Council Seeking Feedback: Private Hydrant Bylaw
Council Seeks Feedback on New Private Hydrant Bylaw
The Council of the Municipality of the County of Inverness is considering the introduction of a new bylaw to set rules for how private fire hydrants are inspected, maintained, and kept in good working order.
The proposed bylaw would protect public safety by ensuring:
- Firefighters always have working hydrants in an emergency;
- The municipal water system isn’t put at risk; and,
- Private property owners meet their responsibilities.
It creates consistent expectations and protects everyone who relies on private fire hydrants for protection services.
What is a private fire hydrant?
A private hydrant is one that is connected to the municipal water system, but owned and maintained by a private landowner, rather than owned and maintained by the municipality.
Municipal hydrants are regularly inspected and maintained by municipal staff and contractors, but no process currently exists for privately-owned hydrants, posing a public safety hazard in emergency situations.
Public Feedback Welcome
Before voting on the new bylaw, Council is seeking feedback from residents to ensure the bylaw reflects the priorities of the community. Residents may provide written or oral submissions—either in favour or opposition—at a Committee of the Whole Council meeting.
Thursday, April 16 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, April 15 to:
Debbie Nicholson
375 Main St.
PO Box 179
Port Hood, NS B0E 2W0
Email: Debbie.Nicholson@invernesscounty.ca
Read the full proposed bylaw:
Read a detailed summary of the proposed bylaw:
A paper copy is available at the Municipal Administration Building during regular business hours (Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.).
This notice is published in accordance with the Municipal Government Act, Section 168.
Council Repeals Bylaw 36
January 12, 2025
Municipality of Inverness County Council Repeals Bylaw 36
At the Regular Meeting of Council on Thursday, January 8, the Council of the Municipality of the County of Inverness voted to repeal Municipal Bylaw 36—Pensions. The decision to repeal the bylaw was made as part of an ongoing bylaw modernization process.
Bylaw 36 outlined a former pension plan for municipal employees. 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. Bylaw 36 was repealed and not replaced.
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 169.
Council Repeals Bylaw 50
December 4, 2025
Municipality of Inverness County Council Repeals Municipal Bylaw 50
At the Regular Meeting of Council on Thursday, December 4, the Municipality of the County of Inverness Council voted to repeal Municipal Bylaw 50: Bylaw Amending Bylaw 30 – Capital Cost of Sewer and Water. The repeal comes as part of an ongoing bylaw modernization process.
Bylaw 50 was originally created to amend Bylaw 30 by adding a frontage rate (connection charge) for Maple St. residents in Inverness who were connected to the water and wastewater system. However, in October 2025, Council adopted a Municipal Fees Policy that included the same fees found in Bylaw 50, making Bylaw 50 redundant.
Council voted to repeal Bylaw 50 and not replace it.
All municipal bylaws are available online. Print copies are available at the Municipal Administration Building (375 Main St., Port Hood) during regular business hours (8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday – Friday).
This notice is published in accordance with the Municipal Government Act, Section 169.
Update: Bylaw Modernization Process
November 17, 2025
Council Continues Bylaw Modernization Process, Repeals Bylaws 20, 21, 24, 40
At the Regular Meeting of Council on Thursday, November 13, the Council of the Municipality of the County of Inverness agreed to repeal four Municipal Bylaws. The decision to repeal the bylaws was made as part of an ongoing bylaw modernization process. Effective Friday, November 14, the following bylaws are no longer in effect:
i. Bylaw 20 – Trailers Bylaw
As trailer regulations are now covered under the Municipality’s Land Use Bylaw and Municipal Planning Strategy, Bylaw 20 was repealed and not replaced.
ii. Bylaw 21 – Trailer Courts Bylaw
Trailer court regulations are now covered under the Municipality’s Land Use Bylaw and Municipal Planning Strategy, so Bylaw 21 was repealed and not replaced.
iii. Bylaw 24 – Development Officer Bylaw
This bylaw outlined the relationship between Council and the Eastern District Planning Commission (EDPC). Council and the Director of EDPC have established clear and directive practices, so Bylaw 24 was out of date. It has been repealed and not replaced.
iv. Bylaw 40 – Bylaw Respecting Relief from Liability
This bylaw outlined how the Municipality discharged sewage and wastewater, but the language was vague. New bylaws and policies better address the matters in more detail; therefore, Bylaw 40 was outdated and unnecessary. It was repealed and not replaced.
All municipal bylaws are available online. Print copies are available at the Municipal Administration Building (375 Main St., Port Hood) during regular business hours (8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday – Friday).
This notice is published in accordance with the Municipal Government Act, Section 169.
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.
Bylaw Modernization: Council Seeking Public Feedback
September 18, 2025
Municipality of Inverness County Council Seeks Feedback: Municipal Bylaw 25
The Council of the Municipality of the County of Inverness is considering the repeal of a municipal bylaw as part of an ongoing bylaw modernization process. If approved, the following bylaw will be officially repealed:
I. Bylaw Respecting the Repeal of Bylaw 25 – Building Bylaw
Current: Residents are required to obtain a permit from the municipality before constructing, altering, demolishing, or changing the use of a building, with exceptions for small projects.
Proposed Change: Remove bylaw and not replace. This bylaw is outdated as permits, fees, and planning are handled by Eastern District Planning Commission.
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, October 2 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, October 1 to:
Debbie Nicholson
375 Main St.
PO Box 179
Port Hood, NS B0E 2W0
Email: Debbie.Nicholson@invernesscounty.ca
Copies of the bylaws are available online at Bylaws | Municipality of the County of Inverness 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.
Bylaws 8 & 11 Repealed
July 17, 2025
Council of the Municipality of the County of Inverness Repeals Outdated Bylaws in Modernization Process
At the Committee of the Whole meeting held on Thursday, July 17, 2025, the Council of the Municipality of the County of Inverness agreed to repeal two outdated municipal bylaws.
The repealed bylaws are:
- Bylaw 8 – Mischief & Nuisances: This bylaw has been removed and not replaced. Relevant sections of this bylaw are covered under the current Bylaw 41 – Noise Control or other provincial or federal statutes and was deemed repetitive.
- Bylaw 11 – Curfew: Under this bylaw, children under the age of 16 were prohibited from public spaces, with certain exceptions, between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. This bylaw was outdated and therefore Council decided to repeal and not replace.
The decision to repeal these bylaws was made as part of an ongoing Bylaw modernization process.
All municipal bylaws are available online. Print copies are available at the Municipal Administration Building (375 Main St., Port Hood) during regular business hours (8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday – Friday).
This notice is published in accordance with the Municipal Government Act, Section 169.
Bylaw Modernization: Council Seeking Public Feedback
July 3, 2025
Municipality of Inverness County Council Seeks Feedback: Municipal Bylaws 8 & 11
The Council of the Municipality of the County of Inverness is considering the repeal of two municipal 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 8 – Mischief & Nuisances
Current: A range of disruptive behaviors in public or private areas, including loud or disturbing noises, loitering, trespassing, discharging firearms, maintaining nuisance properties, and possession of air rifles or slingshots are prohibited. Violators may face a fine of up to $100 or up to ten days in jail if the fine is not paid.
Proposed Change: Remove bylaw and not replace. Relevant sections of this bylaw are covered under the current Bylaw 41 – Noise Control or other provincial or federal statutes.
II. Bylaw Respecting the Repeal of Bylaw 11 – Curfew
Current: Children under 16 are prohibited from being in public places between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. unless accompanied by an adult, with exceptions for certain youth events. Parents or guardians must ensure compliance, and violations may result in fines up to $100 or up to 10 days of imprisonment.
Proposed Change: Remove bylaw and not replace.
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 Committee of the Whole meeting:
Thursday, July 17 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, July 16 to:
Debbie Nicholson
375 Main St.
PO Box 179
Port Hood, NS B0E 2W0
Email: Debbie.Nicholson@invernesscounty.ca
Copies of the bylaws are available online at Bylaws | Municipality of the County of Inverness 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.
Municipal Bylaws Repealed
June 5, 2025
Council of the Municipality of the County of Inverness Repeals Outdated Bylaws in Modernization Process
At the Regular Meeting of Council held on Thursday, June 5, 2025, the Council of the Municipality of the County of Inverness agreed to repeal three outdated municipal bylaws.
The repealed bylaws are:
- Bylaw 14 – Tax on Commencing Business: Previously required new businesses to pay a $50.00 administration fee upon opening within the municipality. This fee is no longer applicable, as business registration is now managed by the Province via the Registry of Joint Stocks.
- Bylaw 22 – Improvement Charges: Mandated property owners to cover 50% of the costs for installing permanent curbs, gutters, sidewalks, or pavement, based on property frontage. This bylaw was deemed outdated and overlapping with existing policies, such as the Capital Cost of Sidewalk Construction Policy.
- Bylaw 46 – Amendment to the Service Fees for Payment Cards: Previously imposed service fees when municipal payments were made by credit card. As credit card processing is now handled by a third-party vendor, this bylaw was no longer necessary.
The decision to repeal these bylaws was made as part of an ongoing modernization process.
All municipal bylaws are available online. Print copies are available at the Municipal Administration Building (375 Main St., Port Hood) during regular business hours (8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday – Friday).
This notice is published in accordance with the Municipal Government Act, Section 169.
Municipal Bylaw Review – Public Feedback Invited
May 23, 2025
The Council of the Municipality of the County of Inverness Seeks Public Feedback Regarding Municipal Bylaw Review
The Council of the Municipality of the County of Inverness is considering the repeal of three municipal 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 14 – Tax on Commencing Business
Current: New businesses are required to pay a $50 administration fee when opening within the municipality.
Proposed Change: This fee will no longer be required. The municipality no longer charges to open a business in the County. Business registration is done by the Province via Registry of Joint Stocks.
II. Bylaw Respecting the Repeal of Bylaw 22 – Improvement Changes
Current: Property owners are responsible for 50% of the costs related to the installation of permanent curbs, gutters, sidewalks, or pavement, with the municipality covering the other 50%, based on property frontage.
Proposed Change: This bylaw is outdated and no longer relevant to the municipality. In addition, some provisions overlap and are now covered under the Capital Cost of Sidewalk Construction Policy.
III. Bylaw Respecting the Repeal of Bylaw 46 – Amendment to the Service Fees for Payment Cards
Current: Service fees are charged when municipal payments (e.g., property taxes, water bills) are made by credit card.
Proposed Change: These service fees are not required as credit cards are processed by a third-party vendor. Therefore, the bylaw is no longer required as any service fee is charged direct to the payee.
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, June 5 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, June 4 to:
Debbie Nicholson
PO Box 179
Port Hood, NS B0E 2W0
Email: Debbie.Nicholson@invernesscounty.ca
Copies of the 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.