Drone Mapping and Damage Assessment Operations
*Sharing on behalf of Inverness, Victoria and Richmond Counties and the Town of Port Hawkesbury
Cape Breton Flood Response: Drone Mapping and Damage Assessment Operations
Residents in areas impacted by flooding may notice drone activity in the coming days as part of ongoing flood damage assessment efforts.
The Western Cape Breton Regional Emergency Management Organization (REMO), (made up of Inverness, Victoria and Richmond Counties, and the Town of Port Hawkesbury), in partnership with GlobalMedic (a registered Canadian charity mandated to provide people affected by disaster with humanitarian aid) and emergency management partners, is conducting aerial mapping and imaging of areas impacted by the recent flooding and severe weather event.
The drones will be used to capture information about damaged roads, infrastructure, shorelines, and other affected areas to support damage assessments, recovery planning, and response efforts. Residents may see drones operating over public roadways and surrounding areas, particularly near West Bay Road and Marble Mountain.
“The information collected will help our emergency management officials, engineers, and response agencies better understand the extent of the damage and prioritize recovery efforts,” says Jerron Hawley, Emergency Coordination Centre Incident Commander. “We thank residents for their patience and cooperation as this important work is completed.”
For safety reasons, people are asked not to approach drone operators while they are working and to continue following any travel advisories or road closure notices that remain in effect.
State of Local Emergency Update – September 8, 2026
*Sharing on behalf of Inverness, Victoria and Richmond Counties and the Town of Port Hawkesbury
First and foremost, our thoughts are with the family, friends and community members affected by the tragic loss of life near Cleveland. This has been an extraordinarily difficult event for residents across Cape Breton and the Strait Area, and our deepest sympathies are with everyone who has been impacted.
From the outset, our priority has been public safety. Municipalities, the Regional Emergency Management Organization (REMO), first responders and provincial agencies have been working around the clock to assess conditions, share information, support affected communities and respond to changing circumstances.
Current Status
- The State of Local Emergency remains in effect.
- Solid waste and recycling collection is cancelled today (Sept. 8) for Inverness, Victoria and Richmond counties.
- For the most up-to-date information around school closures, residents are encouraged to check with their regional centre for education.
Regional Coordination
Supported by funding from the Nova Scotia Department of Emergency Management, Inverness, Victoria and Richmond Counties and the Town of Port Hawkesbury recently partnered to establish a Regional Emergency Management Organization (REMO).
A REMO brings neighbouring municipalities together to coordinate emergency planning, preparedness, response and recovery. It provides a structure for municipalities and emergency response agencies to work together when an incident extends beyond the capacity of a single community.
This is the first major event for this REMO, and it has demonstrated the value of regional coordination. All four entities have been working together, alongside provincial partners and first responders, to support residents throughout the region. This response is ongoing.
REMO Response
As the weather events unfolded, a Joint Operations Centre was established in Port Hawkesbury, bringing together representatives from Inverness, Victoria and Richmond Counties and the Town of Port Hawkesbury. With guidance and support from the Nova Scotia Department of Emergency Management, the REMO has been working closely with the RCMP, EHS, local fire departments and the Nova Scotia Department of Public Works.
A support telephone line opened September 6 to provide residents with a central point of contact to report non-emergency issues and concerns related to the current emergency situation. Approximately 50 calls have been received to date, including requests for medical assistance, questions about emergency response capabilities and reports of road conditions.
We want to be very clear with residents: police, fire and ambulance services remain available to respond to 911 calls. If a resident cannot be reached because of a road closure, washout or blocked driveway, emergency responders have additional resources available, including helicopters and specialized equipment, where required.
Next steps
The REMO will continue to work closely with provincial partners and consider their recommendations as decisions are made regarding the State of Local Emergency and the ongoing response.
Residents are encouraged to visit their municipal website and/or Facebook pages for future updates, continue to call the resident support line as needed, and pay close attention to safety signage on the roads when travelling.
We recognize the uncertainty and disruption residents are experiencing, and we thank everyone for their patience, cooperation and understanding.
Water Conservation Directive Issued for Judique Water System
The Municipality of Inverness County is issuing a mandatory water conservation directive for users of the Judique water system effective today, September 7, 2026.
The directive is necessary because heavy rainfall over the weekend has significantly increased turbidity (mud) in the water source (Judique dam). The volume of turbid water is currently too high for the Public Works team to properly treat before it enters the water storage tank.
As a result, the treatment plant has been temporarily shut down to allow the turbidity to settle at the Judique dam and water treatment conditions to return to normal.
While the treatment plant is shut down, users of the Judique water system are relying on the water currently available in the storage tank. Water conservation is therefore necessary to help maintain the available water supply until normal treatment can resume.
At this time, residents are asked to conserve water by following these tips:
- Take short showers and avoid baths.
- Turn off taps when brushing teeth or washing dishes.
- Only run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads.
- Keep a bottle of water in the fridge to avoid running the tap for cold water.
- Limit toilet flushing.
- Promptly repair any leaks in and around taps and plumbing.
To learn more about water conservation, visit Water Conservation | Municipality of the County of Inverness.
The Municipality thanks for residents for their cooperation and apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause.
Western Cape Breton Municipal Support Line Remains Open
A municipal support line for Western Cape Breton residents that opened earlier today (Sept. 6), will remain open until further notice, providing residents with a central point of contact to report non-emergency issues and concerns related to the current emergency situation.
- Municipal Support Line: 902-625-7888
- Hours of operation: The support line will be available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Any changes to the support line or its hours will be shared if/when available.
- What callers can expect: Calls will be answered by a municipal representative. If residents are unable to reach someone when they call, they may leave a voicemail and a representative will return their call. The nature of the concern will determine the appropriate response and follow-up.
The support line is available to residents of Inverness, Victoria and Richmond Counties and the Town of Port Hawkesbury.
The support line is intended for non-emergency issues and concerns. Any situation requiring immediate emergency assistance should be reported by calling 911.
On September 5, municipal officials from Inverness, Victoria and Richmond Counties, and the Town of Port Hawkesbury declared a State of Local Emergency due to widespread flooding, resulting in road closures, evacuations and disruptions to transportation networks.
To learn more about the local state of emergency, visit State of Local Emergency Declared in Parts of Cape Breton | Municipality of the County of Inverness.
For current road conditions, visit https://511.novascotia.ca/.
Western Cape Breton Municipal Support Line Opens Sept. 6
*Sharing on behalf of Inverness, Victoria and Richmond Counties, and the Town of Port Hawkesbury.
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Four municipalities are working together to support residents affected by the ongoing State of Local Emergency in western Cape Breton, including Inverness, Victoria and Richmond Counties and the Town of Port Hawkesbury.
A municipal support line will open Sunday, September 6, at 8 a.m. The line will provide residents with a central point of contact to report non-emergency issues and concerns related to the current emergency situation.
- Municipal Support Line: 902-625-7888
- Hours of operation: The support line will be available Sunday, September 6, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- What callers can expect: Calls will be answered by a municipal representative. If residents are unable to reach someone when they call, they may leave a voicemail and a representative will return their call. The nature of the concern will determine the appropriate response and follow-up.
The support line is available to residents of Inverness, Victoria and Richmond Counties and the Town of Port Hawkesbury.
The support line is intended for non-emergency issues and concerns. Any situation requiring immediate emergency assistance should be reported by calling 911.
Additional hours of operation will be announced as they are confirmed.
Earlier today, September 5, municipal officials declared a State of Local Emergency as response efforts continue and crews assess damage to roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure.
Widespread flooding has resulted in road closures, evacuations and disruptions to transportation networks. Conditions remain dangerous, and residents are encouraged to follow directions from emergency officials, stay away from affected areas and avoid unnecessary travel where possible.
To learn more about the local state of emergency, visit State of Local Emergency Declared in Parts of Cape Breton | Municipality of the County of Inverness.
For current road conditions, visit https://511.novascotia.ca/.
State of Local Emergency Declared in Parts of Cape Breton
Sharing on behalf of Inverness, Victoria and Richmond Counties, and the Town of Port Hawkesbury.
State of Local Emergency Declared in Parts of Cape Breton; Residents Urged to Avoid Travel
Residents are being urged to avoid all non-essential travel as heavy rainfall continues to cause significant flooding, road washouts and transportation disruptions across parts of Cape Breton.
Municipal officials have declared a State of Local Emergency in affected areas as response efforts continue and crews assess damage to roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure. Widespread flooding has resulted in road closures, evacuations and disruptions to transportation networks, and conditions remain dangerous.
Emergency responders, municipal officials, Department of Public Works crews and other partners are working around the clock to respond to incidents, support affected residents and assess damage.
“Public safety remains our top priority,” said Jerron Hawley, Regional Manager for Emergency Services, for Western Cape Breton “People should stay off the roads unless travel is absolutely necessary. Reducing traffic in affected areas will help keep residents safe and allow emergency crews to respond quickly and efficiently.”
Residents are reminded to:
- Not travel unless your trip is absolutely necessary.
- Check 511 Nova Scotia before travelling and be prepared for conditions to change quickly.
- Never drive through flooded roads, standing water, washed-out areas, or around barricades and road closures.
- Turn around and find another route if you encounter water on the roadway.
- Remember that floodwaters may be deeper and moving faster than they appear.
- Give emergency responders, assessment teams and road crews the space they need to work safely.
- Follow instructions from local authorities and emergency officials.
Officials caution that additional road closures may occur without warning as rainfall continues and damage assessments progress. Residents should expect travel disruptions and delays throughout affected areas.
Provincial and Municipal emergency management officials continue to monitor the situation closely and coordinate response efforts. Life safety remains the primary focus as crews work to assist impacted communities and restore transportation routes.
Residents should monitor local media, 511 Nova Scotia and official government channels for the latest information on road closures, weather conditions and public safety updates.
For current road conditions, visit 511 Nova Scotia.
Motorists to Use Extreme Caution in Construction Area
Municipality Urges Motorists to Use Extreme Caution in Central Avenue Construction Area
As we head into a rainy long weekend, the Municipality of Inverness County is reminding motorists traveling through the Central Avenue Rebuild Project area to exercise extreme caution and reduce their speed.
At the end of each construction day, the contractor works to prepare the closed section of roadway for temporary use by motorists. However, high traffic volumes and wet weather can significantly affect the condition of the roadway, creating challenging driving conditions for motorists, especially during weekends.
Motorists are reminded to slow down, follow all posted signage and traffic controls, and remain on the designated side of the roadway. Please do not drive on the opposite side of the road to avoid gravel, uneven surfaces, or other temporary road conditions.
The contractor will continue to manage the construction site.
The Municipality and its contractor appreciate the patience and cooperation of motorists as this important work continues, and thanks the public for traveling with care and helping to keep workers and motorists safe.
To learn more about the Central Avenue Rebuild Project, visit Central Avenue Rebuild | Municipality of the County of Inverness .
Feedback Loop Focuses on Festivals & Events Participation
August Feedback Loop Survey Focuses on Festivals & Events Participation
The Municipality of Inverness County is launching the August edition of The Feedback Loop survey today, August 20, with a focus on festivals and events participation.
The Feedback Loop is a monthly survey initiative designed to gather 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.
“Our summer festivals and events are all about bringing people together, and they simply wouldn’t happen without the incredible support of volunteers,” says Warden Bonny MacIsaac, Municipality of Inverness County. ” This survey explores residents’ participation in festivals and events, volunteer involvement, the role festivals play in bringing family and friends home, and the contribution festivals make to quality of life across Inverness County. We hope residents will take a few moments to fill out the survey and share their experiences with us.”
The Feedback Loop is the Municipality’s survey series to hear resident feedback. All answers remain anonymous unless you choose to share your contact information in the final question. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey.
The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete, and all responses are anonymous.
The survey is available online, with paper copies available at the Municipal Administration Building, 375 Main St., Port Hood, and other locations throughout the County. To complete the survey, visit The Feedback Loop – Festivals & Events.
The survey closes on September 16. The next edition of The Feedback Loop will launch on September 17.
For more information, including a list of locations where paper copies are available, visit The Feedback Loop | Municipality of the County of Inverness.
Inverness | Water Disruption – August 19, 2026
The Municipality of Inverness County would like to advise residents of a planned water disruption taking place Wednesday, August 19 in the community of Inverness. Water will be shut off to a section of the community of Inverness to support a water connection for a new daycare currently under construction in Inverness.
Date: Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. until approximately 5:00 p.m.
If the timing changes, an update will be shared on invernesscounty.ca and the Municipality’s Facebook page.
Impacted areas: Campbell St., Veterans Memorial Court and Celtic Dr., Inverness
Residents may also experience impacts to local traffic, including possible street closures with local traffic access only.
The Municipality apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause and thanks residents for their cooperation and understanding.
Mabou Water Conservation Directive & Boil Water Advisory Lifted
The Municipality of Inverness County would like to notify users of the Mabou water system that the Water Conservation Directive and Boil Water Advisory is no longer in effect as of Friday, August 14, 2026 at 12:30 p.m.
The Municipality would like to extend sincere thanks and appreciation to the Mabou & District Volunteer Fire Department for partnering on the resident support program, and the businesses and residents of Mabou for their patience, cooperation, and adaptability