Access Awareness Week Nova Scotia

May 26, 2025

May 25 – 31 Proclaimed Access Awareness Week in Inverness County

May 25 – 31, 2025 is Access Awareness Week, which is a time to celebrate achievements made both by and for persons with disabilities in the areas of accessibility, transportation, housing, employment, recreation, education, and communication in Nova Scotia.

The theme for 2025 is “Our Voices, Our Votes: Disability Rights in Action.” This theme honours the critical role that persons with disabilities, along with families and supporters, have played in advocating for meaningful change. Their efforts have contributed to important legislation such as the Nova Scotia Accessibility Act, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and other key human rights advancements.
Additional information about the Disability Rights movement is available at: https://nsleo.com/aawns-take-action/#theme-resources

To acknowledge Access Awareness Week, The Municipality of Inverness County is proudly displaying a flag in Council Chambers at the Municipal Administration Building and shared a proclamation during the Committee of the Whole meeting on May 22. Read the proclamation here

For 39 years, communities across Nova Scotia have hosted events during Access Awareness Week to bring attention to the importance of removing barriers and supporting inclusion. In alignment with this, the Municipality of Inverness County will host an Adaptive Equipment Try-It Event on Friday, May 30 at the Al MacInnis Sports Centre. This event will offer attendees the chance to try adaptive recreation equipment available through the Recreation & Community Wellness Department.

To learn more about the Municipality’s ongoing efforts to reduce barriers for persons with disabilities, click here.

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 If approved, the following bylaws will be officially repealed: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.

Changes Introduced at Kenloch Waste Management Facility

Friday, May 23, 2025

Changes Introduced at Kenloch Waste Management Facility: New Tipping Fees for Construction & Demolition Materials and Non-Residential Waste

The Municipality of Inverness County will implement new tipping fees at the Kenloch Waste Management Facility for construction and demolition (C&D) materials and non-residential waste, effective Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

These updated fees are being introduced to better reflect the rising operational and transportation costs associated with processing and diverting waste in accordance with current provincial regulations.

Residential regular solid waste will not be impacted by these fees.

What Qualifies as Construction & Demolition Material?
Construction and demolition materials include, but are not limited to:

• Clean and treated lumber (excluding creosote-treated lumber)
• Drywall
• Asphalt shingles
• Concrete and masonry (bricks, tiles, blocks)
• Metals, glass, insulation, and plaster
• Flooring (e.g., laminate, hardwood, ceramic tile)
• Fixtures, cabinetry, windows, and doors

New Tipping Fee Structure for C&D Waste: Effective September 2, 2025
Previous rates, unchanged since 2006, were $75/metric tonne for mixed loads and $30/metric tonne for sorted C&D debris.

Starting September 2, new rates are as follows:

• Sorted Load (C&D materials separated by type): $48.00/metric tonne
• Unsorted Load (C&D materials not separated): $110.00/metric tonne
• Mixed Load (C&D materials combined with garbage, recyclables, organics, or banned materials): $235.00/metric tonne

New Tipping Fee for Non-Residential Waste: Effective September 2, 2025
For the first time, the municipality will introduce a tipping fee for non-residential residual waste (garbage).

• New Rate: $97.20 per metric tonne

This change means businesses will now be charged for garbage disposal, whether delivered directly or via a waste hauler. Commercial customers are advised to contact their service providers to discuss potential impacts on collection rates.

Why Are These Changes Being Made?
“These changes are necessary to ensure we can cover the operational and transportation costs required to sustain this vital community service,” said Keith MacDonald, Chief Administrative Officer, Municipality of Inverness County. “We understand that change takes time, similar to the transition during the treated lumber ban, we are committed to supporting residents and businesses throughout this process.”

Following updated regulations from the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Climate Change, as of March 28, 2025, the Kenloch facility is no longer approved to operate as a construction and demolition landfill. While the municipality explored the development of a new C&D landfill, regulatory, environmental, space, and financial constraints made the project unfeasible.

As a result, all C&D materials brought to the Kenloch facility will now be transported to the GFL Environmental Landfill in Boylston, Guysborough, or to another approved diversion facility based on material type and condition.

Proper sorting is essential to ensure compliance and to support waste reduction and recycling efforts.

Waste Reduction Support Services
The municipality continues to offer several services to help residents manage waste responsibly:

• Weekly curbside waste collection
• Annual Residential Bulky Waste Collection (spring)
• Household Hazardous Waste Collection
  • Next event: June 5 in Judique and Margaree

For updates, sorting guides, and more, please visit Waste & Recycling | Municipality of the County of Inverness .

Looking Ahead
“The Municipality of Inverness County is committed to building strong partnerships with our neighboring communities and identifying responsible, cost-effective solutions for waste management,” said Warden Bonny MacIsaac. “Our goal is to protect the environment while investing in a healthier, more sustainable future for our residents.”

Kenloch Waste Management Facility staff will use the next three months to educate residents and businesses about these upcoming changes.

For questions, please contact the Solid Waste Team by emailing waste@invernesscounty.ca or calling, toll-free 1-866-258-0223, selection Option #1.

Public Engagement Session – Port Hood Park

You’re invited: Port Hood Community Park Public Engagement Session

Work is well underway on designing a new vibrant community park project in the heart of Port Hood. To support the ongoing design process, residents are invited to attend a public engagement session to learn more and share their input.

Date: Tuesday, June 3, 2025

Time: 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Location: St. Peter’s Parish Hall, Port Hood

What to expect:

Design consultants from Glenn Group Landscape Architects and Park Planners will present potential design concepts based on community input gathered to date, including feedback from a recent online survey. This is a chance for residents to view the initial plans and provide additional ideas or comments to help shape the next phase of the design.

Next steps:

Following the engagement session, a revised design will be developed. Once finalized and funding is secured, the project will move into the construction phase.

For more information or if you have questions about the project, visit Port Hood Community Park Project, email construction@invernesscounty.ca or call 1-866-258-0223, select option #5.

June Physical Activity Challenge Announced

Municipality of Inverness County Gears up for ParticipACTION Community Challenge

The ParticipACTION Community Challenge presented by Novo Nordisk, is back, and the Municipality of Inverness County is ready to get moving!

This national initiative encourages individuals and communities across Canada to embrace the benefits of physical activity, both for health and for fun. The challenge also brings a significant opportunity: the chance to be named Canada’s Most Active Community and earn a $100,000 prize to invest in local sport and recreation activities.

The Municipality of Inverness County is calling on residents to take part!

Here’s how you can join the movement:

• Local organizations: Register your June physical activity programs and events on the ParticipACTION website. Track participation to help the municipality’s chance of winning.
• Individuals: Sign up on the ParticipACTION website and take the pledge to be active throughout June, whether at home, school, work, or in your neighbourhood. Every step counts!

“We’ve consistently been ranked among the top communities in Nova Scotia, and we’re ready to push even harder this year!” said Jason Calder, Recreation Program Coordinator. In fact, in 2023 Inverness County was crowned the Most Active Community in Nova Scotia. This year, we are aiming to be the most active in Canada!”

Municipal Challenge

To support the ParticipACTION Community Challenge, the municipality will also be running a physical activity challenge throughout June. Starting June 1, residents can submit their minutes of activity (e.g. 120 minutes of activity) by email to recreation@invernesscounty.ca to compete for prizes of fitness equipment and gift cards from the Recreation & Community Wellness Department.

Participants are also welcome to include photos with their submissions to help celebrate active living in our communities. Sharing a photo is optional, but submitted images may be featured on the Municipality’s Facebook page.

About the ParticipACTION Community Challenge

The Community Challenge is a national physical activity and sport initiative that encourages everyone in Canada to get active throughout June in search of Canada’s Most Active Community. The challenge is open to all communities and individuals, ultimately recognizing Canada’s Most Active Community and awarding it $100,000 to support local physical activity and sport initiatives. In addition to the national winner, there is also a prize for the most active community in each province and territory as well as organization prizing.

The ParticipACTION Community Challenge presented by Novo Nordisk is proudly funded by the Government of Canada and Novo Nordisk.

 

Municipal Planning Strategy & Land Use Bylaw -Info Session Invite

April 29, 2025

Municipality of Inverness County & Eastern District Planning Commission to Host Information Session

In 2018, the Province of Nova Scotia passed legislation through Bill 58 that required every municipality (and all land within the municipalities’ area of responsibility) to be subject to a Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use Bylaw.

In response, the Municipality of Inverness County launched Plan Inverness, a project to develop a new Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use Bylaw. This project is part of Plan Eastern Nova, a joint initiative with the Counties of Antigonish, Richmond, and Victoria to bring consistent land use planning to Eastern Nova Scotia.

In support of this work, the Municipality of the County of Inverness and the Eastern District Planning Commission is inviting the public to attend an upcoming information session regarding the proposed new Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use Bylaw.

Information Session

• Wednesday, May 7, 2025
• 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• St. Peter’s Parish Hall, 260 Main St., Port Hood

This session offers community members an opportunity to meet directly with representatives from the Eastern District Planning Commission, learn more about the proposed new documents, and ask questions.

Following the information session, a public hearing will be held to formally receive input from residents.

Public Hearing

• Wednesday, May 7, 2025
• 6:00 p.m.
• Council Chambers, Municipal Administration Building, 375 Main St., Port Hood

Members of the public may submit oral or written presentations either in support of or in opposition to the proposed changes. Written submissions may be sent in advance to:

Debbie Nicholson
P.O. Box 179, Port Hood, NS B0E 2W0
Debbie.Nicholson@invernesscounty.ca

Draft documents are available for public review at the following links:

• Plan Inverness – Municipal Planning Strategy – DRAFT
• Plan Inverness – Land Use By-Law – DRAFT
• Draft Zoning Map

Printed copies can also be reviewed at:

• Municipal Administration Building, 375 Main St., Port Hood
• Eastern District Planning Commission office, 606 Reeves St., Unit 3, Port Hawkesbury

Following the public hearing, Municipal Council will consider adopting the proposed strategy and bylaw at its regular meeting scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

For more information, please contact the Eastern District Planning Commission toll-free at 1-888-625-5361.

About Eastern District Planning Commission:

In Nova Scotia, it is a legal requirement to obtain development and/or building permits before starting any construction on a site or building.  For residents of the Municipality of Inverness County, these services are provided by Eastern District Planning Commission (EDPC).

Inverness Outfall Partial Replacement Beach Work Complete

April 29, 2025

Municipality of Inverness County Announces Completion of Inverness Beach Work

The Municipality of Inverness County is pleased to announce the successful substantial completion of the Inverness Wastewater Treatment Plant – Outfall Partial Replacement Project. This vital infrastructure upgrade involved the replacement of a section of the outfall pipe that safely transports treated effluent from the treatment plant into the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Remaining work includes the installation of a valve on the end of the outfall pipe. This will happen from the water and is expected to have no impact on the public.

As part of the restoration efforts, dune grass has been replanted in the impacted area, and spruce boughs will be placed to help protect the delicate dune ecosystem. The area will continue to be monitored over the next year to ensure successful regrowth and environmental stabilization.

Additionally, a section of the boardwalk, which was removed to facilitate the project and had deteriorated over time, has been replaced with a newly constructed segment, improving accessibility and safety for beachgoers.

 “The successful replacement of the outfall is a major step forward, not only for the Inverness Wastewater Treatment Plant project but for the long-term health and vitality of the community and county,” said Melanie Beaton, Deputy CAO for the Municipality. “This work reflects our municipal commitment to building resilient infrastructure that protects the environment, supports future growth, and ensures the community and county of Inverness remains a thriving place for generations to come.”

The Municipality extends its gratitude to community for their patience and respect of the project’s safety measures, along with the Government of Canada, Province of Nova Scotia, CBCL Engineering & Environmental Design Services, Zutphen Contractors, and Davis MacIntyre & Associates Limited for their expertise, flexibility, and commitment to this important project.

For a complete overview of the project, along with photos taken throughout the duration of the project, visit Inverness Wastewater Treatment Plant – Outfall Partial Replacement Project .

Flower Potting Series Continues – Registration Open

Municipality of Inverness County to Host Flower Potting Workshops 

The Municipality of Inverness County is hosting a series of flower potting workshops throughout the County. Administered through the Recreation and Community Wellness Department, the workshops aim to bring people together and reduce social isolation, improve overall well-being, and share knowledge with friends. The workshops will be hosted in the communities of Inverness and Chéticamp.

Workshop Details:

Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Time: 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Location: Rodney Room, Inverness Manor, 72 Maple Street, Inverness

Date: Friday, May 9, 2025

Time: 1:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m.

Location: La Salle des Retraités de Chéticamp, 15108 Cabot Trail, Chéticamp

Each participant will be planting their own large flowerpots just in time for spring. The workshop will be led by knowledgeable gardeners who can answer any planting questions. Refreshments and light snacks will be provided.

Registration:

To attend, advance registration is required, and the cost is $10 per person. Please contact Maggie MacDonald, Accessibility Coordinator, at Maggie.macdonald@invernesscounty.ca or by phone at (902) 258-7960 to reserve a spot.

Inverness County Celebrates Healthcare Heroes

April 24, 2025

Municipality of Inverness County Celebrates Healthcare Professionals’ Excellence at Awards Gala

The Municipality of Inverness County proudly celebrated the outstanding contributions of local healthcare professionals at the first annual Awards for Excellence in Healthcare, held at a gala event at the Canton Culturel de Chéticamp on April 23.

Nearly 140 community members gathered to honour the remarkable individuals and teams who go above and beyond in caring for residents across Inverness County.

2025 Award Recipients:

• Dr. Raymond Lok, Outstanding Physician

• Mary Anderson, Outstanding Nurse Practitioner

• Yvon Pino, Outstanding Allied Health Professional

• Edith Anne MacKay, Outstanding Nurse

• Lori Ann Gillis, Outstanding Palliative Care Professional

• Graham Patrick McIsaac, Outstanding Young Healthcare Professional

• Inverness Cancer Care Clinic, Outstanding Collaborative Care Team

“It was a beautiful evening, and a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our incredible healthcare workers,” said Warden Bonny MacIsaac, Municipality of Inverness County. “On behalf of the Municipality, I’d like to thank everyone who participated in the nomination process and joined us last evening to make the event so memorable. I also want to extend heartfelt congratulations to all the well-deserving winners.”

Each award winner received a unique stained-glass ornament, handcrafted by local Acadian artist Polycarpe LeBlanc of Polycarpe Glass Art. The designs reflected the natural beauty of their home communities: scenic views of Le Buttereau for Chéticamp honourees, and a depiction of Margaree Island for those from Inverness.

Attendees had the chance to hear from a variety of guests including Dr. Annalee Coakely, Assistant Dean of Student and Resident Affairs with the Cape Breton Medical Campus on behalf of Cape Breton University President & Chancellor, David Dingwall, Senator Réjean Aucoin,MLA Kyle MacQuarrie, Nova Scotia Health’s Eastern Zone Executive Director of Community & Rural Health, Glenn Cox and Director of Integrated Rural Health, Andrew Heighton. Ginette Chiasson was the MC for the event and gave a wonderful bilingual presentation.

Special Leadership Recognition:

In addition to the individual and team awards, two special honours were presented to recognize exceptional leadership in healthcare.

• Heather Gillis, Site Lead at Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital

• Johanne Doucet, Site Lead at Sacred Heart Community Health Centre

Both were celebrated for their dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to patient care.

Funded by the Office of Healthcare Professionals Recruitment and Doctors Nova Scotia, the Inverness County Awards for Excellence in Healthcare is set to become an annual tradition, recognizing and uplifting the healthcare heroes who make a difference every day.

Flower Potting Workshop – Open for Registration

April 16, 2025

Municipality of Inverness County to Host Flower Potting Workshop

The Municipality of Inverness County is hosting a series of flower potting workshops throughout the County. Administered through the Recreation and Community Wellness Department, the workshops aim to bring people together and reduce social isolation, improve overall well-being, and increase creativity through expression in arts and crafts. The first workshop will be hosted in the community of Port Hood with more to follow.

Workshop Details:

Date: Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Location: Port Hood Seniors Lounge, 23 Reynolds Street, Port Hood

Participants are encouraged to bring a small plant to exchange or pick one that is provided. Each person will be painting their own pots and leave with a potted plant to enjoy for the spring. Refreshments and light snacks will be provided.

“We’re really hoping that hosting these events at seniors’ community lounges throughout the county reduces barriers to participation and encourages the community to come together” says Maggie MacDonald, Accessibility & Senior Safety Coordinator for the Municipality of Inverness County.

Registration:

To attend, 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.