Easter Message from Inverary Manor

As we prepare to celebrate the Easter weekend, a time of year we traditionally rejoice in the changing season and revel in nature’s signs of new life, the enormity of our current circumstance is no doubt weighing heavily on us all. These are unprecedented times for everyone, as we continue to make adjustments to our routines of daily living and do our best to actively follow the social distancing guidelines set for us by our Public Health experts.

Like you, our staff and the residents of Inverary Manor are grappling with a “new normal”. It has been very challenging. For several weeks now, all employees have been operating with a heightened sense of responsibility and personal accountability, at work and at home. We are all acutely aware that our actions can have serious consequences. The well-being of our vulnerable residents, their families, our co-workers, and their families depend on each of us remaining committed to doing our part.

So far, I am pleased and proud to say our team’s collective efforts have been successful and we are very grateful that Inverary Manor is free of the COVID-19 virus. Each employee of Inverary Manor has made an important contribution to date and it remains our goal to keep our Home virus free! Notwithstanding, we are simultaneously preparing plans to address an outbreak should it occur, and continuing to introduce internal preventative measures and implement all new directives from the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, including those issued this week. You should know that we are receiving unwavering guidance and support from our Public Health partners, as we endeavour to keep our staff and residents safe.

Throughout this period of uncertainty, we especially appreciate the understanding and support we have received from Families, Volunteers, and our Community. Your encouragement is valued as well. We know that being separated from your loved ones here at Inverary Manor is very difficult. We want to assure you we are committed to caring for each individual, comforting them and creating a sense of normalcy in this most extraordinary time.

This weekend as you celebrate Easter, we extend an invitation to family and friends to reach out to the residents and staff at Inverary Manor. We can arrange Skype calls, too! As well, on behalf of our entire team, I want to wish you all a Happy Easter. Stay safe, heed the words of Dr. Strang, and keep us in your thoughts.

Kindest regards,

Stephen Doiron

Administrator

Inverary Manor

Municipality of the County of Inverness to Provide Food for Families

INVERNESS COUNTY, N.S. – The Municipality of the County of Inverness and Seaside Communications in cooperation with the Strait Area Centre for Education’s SchoolsPlus Program have teamed up to provide vulnerable residents with food resources.

“Right now, children are not able to access their regular school breakfast programs,” said Municipality of the County of Inverness CAO Keith MacDonald. “With the support of Seaside, Municipal staff have been able to fill and deliver food hampers to youth who are facing food insecurity during the pandemic.”

Through funds from Seaside Communications, staff from the Municipality and volunteers with the SchoolsPlus Program will distribute 130 food hampers to families throughout the county.

Schools participating in the SchoolsPlus program include:

Whycocomagh Education Centre
Cape Breton Highlands Education Centre in Terre Noire
Inverness Education Centre
Bayview Education Centre in Port Hood

Hampers are being delivered with the help of Strait Area Transit. The donation by Seaside Communications has also allowed additional food to be distributed to local food banks.

SchoolsPlus promotes use of school facilities by students, families, and the community. It provides a range of mental health services and other health programs together with mentoring, recreation programs, social work, homework support and justice services in schools where children, youth and families can easily access them.

Storm Preparation Guidelines

When winter weather hits, it is always best to be overprepared rather than underprepared. To this end, the Municipality of the County of Inverness has prepared a downloadable and printable storm preparation checklist for residents. Download it here: Printable Storm Checklist

Storm Preparation Guidelines

Before the storm

Test your generator to make sure it works and have a supply of fuel ready.
Prepare non-perishable food such as sandwiches, granola bars, and fruit. Make sure you have a supply of drinking water appropriate for the size of your family, as well as baby formula and diapers if necessary.
If you are on a well, fill your bathtub with water so that you have a source of water if the power goes out.
If you are using a generator that is hardwired into your home, make sure that you isolate your home from the power grid.
Charge your devices, flashlights and radios.
Secure any outdoor furniture or loose debris.
If you are using a generator, make sure that it remains in a well-ventilated area OUTSIDE your home.
Help friends and neighbours prepare similarly if necessary.
Remember, it is always better to be overprepared than underprepared!

During the storm

For the duration of the storm, it is important for people to follow instructions from their local government, fire department and emergency services.
Stay off the roads and keep vehicles off the streets so that snowplows can clear roads as soon as possible.
If you heat your home with a pellet stove, propane, or natural gas, and you have a direct exhaust system for your furnace, make sure the air inlet and exhaust outlet remain clear of snow.
Under no circumstances should you attempt to heat your house or cook inside with a BBQ or camp stove. These devices produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
If power goes out and you are using candles to light your house, makes sure that candles aren’t left unattended.
If power goes out, conserve water diligently, especially if you are a user of a Municipal water system.
If power goes out, make sure you turn off any appliances you had on when the power went out. Confirm your stove/oven is off.
If power goes out, close off any rooms that aren’t being used in order to conserve heat in your home.
If the power goes out, you can help yourself stay warm by avoiding alcohol and making sure you keep your body fueled by eating snacks and meals regularly.
For emergencies, call 9-1-1 and do not attempt to drive yourself to a hospital or health centre.

After the storm

If the power is still out, users of Municipal water systems must conserve water diligently.
Stay away from downed power lines. Even if you think you recognize the line as a telephone or cable line, it could still be energized.
When the snow stops, and you start to dig out, remember not to overexert yourself. Take frequent breaks, remain hydrated, and if you don’t feel well, stop!
When it is safe to do so, check the snow load on the roof of your house, garage, shed or barn.
Most importantly, check in with friends, family and neighbours to let them know you are okay.

Emergency contacts

In an emergency, call 9-1-1

Fire chiefs

Lake Ainslie Volunteer Fire Department

Chief: Mike Gillis 902-224-0147

Port Hastings Volunteer Fire Department

Chief: James Cavanagh H: 902-625-0110

C: 902-302-1751

Margaree Forks Volunteer Fire Department

Chief: Robert MacLeod 902-248-2115

West Bay Road Volunteer Fire Department

Chief: Daniel Shaw H: 902-345-2235

C: 902-623-2469

Port Hood Volunteer Fire Department

Chief: Donald Francis Beaton H: 902-787-2845

C: 902-631-1078

Valley Mills Volunteer Fire Department

Chief: Justin Usher 902-574-7504

Mabou Volunteer Fire Department

Chief: Lloyd Campbell 902-945-2957

North East Margaree Volunteer Fire Department

Chief: Shawn Burchell 902-248-2589

Judique Volunteer Fire Department

Chief: Archie MacDonald H: 902-787-2537

C: 902-787-3401

Brigade de feu de Chéticamp Volunteer Fire Department

Chief: Wayne Chiasson 902-224-0031

Blues Mills Volunteer Fire Department

Chief: Carl Ferguson 902-756-2195

Inverness Volunteer Fire Department

Chief: Ian Poirier 902-258-5450

Brigade de feu de LeMoine Volunteer Fire Department

Chief: Alfred Aucoin H: 902-224-3529

C: 902-224-0044

Pleasant Bay Volunteer Fire Department

Chief: Murray Pattingale 902-224-1239

Whycocomagh Volunteer Fire Department

Chief: Shawn Harrison H: 902-945-2677

C: 902-623-2905

Waycobah Volunteer Fire Department

Chief: John William Cremo 902-623-1850

Inverness County RCMP Detachments

Chéticamp Office

902-224-2050

Toll Free 1-800-440-1323

Inverness Office

902-258-2213

Toll Free 1-800-440-1323

Waycobah Office

902-756-3371

Toll Free 1-800-440-1323

Port Hawkesbury Office

902-625-2220

Toll Free 1-800-440-1323

Other Important Numbers

Emergency Municipal Hotline

902-258-5048

Emergency Measures Organization

(Dispatches local coordinator – 24 hrs/day)

1-902-424-5620

Environmental Emergencies (24 hrs/day)

1-800-565-1633

Aircraft & Marine Distress (24 hrs/day)

1-800-565-1582

Poison Control (24 hrs/day)

1-800-565-8161

Inverness County to Celebrate Volunteers in May

INVERNESS COUNTY, N.S. – The Municipality of the County of Inverness is calling for residents to nominate dedicated volunteers that deserve recognition during its annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner to take place on May 13^th, 2020.

Organizations and individuals are encouraged to nominate deserving volunteers who have made a significant impact in service of their community this past year. The early-bird deadline for nominations is February 21^st, but nominations are accepted until April 24th. Names of all early-bird nominees will be put in a draw to have a chance to represent Inverness County at the Provincial Volunteer Recognition Ceremony in Halifax on April 27^th, 2020.

“Every community across the County has seen volunteers accomplish some extraordinary work this year,” said Betty Ann MacQuarrie, Warden of the Municipality of the County of Inverness. “From selflessly helping others in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian, to organizing countless festivals and events that draw visitors from around the globe and everything in between, volunteers make Inverness County such a great place to live.”

55 volunteers were recognized last year, and the Municipality hopes to celebrate as many or more in 2020. To nominate someone today, visit https://invernesscounty.ca/eservices/forms-a-z/ or contact Lisa Organ at lisa.organ@invernesscounty.ca.

-30-

OPPORTUNITY: Expression of Interest for Seniors’ Council

OPPORTUNITY: Expression of Interest for Seniors’ Council
January 16th, 2020

The Municipality of the County of Inverness is seeking twelve seniors (65+) or representatives of a registered senior service organization to sit as members on a Seniors’ Council. The Council will define key issues facing seniors today, develop strategies aimed at addressing and help build an all-inclusive seniors’ strategy for the Municipality of the County of Inverness.

Letters of application will be received from residents of the Municipality by the undersigned until 12:00 p.m. (noon) on February 14th, 2020. They should include a brief biography of the individual and information on skills or assets that will be useful to the Council. Applicants must provide three professional- and/or volunteer-related references with their application.

For more information about the Municipality of the County of Inverness Seniors’ Council or to submit an expression of interest, please contact:

Charlotte MacDonald, Recreation Manager
Municipality of the County of Inverness
PO Box 179
Port Hood, NS B0E 2W0
(902) 787-3508
charlotte.macdonald@invernesscounty.ca

OPPORTUNITÉ : Déclaration d’intérêt pour Conseil des aînés
le 16 janvier 2020

La Municipalité du Comté d’Inverness est à la recherche de douze aînés (65 ans et plus) ou représentants d’un organisme enregistré de service aux aînés pour servir comme membres d’un nouveau conseil des aînés. Le Conseil définira les principaux enjeux auxquels les aînés font face aujourd’hui, élaborera des stratégies visant à éliminer les obstacles et aidera à élaborer une stratégie globale pour les aînés de la Municipalité du Comté d’Inverness.

Les lettres de demande seront reçues des résidents de la municipalité par la soussignée jusqu’à 12 h (midi) le 14 février 2020. Les lettres de demande doivent comprendre une brève biographie de la personne et des renseignements sur les compétences ou les atouts qui seront utiles au Conseil. Les candidats doivent fournir trois références professionnelles et/ou bénévoles avec leur demande.

Pour plus d’information ou pour soumettre une déclaration d’intérêt, SVP contactez :

Charlotte MacDonald, Gestionnaire des loisirs
Municipalité du Comté d’Inverness
CP 179
Port Hood, NS B0E 2W0
(902) 787-3508
charlotte.macdonald@invernesscounty.ca

Updated Solid Waste Collection Schedule for Jan 10th – 16th 2020

Notice for all residents / Avis pour tous les résidents

Below is an updated solid waste collection schedule for the coming week, barring further severe weather events and mechanical issues. The Municipality would also like to remind residents that if their garbage boxes are not cleared of snow or ice, operators will be unable to collect their bags. Please ensure your garbage box is not frozen shut or too heavy to lift prior to collection.

If you’re unsure which route is your residence’s, visit: https://invernesscounty.ca/services/infraemerg/garbage-collection-routes/

Vous trouverez ci-dessous un calendrier de collecte des déchets solides mis à jour pour la semaine à venir, à moins que d’autres événements météorologiques et problèmes mécaniques ne surviennent. La municipalité tient également à rappeler aux résidents que si leurs boîtes à ordures ne sont pas déneigées ou déglacées, les opérateurs ne pourront pas ramasser leurs sacs. Veuillez vous assurer que votre boîte à ordures n’est pas gelée ou trop lourde pour lever avant la collecte.

Si vous n’êtes pas certain quelle route est la vôtre, visitez : https://invernesscounty.ca/services/infraemerg/garbage-collection-routes/

NORTHERN ROUTE / ROUTE NORD

Friday, Jan 10 – Thursday and Friday’s collection
Le vendredi 10 janvier – Collection de jeudi et vendredi

Saturday, Jan 11 – Thursday and Friday’s collection
Le samedi 11 janvier – Collection de jeudi et vendredi

Wednesday, Jan 15 – Double collection from previous Wednesday
Le mercredi 15 janvier – Collection double du mercredi précédent

CENTRAL ROUTE / ROUTE CENTRALE

Friday, Jan 10 – Regular collection plus Hunters Rd, Rocky Ridge Rd, Glenora Falls & Murphy’s Hill
Le vendredi 10 janvier – Collection régulière plus Hunters Rd, Rocky Ridge Rd, Glenora Falls et Murphy’s Hill

Saturday, Jan 11 – Thursday’s collection
Le Samedi 11 janvier – Collection de jeudi

Wednesday, Jan 15 – Double collection from previous Wednesday
Le mercredi 15 janvier – Collection double du mercredi précédent

SOUTHERN ROUTE / ROUTE SUD

Friday, Jan 10 – Wednesday’s collection
Le vendredi 10 janvier – Collection de mercredi

Saturday, Jan 11 – Tuesday’s collection
Le samedi 11 janvier – Collection du mardi

Thursday, Jan 16 – Double collection from previous Thursday
Le jeudi 16 janvier – Collection double du jeudi precedent

Municipality Thanks Dorian Volunteers

INVERNESS COUNTY, NS – Hurricane Dorian passed through Inverness County on September 7^th and 8^th and had major impact on Municipality of the County of Inverness communications and electrical power infrastructure, as well as widespread property damage. Many residents were left without power for over a week and relied on neighbours and community comfort centres for support.

The Municipality wishes to thank the countless residents who volunteered their time to work at comfort centres, donated food and supplies, checked in on seniors and other vulnerable residents to make sure they were safe and opened their homes for neighbours.

“It’s times like these we really see the strength of our communities and the resilience of the people who live in them,” said Betty Ann MacQuarrie, Warden of the Municipality of the County of Inverness.

“Municipal staff worked diligently to restore water and wastewater services and support the operation of comfort centres that were set up to help residents,” she added.

“The efforts residents made to assist their fellow community members were outstanding and should be commended.”

Please keep in mind those that stepped up in this time of need by nominating them for Municipal Volunteer Awards. Nominations will open in late Winter and the awards ceremony will be held in the Spring.

-30-

Municipality Congratulates Graduates

INVERNESS COUNTY, N.S. – 118 students have received their grade 12 diplomas from École NDA, Cape Breton Highlands Academy, Inverness Academy and Dalbrae Academy following their school’s graduation ceremonies this past June.

Among these students were Kaylee Deveau (NDA), Emma MacKinnon (CBHEC/A), Skylar Kennedy (IEC/A) and Sarah Wilson (Dalbrae) who were each awarded a scholarship of $500 from the Municipality. The recipents were chosen for their exemplary work ethic and leadership skills coupled with academic success. They will also be pursuing education at a post-secondary institution of their choosing in the fall.

This year the Municipality was also proud to collaborate with Mitch MacDonald of Port Hood in launching a new award to graduating students at Dalbrae Academy. The Municipality made a $500 contribution that supported two students with aspiring musical abilities in either instrumental music and/or vocals who plan to continue their musical journey post-graduation receive a $1000 gift card each for Long & McQuade Musical Instruments under the Small Towns to Big Stages Award. Keigan MacLennan and Alasdair Cameron, who were awarded the prize, each submitted a video application to musician Mitch MacDonald, where they answered questions about their love of music and performed an acoustic piece of music of their choosing. While the pilot project, also presented with the help of the Clove Hitch Bar & Bistro and Long & McQuade, was available to Dalbrae students only, the intent is to work at making a similar award available to graduates at the other three County high schools next year.

“It seems the future is bright for all 118 graduates,” said Municipality of the County of Inverness Warden Betty Ann MacQuarrie. “Though they embark on a new, exciting journey, Inverness County will always welcome them home when they return.”

The Municipality would like to congratulate not only those awarded with scholarships but all graduates from Inverness County schools including Strait Area Education Recreation Centre and We’koma’q Mi’kmaw School for their academic and extracurricular success as well as wish teachers and school support staff a great and safe summer vacation.

-30-

Media Contact:

Karolyn Aucoin

Communications and Community Engagement Specialist / Spécialiste en communications et engagement communautaire

Municipality of the County of Inverness / Municipalité du Comté d’Inverness

375 Main Street, Port Hood, NS B0E 2W0

Ph: 902.787.3519

karolyn.aucoin@invernesscounty.ca

Your Voice Matters: Two Weeks Until the Nova Scotia Quality of Life Survey Closes

NOVA SCOTIA — The Nova Scotia Quality of Life Survey is still active in communities province-wide for two more weeks. While over 10,000 surveys have been completed online and submitted by mail, Engage Nova Scotia expects there are a number of people who have intentions to fill it out and may need an extra prompt—Survey participation closes on July 5, 2019.

With this survey, you are helping to build a more complete picture of what matters to Nova Scotians. In the Fall of 2019, a Quality of Life Report will be created for your unique region of the province. By filling out the survey you are helping to ensure that issues most important to the health and wellbeing of you, your family and your community receive better attention.

Danny Graham, Chief Engagement Officer of Engage Nova Scotia explains, “Traditionally, much of the information we use to make decisions that affect our daily lives are based on economic data. Those data are not wrong – they are just incomplete.” He continues, “With this survey, you are helping us build a more complete picture of what matters to Nova Scotians.”

If you would like help filling it out, access to a computer, or if you did not receive an invitation and you would like an online code or paper copy, all of these resources are available at your local library. Similarly, the Strait Area NSCC campus has surveys and supports available, as well as La Société Saint-Pierre in Chéticamp, which has French copies.

Engage Nova Scotia hopes people will encourage anyone who has received an invitation to complete the survey to do so before the closing date. If you did not receive a survey invitation and would like to participate, please contact Engage Nova Scotia at 902-407-2582 or survey@engagenovascotia.ca. After completing the survey you can enter for a chance to win one of 25 Sobeys gift cards (valued at $400 each!).

Media Contact:
Karolyn Aucoin
Communications and Community Engagement Specialist / Spécialiste en communications et engagement communautaire
Municipality of the County of Inverness / Municipalité du Comté d’Inverness
375 Main Street, Port Hood, NS B0E 2W0
Ph: 902.787.3519
karolyn.aucoin@invernesscounty.ca

Municipality to Host Regional Early Years Coalition Gathering

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 13^th, 2019

Municipality to Host Regional Early Years Coalition Gathering

PORT HOOD, N.S. – The Municipality of the County of Inverness, in partnership with Raising the Villages – Mawiomi w’jit Mijuwajijk, will be hosting a gathering on Wednesday, June, 19^th 2019 at 6:30pm in Municipal Council Chambers in Port Hood for all those who support early childhood across Victoria and Inverness Counties, the Town of Port Hawkesbury, and Wagmatcook and We’koqma’q First Nations. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Raising the Villages – Mawiomi w’jit Mijuwajijk was formed in 2017 as a response to the One NS Coalition’s 2015 report, recognizing the early years – ‘Starting Strong’ – as the number one priority for the province to act on to improve collective health and prosperity. The Municipality of the County of Inverness and Raising the Villages are therefore inviting all who are involved in the healthy development of children, such as family doctors, pre-natal support workers/doulas, midwives, Early Childhood Educators, Early Interventionists, Speech and Language Pathologists and Therapists, and teachers, to join this Regional Early Years Coalition and to discuss the current state of early years support in the area, from pre-natal support onwards to school entry.

The Municipality of the County of Inverness District 3 Councillor, Jim Mustard, has been involved in the Raising the Villages’ movement since its inception and will be present at the upcoming gathering. “What does the One Nova Scotia report mean for children here in western Cape Breton? What’s working, what’s not, and what more is needed?” he asks. Councillor Mustard says the meeting will allow those present to collectively look at what is needed for the future of early childhood support services.

For more information regarding the Regional Early Years Coalition gathering or Raising the Villages, please visit www.raisingthevillages.webs.com or contact Councillor Mustard at 902-295-0974, or by email at jim.mustard@invernesscounty.ca.

-30-