Council Seeking Feedback: Private Hydrant Bylaw

Council Seeks Feedback on New Private Hydrant Bylaw

The Council of the Municipality of the County of Inverness is considering the introduction of a new bylaw to set rules for how private fire hydrants are inspected, maintained, and kept in good working order.

The proposed bylaw would protect public safety by ensuring:

• Firefighters always have working hydrants in an emergency;
• The municipal water system isn’t put at risk; and,
• Private property owners meet their responsibilities.

It creates consistent expectations and protects everyone who relies on private fire hydrants for protection services.

What is a private fire hydrant?

A private hydrant is one that is connected to the municipal water system, but owned and maintained by a private landowner, rather than owned and maintained by the municipality.

Municipal hydrants are regularly inspected and maintained by municipal staff and contractors, but no process currently exists for privately-owned hydrants, posing a public safety hazard in emergency situations.

Public Feedback Welcome

Before voting on the new bylaw, Council is seeking feedback from residents to ensure the bylaw reflects the priorities of the community. Residents may provide written or oral submissions—either in favour or opposition—at a Committee of the Whole Council meeting.

Thursday, April 16 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, April 15 to:

Debbie Nicholson
375 Main St.
PO Box 179
Port Hood, NS B0E 2W0
Email: Debbie.Nicholson@invernesscounty.ca

Read the full proposed bylaw:

Draft Bylaw

Read a detailed summary of the proposed bylaw:

Summary

A paper copy is available at the Municipal Administration Building during regular business hours (Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.).

This notice is published in accordance with the Municipal Government Act, Section 168.