more about the local state of emergency, visit State of Local Emergency Declared in Parts of Cape Breton | Municipality of the County of Inverness.

For current road conditions, visit https://511.novascotia.ca/.

State of Local Emergency Declared in Parts of Cape Breton

Sharing on behalf of Inverness, Victoria and Richmond Counties, and the Town of Port Hawkesbury.

State of Local Emergency Declared in Parts of Cape Breton; Residents Urged to Avoid Travel

Residents are being urged to avoid all non-essential travel as heavy rainfall continues to cause significant flooding, road washouts and transportation disruptions across parts of Cape Breton.

Municipal officials have declared a State of Local Emergency in affected areas as response efforts continue and crews assess damage to roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure. Widespread flooding has resulted in road closures, evacuations and disruptions to transportation networks, and conditions remain dangerous.

Emergency responders, municipal officials, Department of Public Works crews and other partners are working around the clock to respond to incidents, support affected residents and assess damage.

“Public safety remains our top priority,” said Jerron Hawley, Regional Manager for Emergency Services, for Western Cape Breton “People should stay off the roads unless travel is absolutely necessary. Reducing traffic in affected areas will help keep residents safe and allow emergency crews to respond quickly and efficiently.”

Residents are reminded to:

Not travel unless your trip is absolutely necessary.
Check 511 Nova Scotia before travelling and be prepared for conditions to change quickly.
Never drive through flooded roads, standing water, washed-out areas, or around barricades and road closures.
Turn around and find another route if you encounter water on the roadway.
Remember that floodwaters may be deeper and moving faster than they appear.
Give emergency responders, assessment teams and road crews the space they need to work safely.
Follow instructions from local authorities and emergency officials.

Officials caution that additional road closures may occur without warning as rainfall continues and damage assessments progress. Residents should expect travel disruptions and delays throughout affected areas.

Provincial and Municipal emergency management officials continue to monitor the situation closely and coordinate response efforts. Life safety remains the primary focus as crews work to assist impacted communities and restore transportation routes.

Residents should monitor local media, 511 Nova Scotia and official government channels for the latest information on road closures, weather conditions and public safety updates.

For current road conditions, visit 511 Nova Scotia.

Motorists to Use Extreme Caution in Construction Area

Municipality Urges Motorists to Use Extreme Caution in Central Avenue Construction Area

As we head into a rainy long weekend, the Municipality of Inverness County is reminding motorists traveling through the Central Avenue Rebuild Project area to exercise extreme caution and reduce their speed.

At the end of each construction day, the contractor works to prepare the closed section of roadway for temporary use by motorists. However, high traffic volumes and wet weather can significantly affect the condition of the roadway, creating challenging driving conditions for motorists, especially during weekends.

Motorists are reminded to slow down, follow all posted signage and traffic controls, and remain on the designated side of the roadway. Please do not drive on the opposite side of the road to avoid gravel, uneven surfaces, or other temporary road conditions.

The contractor will continue to manage the construction site.

The Municipality and its contractor appreciate the patience and cooperation of motorists as this important work continues, and thanks the public for traveling with care and helping to keep workers and motorists safe.

To learn more about the Central Avenue Rebuild Project, visit Central Avenue Rebuild | Municipality of the County of Inverness .