Municipality Hosted MPWANS Conference

The Municipality of Inverness County hosted the Municipal Public Works Association of Nova Scotia (MPWANS) Annual Conference May 13 – 15, 2026 in Chéticamp, Nova Scotia.

Hosted by a different municipality each year, the conference provides an opportunity for municipal public works professionals from across the region to network, share knowledge, and learn about new technologies, services, and best practices within the sector.

The conference began Wednesday, May 13 and welcomed more than 150 delegates from Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island over three days. Delegates participated in a variety of sessions, including the MPWANS Annual General Meeting, as well as presentations on asset management, water supply during drought conditions, support for the next generation of operators, traffic control safety, climate change, and other topics relevant to municipal public works operations.

A trade show was also held during the conference, providing vendors from Eastern Canada with an opportunity to showcase products and services that support municipal public works departments.

Conference delegates also heard remarks from Nova Scotia Minister of Public Works Fred Tilley, who served as keynote speaker during the conference banquet.

“This conference provided an important opportunity for municipal public works professionals to share knowledge, strengthen relationships, and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing communities across the region,” said Municipality of Inverness County CAO, Keith MacDonald. “Public Works Departments deliver essential services every day, and events like this help support continued learning, collaboration, and innovation within the sector.”

The Municipality of Inverness County also extends its appreciation to the businesses, accommodations, restaurants, and tourism operators in Chéticamp who welcomed delegates throughout the week and helped showcase the community’s hospitality and local amenities.

The Municipality also extends thanks to businesses throughout Inverness County and northeastern Nova Scotia who donated prizes that were awarded to delegates throughout the conference.

The conference was made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including:

• Presenting Sponsor: Xylem Canada LP
• Major Sponsors: Aquastore Canada East, Atlantic Purification Systems Ltd., Dillon Consulting, Hilltop Electrical & Plumbing Ltd., John Morrison Contracting Ltd., Lynk Electric, Paul Davis Property Restoration (Cap Breton), Provincial Pavement Markings Inc., Strait Engineering Ltd., Techno Metal Post (Cape Breton & Eastern Nova Scotia), Zutphen Contractors Inc./Ideal Concrete
• Contributing Sponsors: Breton Petroleum, Colliers Project Leaders, MacKenzie Environmental Ltd., Nova Enterprises Ltd. (Nova Trucks & Scotia Diesel Services), Strum Consulting
• Supporting Sponsors: Alantra Leasing, CBI Building & Construction Trades Council, Chiasson Bros. Ltd., Colvoy Equipment/Evergreen, Davis Pier Consulting, Eastern 2.0 Water Systems, Harvey Realties, Melmerby Safety/Compass Chauffeur Service, Poly-Mor Canada Inc., Sansom Equipment Ltd., Univar Solutions Canada Ltd., WM Directional Drilling
• Friends of MPWANS: Nulantic Water, Sanction Equipment Ltd., Saunders Equipment Ltd., Viking-Cives

About MPWANS

The Municipal Public Works Association of Nova Scotia (MPWANS) is an association comprised of Professional Engineers, Engineering Technologists/Technicians, Water & Wastewater Treatment Operators, Municipal Traffic Authorities, Public Works Directors, Managers and Supervisors from Towns and Municipalities across Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. The Association is a forum for Public Works Employees, Suppliers, and Consultants to discuss matters that relate to operations of Water, Wastewater, Roads, Traffic, Facilities, Fleet, Engineering, and all things related to Public Works.

Boil Water Advisory – Whycocomagh Water System

The Municipality of Inverness County is issuing a Boil Water Advisory, in addition to the current Water Conservation Directive, for all users of the Whycocomagh water system.

The water system is currently experiencing high turbidity, meaning the water has a slight discolouration likely related to recent heavy rainfall.

As a precaution, residents are advised to boil their water before using it for drinking or food preparation.

The length of the Boil Water Advisory and Water Conservation Directive is unknown; however Public Works is working to fix the problem as quickly as possible.

Effective May 13, 2026, at 8 p.m. all Whycocomagh water system users should:

• 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

Please share this notice with neighbours, friends, and visitors to help keep everyone informed.

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.

Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

To learn more about boil water advisories, visit Boil Water Advisories | Municipality of the County of Inverness .

Mandatory Water Conservation Directive – Whycocomagh Water System

The Municipality of Inverness County is issuing a mandatory water conservation directive for all Whycocomagh residents connected to the municipal system due to an issue with water supply to the water treatment plant.

This directive takes effect immediately (Wednesday, May 13) and will remain in place until the issue is resolved.

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.
• Promptly repair any leaks in and around taps and plumbing.

Please share this message with friends, family, and neighbors who may not receive this notice.

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

Update: Whycocomagh Water System

Update: Boil Water Advisory and Water Conservation Directive – Whycocomagh

The Municipality of Inverness County is sharing an update related to the boil water advisory and water conservation directive for Whycocomagh water system users.

Both orders remain in place today, Thursday, May 14.

Public Works staff has reported that water quality is improving. Residents will see members of the team flushing parts of the water system throughout the day to reduce the discolouration and cloudiness of the water.

In addition to boiling and conserving water, it is recommended that residents on the Whycocomagh water system refrain from washing white/light coloured clothing today as the water discolouration may stain.

Please share this notice with neighbours, friends, and visitors to help keep everyone informed.

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.

Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

For more information on the Boil Water Advisory and Water Conservation Directive, visit:

• Boil Water Advisory – Whycocomagh Water System | Municipality of the County of Inverness
• Mandatory Water Conservation Directive – Whycocomagh Water System | Municipality of the County of Inverness

June Household Hazardous Waste Drop Off Events

Spring 2026 Residential Household Hazardous Waste Drop Off Events Announced

The Municipality of Inverness County will host two Residential Household Hazardous Waste Drop Off Events on Thursday, June 11, 2026, offering residents a safe and responsible way to dispose of hazardous waste materials.

The events will take place at the following locations:

Strathlorne Municipal Recycling Facility
15109 Route 19, Strathlorne
4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Glendale Community Hall
4216 Highway 105, Glendale
4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

These free annual events are open to municipal residents and offer a convenient opportunity to properly dispose of materials that are not accepted through regular curbside collection or at municipal waste facilities.

Accepted materials include; aerosols, household cleaners, pesticides, bleach, fire extinguishers, fluorescent light bulbs, propane tanks, helium tanks, pool chemicals, and paint thinner/varsol.

Electronic waste such as countertop appliances, TVs, phones, computers, will also be accepted by municipal staff at the events.

Commercial and biohazardous waste will not be accepted.

Year-Round Disposal Options

Residents are reminded that some materials collected during these events can also be dropped off year-round, free of charge, at municipal facilities during regular business hours:

• Lightbulbs and electronic waste can be taken to the Strathlorne Municipal Recycling Facility during regular business hours.
• Paints, stains, and related products can be dropped off at the Kenloch Waste Management Facility (420 West Lake Ainslie Rd., Kenloch).

For full details on the Municipality’s solid waste programs, visit the Solid Waste Program Highlights page.

For questions about solid waste, contact the Municipality at waste@invernesscounty.ca or call toll-free 1-866-258-0223, select option #1.

Strathlorne Municipal Recycling Facility Accepting New Materials

The Municipality of Inverness is advising residents that the Strathlorne Municipal Recycling Facility is now accepting new materials for recycling.

Newly accepted items include non-hazardous aerosol containers (such as hairspray and shaving cream), plastic laminates (such as chip bags and coffee pods), and flexible and rigid foam (such as meat trays and styrofoam).

This change came into effect on May 1 and provides residents with a more environmentally friendly alternative to disposing of these materials.

Why the Change

This update follows the introduction of the extended producer responsibility (EPR) residential recycling program, implemented across Nova Scotia, including Inverness County, in December 2025. Under EPR, recycling operations are managed by Circular Materials, a national non-profit organization.

Sorting Information

Circular Materials separates recyclables into five categories:

1. Paper
2. Plastics and containers
3. Non-hazardous aerosol containers
4. Plastic laminates
5. Flexible and rigid foam

Paper and Plastics and containers are accepted curbside in separate blue bags. The remaining three material types; non-hazardous aerosol containers, plastic laminates, and flexible/rigid foam, are accepted at designated locations across the province for disposal.

What Has Changed

Effective May 1, the Strathlorne Municipal Recycling Facility, located at 15109 Route 19, Strathlorne, can accept non-hazardous aerosol containers, plastic laminates, and flexible and rigid foam for recycling.

There are no changes to how paper and plastics/containers are collected. These materials will continue to be accepted curbside in separate blue bags.

Accepted Materials

Examples of newly accepted materials include:

Non-hazardous aerosol containers:

• Food spray
• Hairspray
• Air fresheners
• Shaving cream
• Deodorant
• Wax and polish sprays
• Insulating foam

Plastic laminates:

• Coffee or deli pouches
• Chip bags
• Bubble wrap
• Vacuum packaging
• Candy and snack wrappers
• Cereal liner bags
• Gift bags

Flexible and rigid foam:

• Meat trays
• Packaging peanuts
• Foam takeout containers
• Foam cups, plates, and bowls
• Foam packaging

Recognizing the municipality’s large geographic area, residents who are unable to access the Strathlorne Municipal Recycling Facility may continue to place these materials in their black bags for curbside collection.

Curbside Collection and Support

Residents with questions can contact the municipality at waste@invernesscounty.ca or by calling 1-866-258-0223 (option 1).

For collection schedules and sorting guidance, residents can download the Recycle Cape Breton app or visit invernesscounty.ca.

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.