Infrastructure Upgrade to Impact Inverness Beach and Boardwalk Access
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 7, 2025
Municipality of Inverness County Announces Temporary Impact to Inverness Beach and Boardwalk for Wastewater Infrastructure Replacement
The Municipality of Inverness County is advising the public that a portion of Inverness Beach and the boardwalk will be temporarily impacted for two weeks in April due to the replacement of a portion of an aging wastewater pipe beneath the beach and boardwalk. The necessary work is part of the ongoing Inverness wastewater treatment plant project.
The outfall pipe, approximately 180 meters of a 1,000-meter-long buried pipe responsible for transporting treated wastewater from the Inverness wastewater treatment plant into the Gulf of St. Lawrence, has reached the end of its operational life. Installed in 1972 alongside the original wastewater treatment plant, the pipe has had no known upgrades since its installation. This replacement will ensure the continued safe and effective functioning of the wastewater infrastructure.
Project Timeline:
The project is expected to conclude by April 15, 2025, with construction affecting a small section of Inverness Beach and the boardwalk.
Construction Phases:
- Phase 1: Archaeological Assessment
Impact: Minimal noise and foot traffic. One or two consultants will be digging by hand and sifting through soil in search of potential artifacts.
Timeline: April 2-3
- Phase 2: Marine Construction
Impact: A floating excavator will trench the ocean floor for the new pipe installation. No impact to residents by foot or on the water.
Timeline: April 7-15
- Phase 3: Onshore Construction
Impact: Equipment will be on a section of beach and boardwalk. The construction area will be fenced off and a section of the boardwalk will be closed. There will be areas of the beach that are fully accessible depending on the where you enter the beach, however access to walk the entirety of the beach may depend on tidal conditions. Minimal noise and foot traffic expected.
Timeline: April 7-15
As part of preparing for this project, equipment was transported to the construction site in early March to meet spring weight restrictions.
What to Expect During Construction:
Construction Hours:
- Monday to Thursday, 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Please note work hours may change due to weather/tidal conditions, and other unforeseen circumstances.
Noise and Traffic:
- Increased foot traffic and construction noise are expected during work hours.
- There will be occasional construction vehicle movement in the area.
Safety Concerns:
- Unauthorized access to the construction site is prohibited for safety reasons.
- Please do not approach construction crews and avoid entering the site.
- Pedestrian safety: Always exercise caution when near the construction zone, especially when on the beach or boardwalk.
- Pets: Always keep your pets on a leash. Extra caution is advised at dusk due to uneven beach terrain.
Questions or Concerns:
For further information, please contact:
- Visit: Inverness Wastewater Treatment Plant – Outfall Partial Replacement
- Email: construction@invernesscounty.ca
- Phone: toll-free 1-866-258-0223, select option #5
Project Specifics:
- Tender Identification Number: MCI-TEN-2024-015
- Engineering Consultant: CBCL Engineering & Environmental Design Services
- Contractor: Zutphen Contractors
Environmental Impacts:
The project area is highly regulated due to its environmental sensitivity. Several permits have been secured to protect the natural environment, including approvals from the Federal Department of Fisheries, Nova Scotia Environment & Climate Change, and Communities, Culture, Tourism & Heritage and Natural Resources. This project complies with the Nova Scotia Environment Act, Fisheries Act, Species at Risk Act, Canadian Navigable Waters Act, Migratory Birds Convention Act, and additional relevant provincial and federal legislation.
Project Budget:
The total project cost is estimated at $800,000, with funding sourced from a collaborative investment totaling approximately $18 million from federal, provincial, and municipal governments. Specifically, the Government of Canada has contributed $7.2 million through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, the Province of Nova Scotia has invested $5.9 million, and the Municipality of Inverness County has committed $4.9 million.
About the Municipality of Inverness County
The Municipality of Inverness County is committed to maintaining and improving infrastructure to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents and visitors. This project is part of ongoing efforts to enhance the community’s wastewater treatment systems and preserve the natural environment of the region.
Earth Month Litter Cleanup Challenge
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 1, 2025
Municipality of Inverness County Kicks Off Earth Month Litter Cleanup Challenge
The Municipality of Inverness County is inviting residents to participate in the Earth Month Litter Cleanup Challenge this April. As part of Earth Month, the challenge encourages everyone to help keep our communities clean by collecting litter throughout the municipality.
How to participate:
- Pick up a litter kit at a participating Canada Post or library location.
- Collect litter from anywhere in the municipality.
- Complete a submit an online form
For each bag of litter collected, participants will earn one entry for a chance to win a $50 gift card to their local grocery store.
“Whether you’re tackling a park, shoreline, or your own neighborhood, every bag of litter you collect makes a difference,” says Nicole Latimer, Municipality of Inverness County Solid Waste Coordinator. “We had tremendous success with this initiative last year, and we are excited to see how the community responds this year.”
The Earth Month Litter Challenge winner will be announced on Thursday, May 1.
Each litter kit includes gloves, bags, and everything needed to get started. Litter kits are available at participating locations throughout the municipality, including participating Canada Post offices and libraries:
| Chéticamp Post Office 15240 Cabot Trail Cheticamp, NS |
Pleasant Bay Post Office 23592 Cabot Trail Pleasant Bay, NS |
| Inverness Post Office 16 Upper Railway Street Inverness, NS |
Port Hastings Post Office 11 Lovers Lane Port Hastings, NS |
| Judique Post Office 5447 Route 19 Judique, NS |
Port Hood Post Office 218 Main Street Port Hood, NS |
| Mabou Post Office 11541 Main Street Mabou, NS |
Margaree Post Office 5520 Cabot Trail Margaree, NS |
| West Bay Road Post Office 565 Cenotaph Road West Bay Road, NS |
Whycocomagh Post Office 115 Main Street Whycocomagh, NS |
| Port Hawkesbury Public Library 304 Pitt Street (inside SAERC) Port Hawkesbury, NS |
Alexander Doyle Public Library 11156 Route 19 (inside Dalbrae Academy) Mabou, NS |
| Chéticamp Public Library 15359 Cabot Trail Chéticamp, NS |
Coady & Tompkins Memorial Public Library 7972 Cabot Trail Margaree Forks, NS |
This initiative is generously supported by Coastal Action, who donated supplies for the litter kits.
For more information, please contact the Municipality of Inverness County Solid Waste Team at waste@invernesscounty.ca or call 1-866-258-0223, option #1.
About the Municipality of Inverness County:
The Municipality of Inverness County is committed to fostering a cleaner, greener community for all its residents. This Earth Month Litter Cleanup Challenge is one of several initiatives aimed at reducing waste, protecting the environment, and encouraging responsible community engagement.
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Open House
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 31, 2025
Municipality of Inverness County to Host
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA) Strategy Engagement Session
The Municipality of Inverness County is inviting all residents to participate in an engagement session to inform the creation of the municipality’s first Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA) Strategy. The session is aimed at addressing accessibility barriers, systemic racism, hate, and inequity, ensuring that all voices are heard in shaping a more inclusive community.
Engagement Session Details:
Date: Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Inverness County Centre for the Arts, 16080 Highway 19, Inverness
The session will begin with a presentation followed by a small group activity, where participants will have the opportunity to share their thoughts and ask questions. This event is designed to gather input, especially from equity-seeking groups, to help reduce barriers and improve access to services and programs for everyone in the community.
“We’re really hoping to hear from equity-seeking groups on ways we can reduce barriers and improve access to services and programs for everyone,” says Maggie MacDonald, Accessibility & Senior Safety Coordinator for the Municipality of Inverness County.
Registration:
To attend the engagement session, advance registration is required. Please contact Maggie MacDonald, Accessibility Coordinator, at Maggie.macdonald@invernesscounty.ca or by phone at (902) 258-7960 to reserve a spot.
In addition to the engagement session, the Municipality of Inverness County has launched an online survey to gather further feedback from residents. The survey is available at the following link: Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Survey. Hard copies are also available at the Municipal Administration Building, located at 325 Main St., Port Hood.
The creation of the EDIA strategy is a public sector responsibility under both the Accessibility Act (2017) and the Dismantling Racism and Hate Act (2022). These laws ensure that public bodies address issues of accessibility, racism, and hate within their communities.
For more information on these Acts, please visit:
Accessibility Directorate – Government of Nova Scotia, Canada
Office of Equity and Anti-Racism Engagement Page
Contact:
Megan Wludyka
Chief Communications Officer
Municipality of Inverness County
Phone: 1-866-258-0223, selection option #5
Email: communications@invernesscounty.ca
About the Municipality of Inverness County:
The Municipality of Inverness County is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible community for all residents. Through the creation of its first EDIA strategy, the municipality aims to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their background, have equal access to services, programs, and opportunities.
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Public survey on equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility launched in Inverness County
The Municipality of Inverness County is creating a new Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Strategy to improve our services and amenities, ensuring they are accessible and equitable for all residents and visitors.
To inform this strategy, we want to hear from you by completing a short survey.
Survey feedback will inform the municipality on the priorities of the community, and ensure supports are in place to advance accessibility and equity obligations under both the Accessibility Act and the Dismantling Hate and Racism Act.
The survey will be open until Monday, March 31 at 4:00 p.m. and all entries are anonymous.
To access a paper copy of the survey, please visit the Municipal Administration Building, 375 Main Street, Port Hood or at one of the Eastern Counties Regional Libraries in Chéticamp, Margaree, or Mabou.
To fill out survey online please visit: invernesscounty.ca/EDIASurvey
Contact information
Megan Wludyka
Chief Communications Officer
Municipality of Inverness County
375 Main Street, Port Hood, NS B0E 2W0
megan.wludyka@invernesscounty.ca
(902) 258-7437
Complete streets: Active transportation is coming to Inverness
Inverness, Nova Scotia, March 12, 2024 — A network of new trails and reconstructed sidewalks will be established in Inverness after a combined investment of $14 million from the federal and provincial governments, and the Municipality of the County of Inverness.
Municipal councillors with Mike Kelloway MP and Hon Allan MacMaster MLA
Announced by Parliamentary Secretary Mike Kelloway, Minister Allan MacMaster, and Warden Bonny MacIsaac, this project will give residents more options for walking and cycling while reducing greenhouse gas emissions for the community.
Inverness will get 2.97 kilometres of new multi-use pathways and trails. Additionally, 3.7 kilometres of sidewalks will be built or reconstructed along Central Avenue and Veteran’s Memorial Court. Once complete, this project will improve cyclist and pedestrian safety and increase the connectivity and walkability of Inverness.
“Today’s announcement is another massive boost for the economic development of the municipality,” said Warden Bonny MacIsaac.
Central Avenue, Inverness, is one of the roadways which will benefit from refurbishment under the active transportation project
“A total of $14 million is being invested by the three levels of government, to create an active transportation network promoting healthier, more economical and more environmentally-friendly lifestyles. It will make this community an even more inviting place to live, work and do business,” she said.
Active transportation is about decreasing the need to rely on personal motor vehicles by increasing opportunities and incentives for people to choose other modes of transport. Pedestrians, wheelchair users, cyclists and public transit users all benefit from a ‘complete streets’ approach to infrastructure planning.
Complete streets are roadways designed to enable safe, convenient, and comfortable travel for all users. They feature elements such as sidewalks, bike lanes and crosswalks that prioritize the needs of non-motorized transport alongside those of motorists.
A large crowd gathered to hear the good news
This approach to community infrastructure planning allows people to get their daily exercise on the way to work, school, or gatherings, while promoting social equity among vulnerable communities and reducing the carbon footprint from motorized transport.
Complete streets contribute to a healthier, more livable communities for current and future generations
In addition, the Inverness Active Transportation Network project foresees the installation of amenities such as bike parking, benches and picnic seating, improvements to multi-use trails and recycling/waste receptacles. All of this is designed to create a more inviting and accessible community at the human scale, while fostering civic pride, social engagement and economic activity.
The Inverness Active Transportation Network project addresses multiple societal challenges. It is fully aligned with federal and provincial objectives to increase access to clean energy transportation and build connected, resilient, and equitable communities.
The project will support economic development in Inverness County by enhancing community connectivity and elevating the image of Inverness, to reflect its commitment to sustainability, inclusivity and prosperity.
External links
Government of Canada press release on this announcement
Proposals sought for prime Chéticamp real estate
The Municipality of Inverness County is pleased to announce that it will consider proposals for the former NSLC building in the village of Chéticamp.
The building is located at 15246 Cabot Trail Road in Chéticamp, Inverness County, NS.
The municipality wishes to attract businesses or nonprofit groups, that will develop the building for the greatest benefit to the community. The deadline for submissions is 2pm, 15 June 2023.
This is an exciting opportunity for an organization or business to be a part of the economic growth and revitalization of Chéticamp, a community steeped in Acadian culture and possessing a diverse and vibrant economy.
“Chéticamp is an important social and economic hub within Inverness County. The municipality is very pleased to be able to give businesses or nonprofit organizations this opportunity. The municipality is encouraging companies or organizations to come forward with their vision to offer Inverness County residents a strong value proposition in this prime location,” said council leader Warden Bonny MacIsaac.
Proposals will be evaluated on the following criteria.
- Minimum standard: has the proposal provided all the requested information
- Benefit to community: how will the proposal provide a service to local residents
- Inclusion: what percent of the population will benefit from the proposal (youth, seniors, special interest groups, etc.)
- Quality of service: has the proponent successfully complete similar projects, or has the proponent provided similar proposed service to the community in the past
- Other considerations: this will include the validity of the plan, understanding of the property in question, and other considerations
- Cost/price: the amount being offered for the property as well as the direct affect to the municipality from future tax revenue
Details of the property, and all requirements to be fulfilled by the successful proponent are contained in the Request for Proposals which is available on the provincial procurement portal:
https://procurement-portal.novascotia.ca/tenders/MCI-RFP-2023-010
Transformative investment in water and wastewater infrastructure in the community of Inverness
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Inverness, Nova Scotia, March, 17, 2023—Today, representatives of the Government of Canada, the Government of Nova Scotia and the Municipality of the County of Inverness announced a combined investment of more than $24 million to upgrade water and wastewater infrastructure in the community of Inverness.
Mike Kelloway, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Member of Parliament for Cape Breton–Canso; the Honourable Allan MacMaster, Deputy Premier of Nova Scotia and Member of the Legislative Assembly for Inverness; and Bonny MacIsaac, Warden of the Municipality of the County of Inverness, made the announcement to a packed assembly at the Inverness Volunteer Fire Department.
The project announced is amongst the largest infrastructure projects in a community in Nova Scotia. It is the largest infrastructure project that the Municipality has ever taken on.
Mike Kelloway MP in Inverness NS, announcing more than $25 million of investment in the community of Inverness.
While the Municipality owns an estimated $186 million of water and wastewater assets, a recent report indicated that $103 million investment is required over the next 10 years to improve and maintain the current status of the infrastructure and associated level of services to residents.
The required costs are significantly higher than the national average, and the bulk of the infrastructure deficit – above 40% – is in the community of Inverness. The assessment identified the Inverness wastewater treatment plant as a priority for replacement due to its age, condition, and operational deficiencies. Additionally, the report demonstrated that the distribution systems are in exceptionally poor condition.
Community of Inverness
Estimated Asset Replacement Value $ 48.5 million
Estimated 10-year investment cost $ 42.6 million
80% of linear assets in Inverness very poor condition
87% of sanitary sewer in Inverness very poor condition
77% of watermains in Inverness very poor condition
The work is both necessary and a priority for the Municipality.
Staff of the municipality were among the packed audience at Inverness Volunteer Fire Department to hear the announcement.
As part of a coordinated infrastructure approach, the Municipality also identified the planned resurfacing of Central Avenue in Inverness by the Nova Scotia Department of Public Works as a tremendous opportunity to replace the undersized and failing linear water and sanitary sewer mains along the main transportation corridor in the community.
Inverness is a community on the rise, and the project unveiled today will ensure system capacity to manage existing and projected future flows, allowing for sustainable commercial and residential growth.
The Government of Canada is investing $9,764,400 in this project. The Government of Nova Scotia is contributing $8,137,000. The Municipality of the County of Inverness is contributing $6,509,600.
–ends–
Contact
Joe Carew
Communications and Community Engagement Lead
Municipality of the County of Inverness
375 Main Street, Port Hood, NS B0E 2W0
joe.carew@invernesscounty.ca
+1 (902) 323 0089
Municipality Launches Clean Energy Financing Program
Municipality Launches Clean Energy Financing Program
INVERNESS COUNTY, UNAMA’KI –The Municipality of the County of Inverness, in partnership with the Clean Foundation of Nova Scotia, launches the Clean Energy Financing Program. The program offers support towards home energy improvements that will save residents money.
The Clean Energy Financing Program will enable eligible homeowners to access long-term financing to make their homes more energy efficient. Participants in the program will work with the Clean Foundation of Nova Scotia to schedule a Home Energy Assessment with a qualified advisor. The assessment will determine the most appropriate upgrades for the home. These upgrades could include improvements such as new insulation, weather stripping, new windows, heat pumps, and hot water tank recommendations. Once energy upgrades are completed, homeowners will receive a notice of repayment from the Municipality with their property tax bill, and will submit monthly re-payments at a 1.5 percent interest rate for up to 15 years. The Clean Foundation of Nova Scotia team will ensure homeowners have access to all available rebates and incentives for eligible energy efficient upgrades.
“Inverness County is one of two Municipalities in Cape Breton to offer the Clean Energy Financing Program.” said Keith MacDonald, CAO of the Municipality of the County of Inverness. “This program is will make it easier for residents to make home energy improvements by reducing the burden of the up-front costs and enabling residents to make repayments over a longer timeframe.”
Visit cleanenergyfinancing.ca/inverness/ to learn more and apply for the program. There is an annual maximum number of participants who can enter the program and as such interested homeowners are encouraged to apply to participate as soon as possible.
For questions, visit cleanenergyfinancing.ca/inverness/ or email special.projects@invernesscounty.ca.
Media Contact
Maura Beaton
Special Projects Facilitator
Municipality of the County of Inverness
375 Main Street, Port Hood, NS B0E 2W0
Maura.beaton@invernesscounty.ca
902.323.0660
Une municipalité lance un programme de financement de projets écoénergétiques
INVERNESS COUNTY, UNAMA’KI – COMTÉ D’INVERNESS, UNAMA’KI – La Municipalité du comité d’Inverness lance le programme Clean Energy Financing en collaboration avec la Clean Foundation of Nova Scotia. Ce programme offre un moyen de financer les améliorations énergétiques domiciliaires qui permettront aux résidents d’économiser de l’argent.
Le programme Clean Energy Financing donne aux propriétaires admissibles la possibilité d’accéder à des emprunts à long terme pour la réalisation de rénovations qui permettront d’améliorer la performance énergétique de leur maison. Les participants au programme travailleront avec la Clean Foundation pour planifier une évaluation énergétique résidentielle avec un conseiller qualifié. Cette évaluation déterminera les améliorations les plus appropriées pour la maison. Les travaux pourraient comprendre l’installation de nouveaux isolants, de coupe-froid, de nouvelles fenêtres, de thermopompes ainsi que des recommandations sur les réservoirs d’eau chaude. Une fois les travaux d’amélioration énergétique terminés, les propriétaires recevront un avis de remboursement de la part de la municipalité avec leur facture d’impôt foncier, et ils soumettront des remboursements mensuels à un taux d’intérêt de 1,5 % pendant une période maximale de 15 ans. L’équipe de la Clean Foundation veillera à ce que les propriétaires aient accès à tous les rabais et incitatifs disponibles pour les améliorations écoénergétiques admissibles.
« Le comté d’Inverness est l’une des deux municipalités du Cap-Breton à offrir ce programme de financement », a déclaré Keith MacDonald, directeur général de la Municipalité du comté d’Inverness. « Grâce à ce programme, il sera plus facile pour les
résidents d’apporter des améliorations énergétiques à leur domicile, car ils n’auront pas à assumer le fardeau des coûts initiaux et ils pourront rembourser le prêt sur une plus longue période ».
Visitez le site cleanenergyfinancing.ca/Inverness/ pour en savoir plus et présenter une demande. Le programme accepte un nombre maximal de participants par année; par conséquent, les propriétaires intéressés sont invités à présenter une demande le plus tôt possible.
Pour toute question, consultez le site cleanenergyfinancing.ca/Inverness/ ou communiquez avec nous par courriel à special.project@invernesscounty.ca.
Personne-ressource pour les médias :
Maura Beaton
Facilitatice de projets spéciaux
Municipalité du comté d’Inverness
375, rue Main, Port Hood (Nouvelle-Écosse) B0E 2W0
Maura.beaton@invernescounty.ca
902-323-0660
Municipal Offices Closed Monday September 19
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 16, 2022
Municipal Offices Closed Monday September 19
INVERNESS COUNTY, UNAMA’KI – Notice to residents. Municipal Offices and facilities will be closed on Monday, September 19 to observe the provincial holiday in honour of her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral service.
This follows the Government of Canada declaration of a National Day of Mourning on September 19, 2022, which was recognized by the Government of Nova Scotia.
Curbside collection will not be affected.
Media contact:
Maura Beaton
Special Projects Facilitator
Municipality of the County of Inverness
375 Main Street, Port Hood, NS B0E 2W0
Maura.beaton@invernesscounty.ca
902.323.0660
Municipality Launches Public Transportation Engagement
INVERNESS COUNTY, UNAMA’KI – The Municipality of the County of Inverness is inviting
residents to provide input into public transportation in Inverness County through an
interactive website, cbcl.mysocialpinpoint.com/ride. CBCL, the consultant for the project,
created the website to provide residents with the opportunity to map out their desired
transit routes and stops, and participate in a short survey. The survey is designed for
residents to inform the Municipality how they get around Inverness County – whether it
be by car, bus, taxi, or bike.
The Municipal Public Transportation Review is guided by the vision that sustainable public
transportation contributes to a healthy population, economy, and environment. Public
feedback will help inform recommendations for the future based on public input, travel
trends, and sustainable public transportation practices for rural communities.
“With the public’s help, the Municipality can gather information that will advance public
transportation improvements in partnership with transit operators,” said Keith
MacDonald, CAO of the Municipality of the County of Inverness. “Access to public
transportation for Inverness County residents and businesses is important, now and in
the future.”
Residents can also provide input by visiting Municipal staff in-person at the Cheticamp
farmers market on August 27 and the Mabou Farmers Market on August 28.
Surveys can be filled out until September 17 online at cbcl.mysocialpinpoint.com/ride.
Paper copies can be picked up at the Municipal Office in Port Hood at 86 High Street or
375 Main Street.
For more information, contact Special Projects at special.projects@invernesscounty.ca.
Media Contact:
Maura Beaton
Special Projects Facilitator
Municipality of the County of Inverness
375 Main Street, Port Hood, NS B0E 2W0
Maura.beaton@invernesscounty.ca
902-323-0660