Phase One of Inverness Central Avenue Rebuild Project

Construction Set to Begin on Phase One of Inverness Central Avenue Rebuild Project

The Municipality of Inverness County is taking an important step toward modernizing critical infrastructure in the community of Inverness. Phase One of the Central Avenue Rebuild Project is set to begin late June following the recent award of a construction tender to Brilun Construction Ltd.

Central Avenue Rebuild is one component of a broader generational investment in infrastructure improvements throughout the community of Inverness. Related projects include:

A new Inverness wastewater treatment plant – construction to be completed by fall 2026.
Replacement of a portion of the Inverness wastewater treatment plant outfall pipe responsible for transporting treated wastewater from the Inverness wastewater treatment plant into the Gulf o St. Lawrence) – completed April 2025.

Together, these investments are helping renew aging infrastructure, improve environmental performance, enhance safety and accessibility, and support future growth in the community.

With the tender awarded, Central Avenue Rebuild will involve a full reconstruction of Central Avenue, including:

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

Project Timeline

Phase One extends from the intersection of Broad Cove Banks Road to James Street.
Construction is expected to begin late June and continue through December 2026.
Future phases are planned to continue from James Street to the Inverness County Centre for the Arts (ICCA) driveway and include additional infrastructure upgrades, such as a new wastewater lift station at the ICCA driveway. The timing and scope of future phases will depend on market volatility and contractor availability.

“Reaching this construction milestone reflects the dedication and cooperation of many partners who have worked together to make this project possible,” said Keith MacDonald, Chief Administrative Officer, Municipality of Inverness County. “From regulators at all levels of government to utility providers, landowners, and technical teams, a tremendous amount of planning and coordination has been required to get to this point. The start of construction is an important milestone and a testament to the collaborative effort behind this project. The Municipality is excited to see this project move into the construction phase.”

What Residents Can Expect

Construction will create temporary impacts for residents, businesses, commuters, and visitors. The Municipality will work closely with the contractor to minimize disruptions wherever possible and maintain access to homes, businesses, and community facilities throughout construction.

Additional information regarding construction schedules, traffic impacts, detours, and project milestones will be shared as details are confirmed.

MacDonald added, “This investment will replace aging infrastructure, improve safety and accessibility, and support the long-term needs of our community. While construction will bring temporary disruptions, we are committed to keeping residents informed every step of the way.”

Stay Informed

The Municipality will be hosting a public open house, with the date and location to be announced in the coming weeks.

Residents and businesses are encouraged to stay informed through the following resources:

Central Avenue Rebuild Project Webpage – www.invernesscounty.ca/CentralAveRebuild

Central source for project information.
Construction updates and project milestones.
Frequently asked questions.
Contact information for project inquiries.

Project Newsletter

Sign up to receive project updates directly in your inbox here: Central Avenue Rebuild Project Newsletter
Subscription is also available through the project webpage.

Project Information Centre – Inverness Fire Hall, 15797 Central Ave., Inverness

Visit during posted hours to speak directly with a Municipal representative and ask questions about the project.
Drop-in dates and times will be shared once confirmed.

Project Funding

This Central Avenue Rebuild project is funded through a partnership between municipal, provincial, and federal governments under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.  The total for the project is $8,355,733, with the Municipality covering $1.87 million.

BACKGROUNDER

Why the Central Avenue Rebuild Project is Needed

A 2019 assessment of the Municipality’s water and wastewater systems identified significant concerns with aging infrastructure along the corridor.

The assessment found that key infrastructure assets had reached the end of their service life and were at increasing risk of failure. Without replacement, these conditions could lead to service disruptions, environmental impacts, and public health concerns.

Central Avenue Rebuild Project Benefits

Once complete, the project will provide: