March Through Winter Activity Challenge

Municipality Launching Activity Challenge in March

The Municipality of Inverness County’s Recreation and Community Wellness department is launching the March Through Winter Activity Challenge, a month-long initiative designed to help residents stay active, connect with others and appreciate winter in Inverness County.

The challenge will run throughout March and feature a new theme each week. Participants are encouraged to take part in ways that work for them, whether that means getting outside, moving their bodies, connecting with others or noticing the beauty of winter around them.

“This has been a long winter with challenging weather, and it has been tough on residents,” said Warden Bonny MacIsaac. “Our recreation team created this challenge to help people stay active and make the most of the season as we move through what we hope is the home stretch of winter.”

How it works

Starting February 27, a new weekly challenge will be shared each Friday. Participants can complete the weekly activity and submit a photo to be entered in a prize draw.

To enter, participants can:

• Post their photo on Facebook using the hashtag #MarchThroughWinterIC and tag the Municipality of the County of Inverness; or
• Email their photo to recreation@invernesscounty.ca.

Each submission counts as one entry in a prize draw to be held Tuesday, April 7. The winner will be announced on Friday, April 10.

The first week’s challenge, starting March 6, is Get Outside. Residents are encouraged to enjoy some fresh winter air in whatever way feels right for them—on their porch, in their yard, or out on a local trail or beach in Inverness County.

Gauging Interest for Book Clubs

February 2, 2026

Municipality Gauging Interest for Community Book Clubs

The Municipality of Inverness County’s Recreation and Community Wellness team is exploring the idea of supporting the startup of community book clubs and invites residents to share their interest.

The proposed book clubs would offer relaxed settings for people to connect in person, share perspectives and enjoy conversation centred on a shared read. The idea is to have it in-person monthly and provide some light refreshments for people to enjoy while sharing their insights on that month’s book.

Staff would like to hear from residents on what communities are interested in starting book clubs. Additional feedback on preferred meeting location, the timing of gatherings and book genres is also being sought. Interested residents can complete a form online at https://forms.office.com/r/YRsE31fpW1. Those unable to access the form online can contact recreation programmer Jason Calder at 902-258-7232 or by email Jason.Calder@invernesscounty.ca.

“Living in a rural place like Inverness County, it can sometimes be difficult to build and maintain social connections,” Calder said. “Part of our role is to create opportunities for people to come together through recreation, and a book club is a simple, low-barrier way to do that.”

As the department continues to expand and diversify its programming, it will keep engaging residents to ensure offerings reflect community interests.

For a full list of the department’s programming, visit invernesscounty.ca/recreation to view the monthly flyer.

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.

Youth Indoor Soccer

September 19, 2025

Youth Soccer Program Kicking Off in Port Hood

The Municipality of the County of Inverness is launching an indoor youth soccer program for players in grades 5 through 8 (ages 10–14). The program begins Tuesday, September 23, and will run on Tuesday evenings from 6:00–7:00 p.m. at Bayview Education Centre until outdoor soccer begins in the spring.

This non-instructional program offers a fun and active environment for youth to enjoy soccer. Players will be divided into new teams each week and will spend the hour scrimmaging. Proper footwear is required.

The cost to participate is $20 per child. Registration is available online at playfinder.ca.

For more information, please contact Recreation Coordinator Krista MacInnis at 902-258-5930 or krista.macinnis@invernesscounty.ca.

Lacrosse Skills Camp 2025

Municipality Launches New Lacrosse Skills Camp

Municipality of Inverness County to Host “Walk YOUR Way” Event in Support of Autism Nova Scotia

The Municipality of Inverness County is inviting all residents to participate in the upcoming Autism Nova Scotia Walk YOUR Way event on Saturday, June 7th, 2025. Walk YOUR way celebrates neurodiversity and encourages community inclusion by bringing people together in support of autistic individuals and their families in Inverness County.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, June 7th, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Inverness Education Centre Academy, 59 Veterans Memorial Court, Inverness, NS.

This inclusive, age- friendly walk and community gathering will feature fun, family- friendly activities and a BBQ by donation. The event is part of Autism Nova Scotia’s ongoing mission to create understanding, acceptance, and opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum across the province.

Proceeds and donations from the event will help support Autism Nova Scotia’s Strait Area Chapter who services the region and will support the work across the province, helping to fund programs, services, and advocacy efforts that make a meaningful difference in the lives of autistic individuals and their families.

About Autism Nova Scotia:
Autism Nova Scotia is a provincial organization dedicated to supporting people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as well as their families, caregivers, and professionals. With programs that span the entire lifespan, from early childhood to adulthood, the organization works to create inclusive communities where individuals on the autism spectrum are supported, understood, and empowered to thrive.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Municipality Launches Recreation Plan Engagement

INVERNESS COUNTY, UNAMA’KI – The Municipality of the County of Inverness, in partnership with Upland Planning + Design and REConsulting, is launching the community engagement portion of the Municipal Recreation Plan. This project will assess the current recreation services delivered by the Municipality and provide a guide for the future, based on the needs and values of the community. The Municipal Recreation Plan will include recommendations for facilities, programming, financing, and more. The resulting vision will enable meaningful and inclusive recreation experiences.

“This is an exciting opportunity for residents to share what is working and where the Municipality can improve its recreation services,” said Keith MacDonald, CAO of the Municipality of the County of Inverness. “This Recreation Plan will create a road map for recreation that reflects communities’ priorities.”

The Background Report for the project is available online at www.invernesscounty.ca/recreationplan. The document outlines recent trends in demographics and recreation, summarizes relevant plans and policies, and provides an inventory and analysis of the Municipality’s current services.

Surveys are available now for both adults and youth, where residents can share information on their participation in recreation. Surveys can be filled out online at www.invernesscounty.ca/recreationplan, or paper copies can be picked up at the Municipal Office in Port Hood at 86 High Street or 375 Main Street. This project will be developed in collaboration with the community, and there will be more opportunities to contribute following the release of the draft Recreation Plan.

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