Central Avenue Rebuild Project – Construction Begins July 6

Construction on the Central Avenue Rebuild Project will officially begin on Monday, July 6 in the community of Inverness.

Starting at 7:30 a.m., residents will see traffic control measures being set up between Broad Cove Banks Rd. and the Shean Trail crossing. Traffic will be reduced to one lane beginning at 8 a.m. and will remain in place until 4:30 p.m.

The roadway will reopen to two lanes of traffic outside of construction hours.

Residents should expect delays and are encouraged to allow extra time for travel.

Impacts to Solid Waste Collection

To reduce impact to solid waste collections in the community, Inverness residents are being asked to place items curbside by 6:30 a.m. (instead of 7 a.m.). Collection routes may be altered due to construction; however, solid waste will continue to be collected on regularly scheduled days, though pickup times may be earlier or later than usual.

Project Information Centre

Residents are invited to drop in and speak directly with a municipal representative about the project.

The Project Information Centre will open on select days throughout July, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

  • Location: Inverness Fire Hall, 15797 Central Ave., Inverness
  • July Dates:
    • Tuesday, 7
    • Friday, 10
    • Thursday, 16
    • Tuesday, 28
    • Thursday, 30
  • Hours: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Please note that hours are subject to change. Residents are encouraged to check www.invernesscounty.ca/CentralAveRebuild for updates.

August dates will be posted later this month.

Details about a community open house will also be shared during the week of July 6.

The Municipality of Inverness County thanks residents and businesses for their patience and cooperation as this important infrastructure project gets underway. Once complete, this project will deliver lasting improvements that support residents, businesses, and visitors for years to come.

Project Background:

About the Project

The Central Avenue Rebuild Project includes the full reconstruction of Central Avenue and will feature:

  • New water and wastewater piping and associated infrastructure.
  • Replacement of the existing wastewater lift station located near the Shean Trail crossing.
  • Improved sidewalks, multi-use pathways, and crosswalks.
  • Streetscape and beautification enhancements.
  • A fully reconstructed roadway with upgraded stormwater infrastructure, delivered in partnership with the Nova Scotia Department of Public Works.

Stay Informed

Residents and businesses are encouraged to stay informed throughout construction by using the following resources:

May 16 Update: Whycocomagh Water System

May 16, 2026: Whycocomagh Boil Water Advisory & Water Conservation Directive Update

The Municipality of Inverness County is sharing an update related to the boil water advisory and water conservation directive for Whycocomagh water system users.

Both orders remain in place today, Saturday, May 16.

Water quality has improved but the environmental regulator, Nova Scotia Department Environment and Climate Change, is recommending the boil order continue until more data is collected.
Please share this notice with neighbours, friends, and visitors to help keep everyone informed.
The Municipality of Inverness County apologizes for the inconvenience and thanks residents for their patience and cooperation while we work to restore normal water service.
Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

For more information on the Boil Water Advisory and Water Conservation Directive, visit:

Boil Water Advisory – Whycocomagh Water System

The Municipality of Inverness County is issuing a Boil Water Advisory, in addition to the current Water Conservation Directive, for all users of the Whycocomagh water system.

The water system is currently experiencing high turbidity, meaning the water has a slight discolouration likely related to recent heavy rainfall.

As a precaution, residents are advised to boil their water before using it for drinking or food preparation.

The length of the Boil Water Advisory and Water Conservation Directive is unknown; however Public Works is working to fix the problem as quickly as possible.

Effective May 13, 2026, at 8 p.m. all Whycocomagh water system users should:

  • Bring tap water to a rolling boil for at least one minute before use.
  • Let the water cool before using it for:
    • Drinking
    • Making ice
    • Brushing teeth
    • Washing dishes
    • Preparing food and drinks

Please share this notice with neighbours, friends, and visitors to help keep everyone informed.

The Municipality of Inverness County apologizes for the inconvenience and thanks residents for their patience and cooperation while we work to restore normal water service.

Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

To learn more about boil water advisories, visit Boil Water Advisories | Municipality of the County of Inverness .

 

2026 Excellence in Healthcare Award Winners Announced

The Municipality of Inverness County proudly celebrated the outstanding contributions of local healthcare professionals at the second annual Awards for Excellence in Healthcare gala, held on April 22, at the Canton Culturel de Chéticamp.

More than 200 guests gathered to honour deserving award recipients from across Inverness County. This year, several new award categories were introduced to recognize the many partners involved in the circle of care.

2026 Award Recipients:

  • Outstanding Doctor – Dr. Suze Egar, Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital
  • Outstanding Nurse – Jessica Deveaux, Sacred Heart Community Health Centre
  • Outstanding Long-Term Care Professional– Cathy Spence, Foyer Père Fiset
  • Outstanding Mental Health Care Professional – Adam Matthews, Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital
  • Outstanding Allied Health Professional – Brenda Rankin, Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital
  • Outstanding Youth Healthcare Professional (30 years and under) – Hallie MacEachern, Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital
  • Outstanding Support Services Professional – Jenny MacDonald, Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital & Betty Deveaux, Chéticamp Medical Clinic
  • Outstanding Direct Patient Care Professional – Janet Fortune, Inverary Manor
  • Excellence in Community Health and Wellness (Group or Volunteer) – The Inverness County Singers

In addition, a Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Dr. Michael Ojoleck, a recently retired dentist who practiced out of Port Hood for over 40 years, providing oral healthcare to generations of residents throughout the county.

“Tonight was a true celebration of many of our county’s finest healthcare professionals,” said Warden Bonny MacIsaac. “Inverness County is a place where people not only live and work but also thrive. Events like this highlight the strength and dedication of those who care for our communities.”

Each award recipient received a unique stained-glass ornament handcrafted by local Acadian artist Polycarpe LeBlanc of Polycarpe Glass Art. The designs reflect the natural beauty of their home communities.

Attendees enjoyed an evening of diverse cultural entertainment, including traditional Celtic and Acadian music, Chinese and Colombian dance, Mi’kmaq and African drumming, and a healthcare recruitment video showcasing opportunities in Inverness County.

The Awards for Excellence in Healthcare were made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including Event Sponsor –  Zutphen Contractors Inc., along with Cabot Cape Breton, Judy Intelligence, The Dancing Goat, Acadian Credit Union, Freeman’s Pharmacy, Cape Breton University, Cape Breton Medical Campus, Lake Shore Living, Doctors Nova Scotia, New Dawn Enterprises, the Multicultural Association of Cape Breton, Parks Canada, Cabot Trail Lavender, Nova Soapia, and Walker’s Preservery.

PSA: Port Hastings Water System Impacts on Monday, December 8

The Municipality of Inverness County would like to advise that the Town of Port Hawkesbury will be completing a final water system connection (“tie-in”) on Monday, December 8, 2025, as part of a construction project. (A tie-in is simply the last step where new pipes or equipment are connected to the existing water system.)

During the Town of Port Hawkesbury’s work on December 8, the Port Hastings water system will be isolated from the Town of Port Hawkesbury’s system. During that time, all customers on the Port Hastings water system will be supplied by the Port Hastings water storage tank.

Customers of the Port Hastings municipal water system will not be impacted while this work is underway, however during the morning of Tuesday, Dec. 9,  they may experience temporary water discolouration or reduced water pressure while the system is flushed. In the event of discolouration, run cold water until it is clear. If possible, avoid laundry or heavy water use during the shutoff on December 8.

The municipality thanks residents for their patience while this important work is completed.

 

Notice: Facilities Closure

December 10, 2025

Municipal Facilities and Offices Closed on Wednesday, December 17

The Municipality of Inverness County advises residents that all offices and facilities will be closed on Wednesday, December 17 for staff training. The following facilities will be closed:

  • Strathlorne Municipal Recycling Facility – 15109 Highway 19, Strathlorne
  • Kenloch Waste Management Facility – 420 West Lake Ainslie Rd., Inverness
  • Recreation and Community Wellness Office – 186 High Rd., Port Hood
  • Municipal Administration Building – 375 Main St., Port Hood

Solid waste collection will not be impacted. In case of a water or wastewater emergency, call 1-866-258-0223, select option 9.

Facilities will reopen for regular hours on Thursday, December 18.

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

December 4, 2025

Council Marks 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

At the Regular Meeting of Council on Thursday, December 4, Inverness County Warden Bonny MacIsaac recognized the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. This campaign runs every year from November 25 to December 10. Its goal is to raise awareness about violence toward women, girls, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and to encourage action to prevent it.

The campaign begins on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and ends on International Human Rights Day. It also includes December 6, the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. This day honours the 14 women who were killed in the 1989 École Polytechnique Massacre because they were women.

Gender-based violence continues to affect many people in Nova Scotia. If you are experiencing violence or abuse, you can call or text 211, or visit ns.211.ca, to learn about supports and services in the province.

Read the proclamation

PSA: Mabou Voluntary Water Conservation Directive

Public Service Announcement: Mabou Transitioning from Mandatory to Voluntary Water Conservation Directive

November 20, 2025

Thanks to the efforts of residents, Mabou is transitioning from a mandatory water conservation directive to a voluntary directive for users of the Mabou municipal water system.

While water conservation is no longer required by mandate, it remains strongly encouraged to help ensure the long-term sustainability of our water supply.

Water Conservation 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.
  • Avoid non-essential outdoor water use.
  • Promptly repair any leaks in and around taps and plumbing.

To learn more about water conservation, visit Water & Wastewater | Municipality of the County of Inverness .

Detect and Report Leaks:

Leaks can waste thousands of litres of water and often go unnoticed. Watch for:

  • Persistent puddles or soggy ground
  • Running water or unexplained streams
  • Sudden drops in water pressure

If you suspect a water leak in your community, please report it immediately by calling 1-866-258-0223, select option #9.

Should water tower levels drop, a mandatory water conservation advisory will be re-issued. The municipality thanks you for your cooperation and understanding.

On November 4, 2025, the Municipality of Inverness County issued a mandatory water conservation directive due as water levels were critically low due to an extended period of dry weather this fall and not enough groundwater replenishment.

Bylaw Modernization: Council Seeking Public Feedback

Municipality of Inverness County Council Seeks Feedback: Municipal Bylaw 50

November 20, 2025

The Council of the Municipality of the County of Inverness is considering the repeal of a bylaw as part of an ongoing bylaw modernization process. If approved, the following bylaw will be officially repealed:

Bylaw 50:

Current: This bylaw was created to amend Bylaw 30: Capital Cost of Sewer and Water, adding a frontage rate (connection charge) for residents of Maple St. Inverness, accessing the Inverness water and wastewater system. This street was not included in the original Capital Cost of Sewer & Water Construction bylaw.

Proposed Change: Repeal Bylaw 50 as a Municipal Fees Policy was adopted in October 2025 by Council, making this bylaw redundant. The fees outlined in Bylaw 50 are now included in the new fees policy.

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, December 4 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 December 3, 2025, 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.

 

 

 

Update: Foyer Père Fiset Flood Restoration Work Complete

A facility issue at Foyer Père Fiset Nursing Home in Chéticamp on Wednesday, October 8, caused flooding within the facility. Two residential wings were affected, impacting 44 of the home’s 70 residents.

Restoration efforts have officially concluded, ahead of schedule, and a deep cleaning of the affected rooms and living spaces is underway.

Twenty-five residents who were temporarily relocated to other long-term care facilities in Cape Breton will gradually return to Foyer Père Fiset in the next few weeks.

The County of Inverness Municipal Housing Corporation would like to extend sincere appreciation for the support, effort and professionalism displayed by everyone involved and looks forward to seeing Foyer Père Fiset residents return.