Central Avenue Rebuild Update – July 9, 2026

The Municipality of Inverness County is advising that as part of the Central Avenue Rebuild project, the northbound lane of phase one (from Broad Cove Banks Road to James Street) will see pavement pulverized in preparation for digging. For pedestrian safety, the sidewalk will also be temporarily closed.

Originally construction was going to start between Broad Cove Banks Road to Shean Trail Crossing. However, due to equipment availability, the preparation work has adapted to include  the remaining portion of the northbound lane of phase one (Shean Trail Crossing to James Street).

Once the northbound lane preparation work is complete, it is anticipated that the focus will return to the area between Broad Cove Banks Road and the Shean Trail Crossing.

The Municipality thanks residents for their cooperation and patience as construction kicks off.

To learn more, visit Invernesscounty.ca/CentralAveRebuild.

Central Avenue Rebuild Project Update for July 7

Central Avenue Rebuild Project Begins July 8; Project Information Centre Opens and Resident Resources Available

The Central Avenue Rebuild Project is on track to begin construction on Wednesday, July 8, in the community of Inverness.

The project will take place in a phased approach. Phase One extends from the intersection of Broad Cove Banks Road to James Street.

To start, traffic control measures will be set up each morning beginning at 7:30 a.m. between Broad Cove Banks Road and the Shean Trail Crossing. As crews mobilize for the first day of construction, additional time may be required to establish traffic control, and setup may begin later than usual on July 8.

Once construction is fully underway, traffic will be reduced to a single lane from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Outside of construction hours, the roadway will reopen to two lanes of traffic.

Residents should expect delays and are encouraged to allow extra travel time.

Project Information Centre Opens Today

Residents are invited to drop in and speak directly with a municipal representative about the project.

The Project Information Centre will open on select days throughout July, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., including today, July 7.

  • Location: Inverness Fire Hall, 15797 Central Ave., Inverness
  • July Dates:
    • Tuesday, 7
    • Friday, 10
    • Thursday, 16
    • Tuesday, 28
    • Thursday, 30
  • Hours: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Please note that hours are subject to change. Residents are encouraged to check www.invernesscounty.ca/CentralAveRebuild for updates.

How You Can Help

While construction can be inconvenient, small actions from residents can help keep Inverness moving and support our neighbours throughout the project. The Municipality has created a resource with practical tips to help everyone navigate construction safely and efficiently.

  • Keep intersections and driveways clear

When traffic slows or stops, avoid blocking driveways, side streets, and intersections. Leaving these areas open helps residents, businesses, emergency vehicles, and local traffic move safely.

  • Make room for others

A little courtesy goes a long way. When it’s safe to do so, allow drivers to merge or enter traffic from side streets, driveways, and businesses.

  • Support local businesses

Many local businesses remain open throughout construction. Shopping locally, dining locally, and continuing to visit your favourite businesses helps keep our community strong.

  • Slow down and stay alert

Construction zones are active work sites. Please follow posted signage, respect traffic control personnel, and watch for workers, equipment, cyclists, and pedestrians.

  • Plan ahead

Allow a little extra travel time during peak construction periods. If you’re travelling with children, consider bringing books, toys, games, or snacks to help keep them comfortable during delays. A quick washroom stop before leaving home can also make the trip more pleasant for everyone.

  • Be patient with one another

Construction affects everyone differently. A little patience, understanding, and kindness can make a big difference for residents, visitors, workers, and fellow drivers.

The handout if available online here Central-Avenue-How-You-Can-Help.pdf

Stay Informed

Residents and businesses are encouraged to stay informed throughout construction by using the following resources:

Temporary Water Conservation Request – Inverness

Inverness, Nova Scotia – The Municipality of Inverness County will be conducting maintenance work on the Inverness water system on Tuesday, June 23.

While water service will not be interrupted, one well will be temporarily taken offline, reducing the amount of water available throughout the day.

As a result, residents are asked to voluntarily conserve water while the work is underway.

Once maintenance is complete, the well will return to service and normal water use may resume. Residents can help reduce water consumption by:

  • Taking shorter showers and turning off taps when brushing teeth or washing dishes.
  • Running dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads.
  • Avoiding non-essential outdoor water use, such as watering lawns or washing driveways.

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

Central Avenue Rebuild – New Construction Start Date – July 8

The Central Avenue Rebuild Project is now anticipated to begin construction on Wednesday, July 8, in the community of Inverness.

Construction was originally scheduled to begin on Monday, July 6. The start date has been adjusted due to a delay in the delivery of required construction materials.

The anticipated July 8 start date remains subject to change based on material delivery timelines.

The project will take place in a phased approach. Phase One extends from the intersection of Broad Cove Banks Road to James Street. To start, residents will see traffic control measures being set up at 7:30 a.m. between Broad Cove Banks Road and the Shean Trail Crossing. Traffic will be reduced to one lane beginning at 8 a.m. and will remain in place until 4:30 p.m.

The roadway will reopen to two lanes of traffic outside of construction hours.

Residents should expect delays and are encouraged to allow extra time for travel.

The Municipality thanks residents for their cooperation. Further updates will be provided should the construction schedule change.

Stay Informed

Residents and businesses are encouraged to stay informed throughout construction by using the following resources:

Upcoming Roadside Photography for Central Avenue Rebuild Project

Inverness, Nova Scotia – The Municipality of Inverness County would like to advise residents that, over the coming days (June 22 – 26), municipal representatives will be taking roadside photographs throughout Phase One of the Central Avenue Rebuild Project, from Broad Cove Banks Rd. to James St., Inverness.

These photographs are required to document existing roadside conditions prior to the start of construction.

Municipal staff conducting this work will be clearly identified by high-visibility safety vests.

Staff will remain within the road right-of-way and will not enter private properties or take photographs of homes.

To learn more about the project:
Visit: Central Avenue Rebuild | Municipality of the County of Inverness
Email: CentralAve@invernesscounty.ca
Call: 1-866-258-0223, option 8

Port Hood Lift Station Replacement Update

Work continues on the replacement of the Port Hood Wastewater Lift Station, located at the corner of Main St. and Convent St., Port Hood

Over the past two weeks, crews have excavated trenches, assembled and installed piping, and connected the new infrastructure to the lift station system. This phase of the project is anticipated to be completed next week (June 22–26). Once this work is finished, the roadway will be graded and the area cleaned up.

Construction activities will then shift back to the lift station site.

Intermittent traffic control measures will remain in place on a portion of Main St. (in front of 375 Main St.), reducing traffic to a single lane for the duration of the project.

Motorists can expect minimal delays; however, they are encouraged to allow extra travel time when travelling through the area. Should the project schedule require additional time, an update will be provided.

The Municipality thanks residents and motorists for their patience and cooperation throughout this work.

To learn more about the Port Hood Lift Station Replacement Project, visit Port Hood Wastewater Lift Station Replacement | Municipality of the County of Inverness .

Beach Bingo 2026

Beach Cleanup Bingo Returns this July

The Municipality of Inverness County is excited to announce the return of Beach Cleanup Bingo for July 2026.

The game is a fun and rewarding way for residents and visitors of Inverness County to help keep local beaches and shorelines clean. It encourages beachgoers to collect common litter items, like bottle caps, lobster bands, rope, and plastics, while checking items off their card for a chance to win a grocery store gift card.

The goal is to reduce shoreline pollution, raise awareness, and have some fun while protecting Inverness County’s treasured beaches.

How to play

  • Download the bingo card below—save it to a mobile device to fill out digitally or print a copy at home
  • As you collect beach litter throughout July, mark items off on the bingo card
  • Once the card is complete, email it to waste@invernesscounty.ca by August 1, 2026, to be entered in the prize draw

Note: Beach cleanups must take place in Inverness County to be eligible.

Download Card Here

Prizes

  • Full bingo: $50 gift card
  • Mini bingo: Two $25 gift card

The draw will take place on August 5, 2026.

For any questions regarding Beach Cleanup Bingo, please contact Solid Waste Educator Nicole Latimer at nicole.latimer@invernesscounty.ca.

Whycocomagh Boil Water Advisory Lifted – June 12, 2026

The Municipality of Inverness County would like to notify users of the Whycocomagh water system that the Boil Water Advisory is no longer in effect as of today, June 12, at 3:30 p.m.

As a result of the advisory being lifted, the water voucher program will end, and outstanding vouchers will not be honoured. Any Whycocomagh residents who would like to collect water at the scheduled water pick-up today may still do so at the Whycocomagh Fire Department from 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

The Municipality would like to extend sincere thanks and appreciation to the Whycocomagh Volunteer Fire Department and Whycocomagh Co-op for partnering on resident support programs, the Cape Breton Regional Municipality for assisting with sourcing water when the advisory came into effect, and the businesses and residents of Whycocomagh for their patience, cooperation, and adaptability.

The Municipality will continue to work towards securing a sustainable long-term solution for Whycocomagh’s residents.

June Feedback Loop

June Feedback Loop Survey Focuses on the Environment

The Municipality of Inverness County is launching the June edition of The Feedback Loop survey today, June 18, with a focus on the environment and climate change.

The Feedback Loop is a monthly survey initiative designed to gather resident feedback on a variety of municipal topics throughout 2026. Surveys are released on the third Thursday of each month and invite residents to share their perspectives, experiences and ideas.

This month’s survey was created in partnership with Atlantic Coastal Action Program (ACAP) Cape Breton—a non-profit organization that the Municipality works closely with on climate-related projects and activities—to get a better understanding of residents’ awareness of environmental issues in Inverness County.

“We’re always grateful for the work that ACAP Cape Breton does in Inverness County,” says Warden Bonny MacIsaac, Municipality of Inverness County. “This feedback will help both the Municipality and ACAP understand residents’ awareness and priorities when it comes to the environment and climate change and help guide joint efforts going forward.”

“Inverness County has so much nature for us to learn from and enjoy,” say Monica Ragan, ACAP Cape Breton’s Program Manager for Western Cape Breton. “Using the results of this survey, we can better tailor programming to help residents connect with their environment in a fun and informative way.”

The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete, and all responses remain anonymous.

Residents can complete the survey online, with paper copies available at the Municipal Administration Building, 375 Main St., Port Hood and various locations throughout the County.

The survey will close on July 15, with the next survey launching on July 16.

About ACAP Cape Breton

Founded in 1992, Atlantic Coastal Action Program (ACAP) Cape Breton works directly on practical solutions that help protect and restore the natural environment. They are a charitable not-for-profit organization staffed by a passionate team of environmental scientists and educators. Our work spans four core areas: Habitat Restoration, Environmental Monitoring, Environmental Education, and Waste Diversion.

ACAP and the Municipality collaborate on projects, programming, and initiatives related to climate change, water conservation, waste diversion, and more.

To access the survey, visit https://forms.office.com/r/8DgBTWysKH

For more information, including a list of locations where paper copies are available, visit The Feedback Loop | Municipality of the County of Inverness.

Phase One of Inverness Central Avenue Rebuild Project

Construction Set to Begin on Phase One of Inverness Central Avenue Rebuild Project

The Municipality of Inverness County is taking an important step toward modernizing critical infrastructure in the community of Inverness. Phase One of the Central Avenue Rebuild Project is set to begin late June following the recent award of a construction tender to Brilun Construction Ltd.

Central Avenue Rebuild is one component of a broader generational investment in infrastructure improvements throughout the community of Inverness. Related projects include:

Together, these investments are helping renew aging infrastructure, improve environmental performance, enhance safety and accessibility, and support future growth in the community.

With the tender awarded, Central Avenue Rebuild will involve a full reconstruction of Central Avenue, including:

  • New water and wastewater piping and associated infrastructure.
  • Replacement of an existing wastewater lift station located near the Central Avenue trail crossing.
  • Improved sidewalks, multi-use paths, and crosswalks.
  • Streetscape and beautification enhancements.
  • A fully reconstructed roadway with upgraded stormwater systems, delivered in partnership with the Nova Scotia Department of Public Works.

Project Timeline

  • Phase One extends from the intersection of Broad Cove Banks Road to James Street.
  • Construction is expected to begin late June and continue through December 2026.
  • Future phases are planned to continue from James Street to the Inverness County Centre for the Arts (ICCA) driveway and include additional infrastructure upgrades, such as a new wastewater lift station at the ICCA driveway. The timing and scope of future phases will depend on market volatility and contractor availability.

“Reaching this construction milestone reflects the dedication and cooperation of many partners who have worked together to make this project possible,” said Keith MacDonald, Chief Administrative Officer, Municipality of Inverness County. “From regulators at all levels of government to utility providers, landowners, and technical teams, a tremendous amount of planning and coordination has been required to get to this point. The start of construction is an important milestone and a testament to the collaborative effort behind this project. The Municipality is excited to see this project move into the construction phase.”

What Residents Can Expect

Construction will create temporary impacts for residents, businesses, commuters, and visitors. The Municipality will work closely with the contractor to minimize disruptions wherever possible and maintain access to homes, businesses, and community facilities throughout construction.

Additional information regarding construction schedules, traffic impacts, detours, and project milestones will be shared as details are confirmed.

MacDonald added, “This investment will replace aging infrastructure, improve safety and accessibility, and support the long-term needs of our community. While construction will bring temporary disruptions, we are committed to keeping residents informed every step of the way.”

Stay Informed

The Municipality will be hosting a public open house, with the date and location to be announced in the coming weeks.

Residents and businesses are encouraged to stay informed through the following resources:

Central Avenue Rebuild Project Webpage – www.invernesscounty.ca/CentralAveRebuild

  • Central source for project information.
  • Construction updates and project milestones.
  • Frequently asked questions.
  • Contact information for project inquiries.

Project Newsletter

Project Information Centre – Inverness Fire Hall, 15797 Central Ave., Inverness

  • Visit during posted hours to speak directly with a Municipal representative and ask questions about the project.
  • Drop-in dates and times will be shared once confirmed.

Project Funding

This Central Avenue Rebuild project is funded through a partnership between municipal, provincial, and federal governments under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.  The total for the project is $8,355,733, with the Municipality covering $1.87 million.

BACKGROUNDER

Why the Central Avenue Rebuild Project is Needed

2019 assessment of the Municipality’s water and wastewater systems identified significant concerns with aging infrastructure along the corridor.

The assessment found that key infrastructure assets had reached the end of their service life and were at increasing risk of failure. Without replacement, these conditions could lead to service disruptions, environmental impacts, and public health concerns.

Central Avenue Rebuild Project Benefits

Once complete, the project will provide:

  • Reliable water and wastewater services.
  • Reduced risk of service interruptions and infrastructure failures.
  • Improved pedestrian safety and accessibility.
  • Enhanced streetscape and community appearance.
  • Increased infrastructure capacity to support future growth and development.