Bylaw Modernization: Council Seeking Public Feedback

October 16, 2025

Municipality of Inverness County Council Seeks Feedback: Municipal Bylaws 20, 21, 24, 40, 36

The Council of the Municipality of the County of Inverness is considering the repeal of five bylaws as part of an ongoing bylaw modernization process. If approved, the following bylaws will be officially repealed:

I. Bylaw Respecting the Repeal of Bylaw 20 – Trailers Bylaw

Current: This bylaw was originally created to regulate trailer licensing. It no longer reflects current municipal practices, is not enforced, and was passed before the Municipal Government Act came into effect.

Proposed Change: Trailer regulations are now covered under the municipality’s Land Use Bylaw and Municipal Planning Strategy, which were developed with input from Inverness County residents. As a result, Bylaw 20 is no longer needed and is recommended for repeal without replacement.

 II. Bylaw Respecting the Repeal of Bylaw 21 – Trailer Courts Bylaw

Current: This bylaw was intended to regulate the operation and development of trailer courts. It is outdated, no longer aligns with municipal practices, and predates the Municipal Government Act.

Proposed Change: Trailer courts are now regulated through the municipality’s Land Use Bylaw and Municipal Planning Strategy. Bylaw 21 is therefore redundant and is recommended for repeal without replacement.

III. Bylaw Respecting the Repeal of Bylaw 24 – Development Officer Bylaw

Current: This bylaw describes the relationship between Council and the Eastern District Planning Commission (EDPC). It references legislation that has since been replaced in part by the Municipal Government Act.

Proposed Change: Council and the Director of the EDPC have established clear and effective practices that better define their working relationship. Bylaw 24 is now outdated and is recommended for repeal without replacement.

IV. Bylaw Respecting the Repeal of Bylaw 40 – Bylaw Respecting Relief from Liability

Current: This bylaw outlines how the municipality discharges sewage and wastewater, but the language is vague and lacks clear definitions.

Proposed Change: New bylaws and human resources policies now address these matters in more detail, making Bylaw 40 outdated and unnecessary. It is recommended for repeal without replacement.

V. Bylaw Respecting the Repeal of Bylaw 36 – Pensions Bylaw

Current: This bylaw outlines former pension plan for municipal employees.

Proposed Change: Current pension arrangements are now covered under updated Human Resources and Personnel Policies. The bylaw is outdated, inaccurate, and does not reflect current municipal operations or values. It is recommended that Bylaw 36 be repealed and not replaced.

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, November 13 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 Wednesday, November 12 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.