Foyer Père Fiset Flood

October 10, 2025

Flood at Foyer Père Fiset Results in Temporary Relocation of Some Residents

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

As a result, 10 residents will be temporarily relocated to other long-term facilities in Cape Breton. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed.

Families and next of kin of the affected residents have been notified by staff. A timeline for repairs and for the return of residents to the facility is still being determined.

Access to care and the health and safety of residents and staff remain the highest priorities as the situation is managed. Restoration services are on site providing cleanup and repairs.

Appreciation is extended to the staff at Foyer Père Fiset for their prompt response, and to Inverary Manor’s team for their support and assistance in minimizing any disruption to care.

Further updates will be provided when more information is available.

Mi’kmaq History Month

October 2, 2025

Municipality of Inverness County Proclaims October as Mi’kmaq History Month

At the Regular Meeting of Council on October 2, Deputy Warden Lynn Chisholm proclaimed October 2025 as Mi’kmaq History Month in Inverness County.

Established in 1993 by the Province of Nova Scotia and the Mi’kmaq Grand Council, Mi’kmaq History Month celebrates the culture, history, and contributions of the Mi’kmaq people. The month begins on Treaty Day (October 1^st), which celebrates the anniversary of the 1752 Treaty of Friendship and Peace.

The Municipality acknowledges that it is located on Mi’ma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq, and recognizes the importance of honouring this connection 12 months a year.

Throughout the month, residents are encouraged to learn more about Mi’kmaq traditions and heritage, and to take part in community events that highlight the role of the Mi’kmaq in shaping Nova Scotia’s past, present, and future.

Proclamation

Bylaw 25 – Building Repealed

October 2, 2025

Council Continues Bylaw Modernization Process, Repeals Bylaw 25

At the Regular Meeting of Council on Thursday, October 2, the Council of the Municipality of the County of Inverness agreed to repeal Municipal Bylaw 25—Building. The decision to repeal the bylaw was made as part of an ongoing bylaw modernization process.

According to Bylaw 25, residents were required to obtain a permit from the municipality before constructing, altering, or changing the use of a building. As permits, fees, and planning are handled by Eastern District Planning Commission, this bylaw was outdated. Council agreed to remove the bylaw and not replace it.

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.

Whycocomagh Public Library

September 26, 2025

New Whycocomagh Public Library Opening This Winter: Fundraising for new books kicks off October 4th

The Municipality Inverness County, in partnership with the Whycocomagh Waterfront Centre, Eastern Counties Regional Library (ECRL), and community volunteers, announce the opening of the Whycocomagh Public Library this winter. The new community library will be located on the lower level of the Whycocomagh Waterfront Centre, 9650 Hwy 105, Whycocomagh.

A community fundraising campaign, led by community volunteers, is being launched with a community picnic on October 4th to help raise money for new library items and furniture.

“The community and our organization have been advocating for a library for a long time,” says Whycocomagh Waterfront Centre president Crystal Jones. “We are thrilled that we are able to work with the municipality and ECRL to make it a reality,” says Jones.

The library will be the first municipally operated library in Inverness County, which will integrate ECRL library services, visitor information, and municipal services and programming in a welcoming community space.

“ECRL is excited to work with the municipality and the community to develop a new model for providing library services in rural communities,” says Clair Rankin, Chair of the ECRL board of directors. “This partnership allows Whycocomagh and area residents to enjoy the benefits of a public library.”

“The Municipality of Inverness County really values libraries and the wonderful services they provide communities,” says Warden Bonny MacIsaac. “Council and staff’s commitment and investment to expanding these services to Whycocomagh reflect this, and how libraries can be the cornerstones of growing communities.”

Community Fundraising Picnic Details:

Date: October 4th, 2025
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 4: 00 p.m.
Location: Whycocomagh Lower Park, 9780 Hwy 105
Rain location: Whycocomagh Waterfront Centre, 9850 Hwy 105.

What to expect:

Readings from local children’s book authors
Family-friendly activities
Opportunities to contribute directly to the library’s development through donations.

Donations will help purchase furnishings, books, and resources that will make the library an inviting space for all ages.

Community members who wish to support the new library can contribute at the October 4th picnic, and the Municipality of Inverness County’s community fundraising portal is expected to be live prior to the event. Details to follow.

Members of the community can follow the fundraising campaign and Whycocomagh Public Library News at the community Facebook page @Whycocomagh Public Library.

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)

Map

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.

Truth and Reconciliation Day

September 19, 2025

Municipality of Inverness County Proclaims September 30 as Truth and Reconciliation Day

At the September 18^th 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.

Proclamation

Municipal Closures

In observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, all municipal facilities and offices will be closed on Tuesday, September 30^th. 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.

British Home Child Day

September 22, 2025

County of Inverness Joins Communities Across Canada in Honouring British Home Children

At the Committee of the Whole meeting on Thursday, September 18^th, the Council of the Municipality of Inverness County proclaimed Sunday, September 28^th as British Home Child Day in the County.

National British Home Child Day was declared by the Government of Canada in 2018 to recognize the lives and legacies of the over 100,000 British Home Children sent to Canada between the late 19^th century and the 1970s. An estimated 300 children landed between Inverness and Victoria counties, particularly in Whycocomagh and surrounding area. These children came from poor and marginalized families in the British Isles and were sent abroad under child migration schemes. Many endured harsh conditions and were placed as labourers on farms or as domestic workers. Contrary to popular belief, only 12% were true orphans. Many grew up ashamed and unable to speak about their experiences, though they contributed greatly to Canadian society, with over 25,000 enlisting in the World Wars.

Today it is estimated that over four million Canadians are descendants of British Home Children.

Proclamation

The Beacons of Light Tribute

Since 2019, Beacons of Light has united Canadians in remembrance by illuminating landmarks, monuments, and buildings in red, white, and blue, or in yellow—the latter representing Home Children Canada’s floral emblem, the sunflower.

Individuals are invited to participate in the “Porch Light Tribute” by leaving their outdoor lights on overnight on September 28, symbolically leaving the light on for children who never made it home.

For more information, visit:
homechildrencanada.com
britishhomechildren.com

Municipal Planning Strategy & Land Use Bylaw In Effect

September 11, 2025

Municipal Planning Strategy & Land Use Bylaw Approved and Now in Effect

The Municipality of Inverness County’s new Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use Bylaw officially came into effect today, September 11, 2025.

This milestone follows provincial legislation passed in 2018 (Bill 58), which mandates that all municipalities in Nova Scotia ensure their entire jurisdiction is governed by an approved Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use Bylaw.

In response, the Municipality launched Plan Inverness, a comprehensive initiative to develop updated planning documents tailored to the region’s needs. This work was completed as part of Plan Eastern, a collaborative planning initiative with the counties of Antigonish, Richmond, and Victoria, aimed at delivering consistent land use planning across Eastern Nova Scotia.

Public Engagement & Approval Process

To ensure transparency and community involvement, the Municipality, in partnership with the Eastern District Planning Commission (EDPC), hosted two public hearings:

March 19, 2025 – Focused on proposed wind turbine regulations
May 22, 2025 – Addressed the full Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use Bylaw

Additional public information sessions were held, where residents had the opportunity to review draft documents, speak directly with EDPC representatives, and ask questions.

On March 19th, 2025, Municipal Council formally adopted the amended Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use Bylaw Concerning the Regulation of Wind Turbine Development. On May 22, 2025, Municipal Council formally adopted the proposed Plan Inverness Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use Bylaw. The documents were then submitted to the Nova Scotia Department of Municipal Affairs for ministerial review.

The Minister has approved both documents, with amendments.

To learn more about the amendments, review both Ministerial letters here:

In Effect as of Today

As of September 11, 2025, the new Plan Inverness – Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use Bylaw and the amended Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use Bylaw Concerning the Regulation of Wind Turbine Development are officially in effect. These documents provide the regulatory framework to guide future growth and development across the Municipality.

Access the Documents

The documents can be found online here:

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).

Whycocomagh Water System Boil Water Advisory

August 29, 2025

Public Service Announcement: Boil Water Advisory – Whycocomagh Water System

The Municipality of Inverness County is issuing a Boil Water Advisory for all users of the Whycocomagh water system, following a water leak reported earlier today, August 29, on Milford Rd., Whycocomagh. This boil water advisory is expected to remain in place until at least Sunday, August 31, at 10 a.m.

At this time, all Whycocomagh water users are advised to:

Bring tap water to a rolling boil for at least one to two minutes before use.
Allow water to cool before using it for:
- Drinking
- Making ice
- Brushing teeth
- Washing dishes
- Preparing food and beverages

Please share this advisory widely with neighbors, friends, and visitors to ensure everyone stays informed.

Please note, the water leak reported earlier today, August 29, on Milford Rd., Whycocomagh has been repaired. Water services previously disrupted for residents of Milford Rd. and Bayview Dr. will return this evening.

Although the water system repair work is now complete on Milford Rd., the site requires further work to restore it to its original condition. Municipal staff will return Tuesday, Sept. 2 to finish this work. Until then, residents are asked to use caution when driving in the area.

The Municipality of Inverness County apologizes for any inconvenience and thanks residents for their patience and cooperation as we work to restore safe and reliable water service. Updates will be shared when further information is available.

Seeking Feedback:
Margaree Airstrip Development

August 29, 2025

Margaree Airstrip Community Survey Launched

The Municipality of Inverness County is seeking input on the future use of municipally owned property located at 604 Big Intervale Road, Margaree Valley, currently the site of the Margaree Airstrip.

Located in District 2 (Margaree/Saint Joseph du Moine), the property has been the focus of recent engagement efforts with District 2 Councillor Blair Phillips hosting two community meetings which included discussions with residents about their ideas for the future of the site.

To gather further input on the future use of the site, the Municipality has launched a short, anonymous survey for District 2 residents. It will take only a few minutes to complete and provides another opportunity for community members to share their vision for the property.

The survey will remain open until Friday, September 12.

Take the survey online here.

Paper copies are also available.
To request a copy:

Email: blair.phillips@invernesscounty.ca
Call: 902-248-2357

About the Property
The Margaree Airstrip spans a 34-acre (13.75-hectare) parcel and operated as a registered aerodrome until its closure to public use around 2021.

The site features:

Electrical service to the terminal building
Well and septic systems
Road access via Cranton Crossing Road and East Big Intervale Road from Margaree Centre