Infrastructure Upgrade to Impact Inverness Beach and Boardwalk Access

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 7, 2025

Municipality of Inverness County Announces Temporary Impact to Inverness Beach and Boardwalk for Wastewater Infrastructure Replacement

The Municipality of Inverness County is advising the public that a portion of Inverness Beach and the boardwalk will be temporarily impacted for two weeks in April due to the replacement of a portion of an aging wastewater pipe beneath the beach and boardwalk. The necessary work is part of the ongoing Inverness wastewater treatment plant project.

The outfall pipe, approximately 180 meters of a 1,000-meter-long buried pipe responsible for transporting treated wastewater from the Inverness wastewater treatment plant into the Gulf of St. Lawrence, has reached the end of its operational life. Installed in 1972 alongside the original wastewater treatment plant, the pipe has had no known upgrades since its installation. This replacement will ensure the continued safe and effective functioning of the wastewater infrastructure.

Project Timeline:

The project is expected to conclude by April 15, 2025, with construction affecting a small section of Inverness Beach and the boardwalk.

Construction Phases:

• Phase 1: Archaeological Assessment

Impact: Minimal noise and foot traffic. One or two consultants will be digging by hand and sifting through soil in search of potential artifacts.

Timeline: April 2-3

• Phase 2: Marine Construction

Impact: A floating excavator will trench the ocean floor for the new pipe installation. No impact to residents by foot or on the water.

Timeline: April 7-15

•  Phase 3: Onshore Construction

Impact: Equipment will be on a section of beach and boardwalk. The construction area will be fenced off and a section of the boardwalk will be closed. There will be areas of the beach that are fully accessible depending on the where you enter the beach, however access to walk the entirety of the beach may depend on tidal conditions.  Minimal noise and foot traffic expected.

Timeline: April 7-15

As part of preparing for this project, equipment was transported to the construction site in early March to meet spring weight restrictions.

What to Expect During Construction:

Construction Hours:

• Monday to Thursday, 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Please note work hours may change due to weather/tidal conditions, and other unforeseen circumstances.

Noise and Traffic:

• Increased foot traffic and construction noise are expected during work hours.
• There will be occasional construction vehicle movement in the area.

Safety Concerns:

• Unauthorized access to the construction site is prohibited for safety reasons.
• Please do not approach construction crews and avoid entering the site.
• Pedestrian safety: Always exercise caution when near the construction zone, especially when on the beach or boardwalk.
• Pets: Always keep your pets on a leash. Extra caution is advised at dusk due to uneven beach terrain.

 Questions or Concerns:

For further information, please contact:

• Visit: Inverness Wastewater Treatment Plant – Outfall Partial Replacement
• Email: construction@invernesscounty.ca
• Phone: toll-free 1-866-258-0223, select option #5

Project Specifics:

• Tender Identification Number: MCI-TEN-2024-015
• Engineering Consultant: CBCL Engineering & Environmental Design Services
• Contractor: Zutphen Contractors

Environmental Impacts:

The project area is highly regulated due to its environmental sensitivity. Several permits have been secured to protect the natural environment, including approvals from the Federal Department of Fisheries, Nova Scotia Environment & Climate Change, and Communities, Culture, Tourism & Heritage and Natural Resources. This project complies with the Nova Scotia Environment Act, Fisheries Act, Species at Risk Act, Canadian Navigable Waters Act, Migratory Birds Convention Act, and additional relevant provincial and federal legislation.

Project Budget:

The total project cost is estimated at $800,000, with funding sourced from a collaborative investment totaling approximately $18 million from federal, provincial, and municipal governments. Specifically, the Government of Canada has contributed $7.2 million through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, the Province of Nova Scotia has invested $5.9 million, and the Municipality of Inverness County has committed $4.9 million.

About the Municipality of Inverness County

The Municipality of Inverness County is committed to maintaining and improving infrastructure to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents and visitors. This project is part of ongoing efforts to enhance the community’s wastewater treatment systems and preserve the natural environment of the region.