Beach Bingo Pop-up Tables
July 14, 2025
Municipality of Inverness County’s Pop-Up Beach Tables to Support Beach Bingo Participants in Inverness and Port Hood
As Beach Cleanup Bingo continues across Inverness County this summer, the Municipality of Inverness County is making it even easier for residents and visitors to take part in protecting the region’s shorelines.
Pop-up resource tables will be set up at Inverness Beach and Sunset Beach in Port Hood later this month to provide participants with everything they need to take part in the Beach Bingo challenge. The tables will offer:
- Litter cleanup supplies and bingo cards
- Free blue bags and waste sorting guides
- Refreshments
The pop-up tables are a great opportunity for beachgoers to learn more about shoreline cleanup, grab supplies, and enjoy a few extras while contributing to this community-wide initiative.
Event Details:
Inverness Beach
Date: July 23, 2025 (Rain date: July 24)
Time: 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Sunset Beach, Port Hood
Date: July 30, 2025 (Rain date: July 31)
Time: 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
“Beach Cleanup Bingo has been a local favourite for the past few years,” said the municipality’s Solid Waste Educator Nicole Latimer. “These pop-up tables are a fun way to connect with participants, hand out supplies, and encourage even more people to get involved.”
Beach Cleanup Bingo runs throughout the month of July and offers participants the chance to win grocery store gift cards by picking up litter and completing a bingo card. It’s a simple, hands-on way to promote environmental stewardship and keep our beaches beautiful.
CAO Awarded King Charles III Coronation Medal
July 11, 2025
Inverness County Chief Administrative Officer Awarded King Charles III Coronation Medal
The Municipality of Inverness County is proud to announce that Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Keith MacDonald, has been awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of his exemplary service and leadership.
The medal was presented during a ceremony at Cape Breton University on Tuesday, where MacDonald and seven other individuals were honoured for their outstanding contributions to their communities. The medals were presented by Mike Kelloway, Member of Parliament for Sydney–Glace Bay.
The King Charles III Coronation Medal is a national honour created to recognize individuals who demonstrate a strong commitment to public service and improving the lives of others. It is a symbol of Canada’s appreciation for those who go above and beyond to make a meaningful difference.
Municipality of Inverness County Warden, Bonny MacIsaac shared: “CAO Keith MacDonald is the embodiment of dedicated public service, and his receipt of this medal is a testament to his outstanding leadership. Through challenges like COVID-19, he has consistently demonstrated passion, drive, and commitment, guiding our municipality with vision and resilience. We are fortunate to have him at the helm, and this recognition is a well-deserved acknowledgment of his tireless efforts.”
On behalf of the municipality, we extend heartfelt congratulations to CAO MacDonald for his years of dedicated service and his contributions to the continued growth and prosperity of Cape Breton Island.
Bylaw Modernization: Council Seeking Public Feedback
July 3, 2025
Municipality of Inverness County Council Seeks Feedback: Municipal Bylaws 8 & 11
The Council of the Municipality of the County of Inverness is considering the repeal of two 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 8 – Mischief & Nuisances
Current: A range of disruptive behaviors in public or private areas, including loud or disturbing noises, loitering, trespassing, discharging firearms, maintaining nuisance properties, and possession of air rifles or slingshots are prohibited. Violators may face a fine of up to $100 or up to ten days in jail if the fine is not paid.
Proposed Change: Remove bylaw and not replace. Relevant sections of this bylaw are covered under the current Bylaw 41 – Noise Control or other provincial or federal statutes.
II. Bylaw Respecting the Repeal of Bylaw 11 – Curfew
Current: Children under 16 are prohibited from being in public places between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. unless accompanied by an adult, with exceptions for certain youth events. Parents or guardians must ensure compliance, and violations may result in fines up to $100 or up to 10 days of imprisonment.
Proposed Change: Remove bylaw and not replace.
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 Committee of the Whole meeting:
Thursday, July 17 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, July 16 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.
Municipal Bylaws Repealed
June 5, 2025
Council of the Municipality of the County of Inverness Repeals Outdated Bylaws in Modernization Process
At the Regular Meeting of Council held on Thursday, June 5, 2025, the Council of the Municipality of the County of Inverness agreed to repeal three outdated municipal bylaws.
The repealed bylaws are:
- Bylaw 14 – Tax on Commencing Business: Previously required new businesses to pay a $50.00 administration fee upon opening within the municipality. This fee is no longer applicable, as business registration is now managed by the Province via the Registry of Joint Stocks.
- Bylaw 22 – Improvement Charges: Mandated property owners to cover 50% of the costs for installing permanent curbs, gutters, sidewalks, or pavement, based on property frontage. This bylaw was deemed outdated and overlapping with existing policies, such as the Capital Cost of Sidewalk Construction Policy.
- Bylaw 46 – Amendment to the Service Fees for Payment Cards: Previously imposed service fees when municipal payments were made by credit card. As credit card processing is now handled by a third-party vendor, this bylaw was no longer necessary.
The decision to repeal these bylaws was made as part of an ongoing modernization process.
All municipal bylaws are available online. Print copies are available at the Municipal Administration Building (375 Main St., Port Hood) during regular business hours (8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday – Friday).
This notice is published in accordance with the Municipal Government Act, Section 169.
Healthcare Professionals Recruitment & Retention
May 27, 2025
Municipality of Inverness County Supporting Healthcare Recruitment & Retention
The Municipality of Inverness County recognizes the vital role that healthcare plays in every community and is deeply committed to supporting both current and future healthcare providers across the region.
As part of this commitment, thanks to continued and generous provincial funding from the Office of Healthcare Professionals Recruitment, the municipality has launched a series of new promotional tools, forming a central part of a long-term strategy to attract and retain healthcare professionals in Inverness County.
The cornerstone of this initiative is a compelling new video, featuring personal stories and testimonials from dedicated local healthcare professionals:
- Amelie Maillet, Family Physician at Sacred Heart Community Health Centre and Doctors Nova Scotia’s 2025 Family Physician of the Year
- Jessica Deveaux, Clinical Nurse Lead at Sacred Heart Community Health Centre
- Bhreagh MacDougall, Family Physician at Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital
- Jessica Joshua, Senior Medical Laboratory Technologist at Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital
The video showcases the strength and collaboration within Inverness County’s healthcare community, set against the stunning backdrop of the region’s coastal and rural landscapes. Renowned local author and cartoonist Kate Beaton narrates the video, lending her distinctive voice and heartfelt connection to the area.
To complement the video, the municipality has developed two additional resources:
- An 11-page prospectus, offering a detailed look at what it’s like to live and work in Inverness County
- A two-page summary, providing a quick overview of the region’s key features and opportunities
These materials have already been shared with Nova Scotia Health recruiters and will continue to support a variety of future recruitment campaigns.
“These resources will be a cornerstone in our ongoing efforts to attract and retain healthcare professionals in our region,” said Lynn Carter, Healthcare Navigator for the Municipality. “No one can speak more authentically about the rewards of living and working in Inverness County than the healthcare providers who call it home. We’re deeply grateful for their time, insights, and the heart they brought to these projects.”
To view the video, prospectus and summary, or learn more about healthcare initiatives in Inverness County, please visit: Healthcare | Municipality of the County of Inverness .
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
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.
