Bylaw Modernization: Council Seeking Public Feedback
October 16, 2025
Municipality of Inverness County Council Seeks Feedback: Municipal Bylaws 20, 21, 24, 40, 36
The Council of the Municipality of the County of Inverness is considering the repeal of five 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 If approved, the following bylaws will be officially repealed: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 20 – Trailers Bylaw
Current: This bylaw was originally created to regulate trailer licensing. It no longer reflects current municipal practices, is not enforced, and was passed before the Municipal Government Act came into effect.
Proposed Change: Trailer regulations are now covered under the municipality’s Land Use Bylaw and Municipal Planning Strategy, which were developed with input from Inverness County residents. As a result, Bylaw 20 is no longer needed and is recommended for repeal without replacement.
II. Bylaw Respecting the Repeal of Bylaw 21 – Trailer Courts Bylaw
Current: This bylaw was intended to regulate the operation and development of trailer courts. It is outdated, no longer aligns with municipal practices, and predates the Municipal Government Act.
Proposed Change: Trailer courts are now regulated through the municipality’s Land Use Bylaw and Municipal Planning Strategy. Bylaw 21 is therefore redundant and is recommended for repeal without replacement.
III. Bylaw Respecting the Repeal of Bylaw 24 – Development Officer Bylaw
Current: This bylaw describes the relationship between Council and the Eastern District Planning Commission (EDPC). It references legislation that has since been replaced in part by the Municipal Government Act.
Proposed Change: Council and the Director of the EDPC have established clear and effective practices that better define their working relationship. Bylaw 24 is now outdated and is recommended for repeal without replacement.
IV. Bylaw Respecting the Repeal of Bylaw 40 – Bylaw Respecting Relief from Liability
Current: This bylaw outlines how the municipality discharges sewage and wastewater, but the language is vague and lacks clear definitions.
Proposed Change: New bylaws and human resources policies now address these matters in more detail, making Bylaw 40 outdated and unnecessary. It is recommended for repeal without replacement.
V. Bylaw Respecting the Repeal of Bylaw 36 – Pensions Bylaw
Current: This bylaw outlines former pension plan for municipal employees.
Proposed Change: Current pension arrangements are now covered under updated Human Resources and Personnel Policies. The bylaw is outdated, inaccurate, and does not reflect current municipal operations or values. It is recommended that Bylaw 36 be repealed and not replaced.
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, November 13 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, November 12 to:
Debbie Nicholson
375 Main St.
PO Box 179
Port Hood, NS B0E 2W0
Email: Debbie.Nicholson@invernesscounty.ca
Copies of all municipal 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.
E-Billing Campaign with a Chance to Win an iPad
October 15, 2025
Municipality Launching E-Billing Campaign with a Chance to Win an iPad
The Municipality of Inverness County is encouraging residents to sign up for electronic billing for water utility and property tax bills.
This initiative is part of the municipality’s ongoing efforts to modernize services and improve customer convenience. It is being launched now due to the ongoing Canada Post strike, which is expected to cause delays in the mailing and delivery of bills, including water utility bills scheduled to be mailed in early October.
E-billing offers a fast, secure, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional paper bills. By choosing e-billing, residents can access their bills anytime, anywhere, while helping to reduce paper use and lower postage costs.
As an added incentive, residents who sign up for e-billing by December 1 will be entered into a draw to win a new iPad. Residents who are already enrolled in e-billing will be automatically entered into the draw.
“This initiative supports municipality’s broader efforts to modernize service delivery and reduce costs,” said Keith MacDonald, Municipality of Inverness County Chief Administrative Officer. “By switching to e-billing, residents are helping to streamline operations, reduce our environmental footprint, and improve access to information.”
While paper billing will continue to be available to residents who prefer it, the municipality encourages as many households as possible to consider e-billing. Recognizing the municipality’s diverse and aging population, the transition to digital services is being introduced with this in mind.
MacDonald adds, “Customers who sign up for e-billing will be able to see their current water utility bill. Those who do not sign up will need to wait until alternative mailing arrangements can be made.”
Benefits of switching to e-billing include:
- Modern and Efficient service delivery
- 24/7 Access to bills on any device
- Reduced Paper Waste and environmental impact
- Lower Costs associated with printing and mailing
- Secure and Reliable delivery via email
Signing up takes just minutes. How to sign up and enter to win an iPad:
- Submit an online form directly: Online Form Submission | Municipality of the County of Inverness .
- Download the online form and email to taxes@invernesscounty.ca
- Print off a copy, and drop off at the Municipal Administration Building, 375 Main St., Port Hood.
The shift to e-billing reflects the Municipality of Inverness County’s broader commitment to improving services for residents.
If residents have questions and would like to speak with a member of the Finance team, call toll-free 1-866-258-0223, selection option #5, or email info@invernesscounty.ca.
Inverness Multicourt Facility Opening
October 9, 2025
Inverness Multicourt Facility Opening This Weekend!
The Municipality of Inverness County is excited to share that the new Inverness Multicourt Facility is now open for community use, starting Saturday, October 11, 2025!
Residents will be able to enjoy a variety of drop-in activities at the site, including pickleball, basketball, table tennis, and bean bag toss.
What You Need to Know:
Location: 85 MacLean St., Inverness
Hours of Operation: 7:00 a.m. to dusk, seven days a week. Once lighting is fully installed, hours will be extended.
For now, access is first-come, first-served, no booking required. A court reservation system is in the works using Playfinder.ca and will be launched soon.
A Few Reminders:
Pickleball Courts:
– For pickleball use only, to protect special court surface.
– Please avoid wearing dark-soled shoes, as they will cause damage.
Basketball Courts:
– Can also be used for other casual games like pickup hockey.
Notice something that needs attention? Let the municipality know by emailing construction@invernesscounty.ca .
Please note that surveillance cameras will be in operation, and participants play at their own risk.
Looking Ahead:
– An Expression of Interest for naming rights to the facility is coming soon.
– A grand opening celebration is being planned for Spring 2026. Stay tuned for more details!
For more information about the facility, visit: Inverness Multicourt Facility | Municipality of the County of Inverness .
Seeking Volunteers For Free Water Testing
October 10, 2025
Municipality Seeking Volunteers for Free Water Testing – Chance to Win $100 Gift Card
It’s that time of year again! The Municipality of Inverness County is seeking 65 volunteers to participate in free lead and copper water testing, with a chance to win a $100 gift card to a local business.
While the municipal water system has consistently tested negative for lead and copper, older household plumbing or service lines, which are the pipes connecting a home to the municipal water system, may still pose a risk at the tap. To help identify any potential concerns, the municipality conducts annual water sampling from various residential dwellings and small sized commercial buildings on each of the seven municipal water systems.
Testing Locations and Volunteer Needs:
The Municipality is looking for participants in the following areas:
- Port Hastings – 10 households or small businesses
- Judique – 5 households or small businesses
- Port Hood – 10 households or small businesses
- Mabou – 10 households or small businesses
- Inverness – 10 households or small businesses
- Whycocomagh – 10 households or small businesses
- Chéticamp – 10 households or small businesses
How it Works
- Interested volunteers must complete an online form, providing their name, civic address, and preferred date for a collection appointment.
- Collection appointments will be scheduled Monday to Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., from October 13 to 29.
- Selected participants will be contacted by municipal staff to confirm appointment details.
- At the scheduled time, staff will visit to collect a water sample from a kitchen or bathroom faucet.
- Volunteers will receive a call in advance and be asked not to use any water for approximately 30 minutes before the appointment — this ensures accurate testing for lead and copper.
- Samples will be delivered to a certified laboratory, and results will be mailed directly to each participant.
Important Details
- Volunteers are selected on a first-come, first-served basis.
- If more than 65 people sign up, remaining names will be added to a waitlist for next year.
Win a $100 Gift Card!
Everyone who completes the water test will be entered into a draw to win a $100 gift card to a business of their choice located within the Municipality of Inverness County. Some exclusions may apply.
How to Sign Up
Online: Click to fill in the form
Phone: 902-323-0406
Email: Katherine.Macinnis@invernesscounty.ca
Deadline to apply: Friday, October 17, 2025.
You’re Invited: Public Transportation Engagement Series
October 9, 2025
“Getting There Together”: Inverness County Launches Public Transportation Engagement Sessions
How do you get where you need to go in Inverness County—and what would make it easier? The Municipality of the County of Inverness is inviting residents to take part in Getting There Together; a series of Public Transportation Engagement Sessions aimed at gathering community input to help guide future transit improvements and strengthen connections across the county.
This series is part of a county-wide project funded through the Government of Canada’s Rural Public Transit Solutions Fund. This initiative supports communities like Inverness County in developing sustainable and accessible public transportation options that meet local needs.
Six sessions will take place across the municipality’s districts:
- October 22: Beinn Mhàbu at 11:00 a.m.
- October 22: Inverness County Centre for the Arts at 6:00 p.m.
- October 29: Cranton Cross Roads Community Centre at 11:00a.m.
- October 29: Club des Retraites at 6:00 p.m.
- November 4: Judique Community Centre at 11:00 a.m.
- November 4: Whycocomagh Waterfront Centre at 6:00 p.m.
Each session will run for approximately two hours and include interactive breakout activities designed to spark conversation and gather meaningful community input. Food and refreshments will be available, and attendees can enter for door prizes and giveaways.
“Transportation is a lifeline in a rural county like ours. Whether it’s getting to a doctor’s appointment, going to work, or attending community events, people need reliable options,” says Warden Bonny MacIsaac. “These sessions are about listening to residents and working together to create a system that meets local needs.”
To reduce barriers to participation, the municipality can arrange transportation to and from sessions, and childcare will be available. Please RSVP by the Monday before each session to arrange either service by contacting ccd@invernesscounty.ca.
Residents can attend their local session, or whichever session works best for them.
Wave Volleyball Camp
September 19, 2025
Municipality To Host Three Camps with Wave Volleyball
The Municipality of Inverness County’s Recreation & Community Wellness team is partnering with Wave Volleyball to host a series of 3 pop-up volleyball camps designed to help athletes get ready for the upcoming junior volleyball season.
The camps, led by Coaches Ashley Crowley and Nadine Clark, will take place on the following dates:
- Friday, September 26 – Inverness Education Centre Academy, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
- Friday, October 3 – Bayview Education Centre, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
- Friday. October 10 – Cape Breton Highlands Education Centre Academy, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Each two-hour session combines skill development, game play, and confidence building in a high-energy, supportive environment. Open to co-ed athletes grades 6 – 8, the camps are a great way for players to fine-tune their fundamentals or shake off the rust before the season begins.
The registration fee is $30 per camp, and sign-up is available online at playfinder.ca.
“Our team loves partnering with community groups on programs like this,” says Recreation Coordinator Krista MacInnis. “These partnerships allow us to expand capacity and reach, taking some of the logistical stress like registration off the groups and allowing them to focus on what’s most important: creating great experiences for kids”.
For questions, reach out to Krista MacInnis at 902-258-5930 or by email krista.macinnis@invernesscounty.ca.
PSA: Mabou Fire Hydrant Replacement
September 18, 2025
Public Service Announcement
Mabou Fire Hydrant Replacement – Temporary Water Service Interruption
The Municipality of Inverness County advises that municipal staff will be replacing a fire hydrant in Mabou on Monday, Sept. 22, 2025. As a result, nearby residents will experience a temporary interruption in water service.
Date: Monday, September 22, 2025
Start Time: 8:00 a.m.
Duration: To be determined. The Municipality will provide an update once installation is underway.
Fire Hydrant Location: Route 19, near civic addresses 11511 & 11513
Residents Affected:
- Route 19, from civic numbers 11511 & 11513, in the vicinity of the intersection of Route 252 and Route 19
- Barra Lane
- MacDonell Lane
- Byrnlee’s Lane
- Cameron Hill
- Highway 252 (for those on the municipal water system)
How to Prepare:
- Fill containers with drinking water in advance.
- Fill your bathtub to have water available for flushing toilets.
- Monitor the Municipality’s website and Facebook page for updates regarding service restoration.
Please share this advisory widely with neighbors, friends, and visitors to ensure everyone stays informed.
The Municipality thanks residents for their patience and cooperation and apologizes for any inconvenience this temporary disruption may cause.
Bylaw Modernization: Council Seeking Public Feedback
September 18, 2025
Municipality of Inverness County Council Seeks Feedback: Municipal Bylaw 25
The Council of the Municipality of the County of Inverness is considering the repeal of a municipal bylaw as part of an ongoing bylaw modernization process. If approved, the following bylaw will be officially repealed:
I. Bylaw Respecting the Repeal of Bylaw 25 – Building Bylaw
Current: Residents are required to obtain a permit from the municipality before constructing, altering, demolishing, or changing the use of a building, with exceptions for small projects.
Proposed Change: Remove bylaw and not replace. This bylaw is outdated as permits, fees, and planning are handled by Eastern District Planning Commission.
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, October 2 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, October 1 to:
Debbie Nicholson
375 Main St.
PO Box 179
Port Hood, NS B0E 2W0
Email: Debbie.Nicholson@invernesscounty.ca
Copies of the bylaws are available online at Bylaws | Municipality of the County of Inverness 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.
Truth and Reconciliation Day
September 19, 2025
Municipality of Inverness County Proclaims September 30 as Truth and Reconciliation Day
At the September 18th Committee of the Whole Meeting, Warden Bonny MacIsaac officially proclaimed September 30, 2025, as Truth and Reconciliation Day in Inverness County.
This day honours the Survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities. It also recognizes the ongoing impacts of residential schools and the importance of advancing reconciliation 365 days a year.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, is a time to reflect on the history of residential schools, to listen to the experiences of Survivors, and to affirm that “Every Child Matters.”
The Municipality encourages residents to take time on September 30 to learn, reflect, and take meaningful steps toward reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, including the Mi’kmaq, whose traditional and unceded territory we share.
To learn more, visit nctr.ca.
Municipal Closures
In observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, all municipal facilities and offices will be closed on Tuesday, September 30th. Curbside collection will not be impacted; solid waste will be collected as usual.
For water and wastewater emergencies, call the emergency line: 902-258-5048.
Reminder: New Tipping Fees at Kenloch Waste Management Facility
August 29, 2025
REMINDER:
New Tipping Fees at Kenloch Waste Management Facility to Take Effect September 2
The Municipality of Inverness County is reminding the community that construction and demolition (C&D) materials and non-residential waste dropped off at the Kenloch Waste Management Facility will be subject to higher tipping fees effective this Tuesday, September 2.
Regular residential solid waste will not be impacted.
Non-residential residual waste (garbage from commercial customers) will now be subject to tipping fees. This means businesses will now be charged for garbage disposal, whether delivered directly or via a waste hauler. Commercial customers should reach out to service providers to discuss potential impacts on collection rates if they have not already.
These fees are being introduced to reflect the rising operational and transportation costs associated with processing and diverting waste in accordance with current provincial regulations.
For the full release, new fees, and comprehensive list of C&D materials, visit https://invernesscounty.ca/changes-introduced-at-kenloch-waste-management-facility/.
All questions regarding solid waste can be directed to waste@invernesscounty.ca or by calling toll-free 1-866-258-0223, option #1.