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Inverness County

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Spraying to prevent budworm infestation in Inverness County

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To combat the spruce budworm, forests in Northwestern Cape Breton will be treated early in June.

Natural Resources will be spraying in the Pleasant Bay area to help stop the spread of this aggressive species.

They say the budworms destroy softwood trees and increase wildfire risk.

The biological insecticide that’s approved to be applied aerially targets the larvae when it is most effective to eliminate them.

“By acting early in a small, focused area, we can help prevent much larger impacts on Nova Scotia’s forests in the years ahead,” said Kyle MacQuarrie, Ministerial Assistant for Natural Resources.

“Other parts of the country have recently seen the devastation the spruce budworm can have on their forests, and the risk it poses for forest fires. We want to be proactive in managing the effect of this species on our province.”

Natural Resources says this early remedy will help prevent population buildup, protect forests, and reduce wildfire risk, while decreasing serious impacts to rural communities and forestry jobs and reducing the need for repeat treatments.

The spray will primarily be done on Crownlands, however private landowners in the treatment area can opt in for their property to be included.

Boiling Water

UPDATE: Boil water and conservation notice for Inverness Co.

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Inverness County is asking residents on the Whycocomagh water system to boil their water.

The municipality says water currently has a slight discoloration due to heavy rainfall.

As a precaution, as of 8 p.m., Wednesday, community members are asked to boil water before consuming it.

You are asked to:

  • bring tap water to 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

It is recommended that Whycocomagh residents on the water system refrain from washing white or light coloured clothing on Thursday, May 14 as the water discolouration may cause stains while the team flushes parts of the water system throughout the day.

The flushing is expected to reduce the discolouration and cloudiness of the water.

Public Works is working to fix the problem as fast as possible.

There is also a mandatory water conservation notice in place.

water tap faucet

Mandatory water conservation issued in Whycocomagh

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The Municipality of Inverness County has issued a mandatory water conservation directive for all Whycocomagh residents who are on the municipal system.

This water conservation is requested to take effect immediately on Wednesday, May 13 until the issue is resolved.

The Municipality says it is due to an issue with water supply to the water treatment plant.

Water conservation tips from the Municipality include:

• Take shorter showers and avoid filling baths

• Turn off taps while brushing teeth or washing dishes

• Only run dishwashers and washing machines when you have full loads

• Keep a bottle or jug of water in the fridge to avoid running the tap until there’s cold water

• Limit your toilet flushing

• Avoid non-essential water use outdoors

• Repair any leaks around taps and plumbing promptly

To learn more about water conservation in Inverness County, visit this website.

Rain falling (Acadia photo)

Rain and wind expected for Cape Breton and Eastern Shore

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Heavy rainfalls are expected on Thursday in Cape Breton and along the Eastern Shore.

Environment Canada says there could be up to 60 mm of rainfall beginning Thursday and going into the evening.

They say the heavy precipitation could be up to 10 mm each hour.

They’ve also issued a wind warning of up to 90 km per hour on Thursday morning to early afternoon for Inverness County from Margaree Harbour to Bay St. Lawrence.

The latest alerts and forecasts can be monitored on Environment Canada’s website.

2026 Excellent in Healthcare Award Winners Announced

Healthcare professionals honoured with awards in Inverness County

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Local healthcare professionals were celebrated in Inverness County this week.

The second annual Awards for Excellence in Healthcare Gala was held at the Canton Culturel de Chéticamp on Wednesday.

“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.”

The 2026 award recipients are:

• 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 Patience Care Professional – Janet Fortune, Inverary Manor
• Excellence in Community Health and Wellness (Group or Volunteer) – The Inverness County Singers
• Lifetime Achievement Award – Dr. Michael Ojoleck, Port Hood (retired dentist)

Each award recipient received a unique stained-glass ornament that was handcrafted by local Acadian artist Polycarpe LeBlanc of Polycarpe Glass Art.

The over 200 guests enjoyed an evening of diverse cultural entertainment that included traditional Celtic and Acadian music, Chinese and Colombian dance, Mi’kmaq and African drumming and a healthcare recruitment video that showcases opportunities in Inverness County.

Inverness Multicourt Facility

Inverness Multicourt Facility reopens soon & gives reminder

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Get ready to play pickleball, basketball, and ball hockey at the Inverness Multicourt Facility soon.

The Municipality says the 2026 season opening date and plans are coming in time for the warmer months.

They are reminding everyone that ball hockey can only be played on the basketball courts.

This is because the acrylic finish on the pickleball courts can be damaged by other activities or dark-soled shoes.

The Municipality thanks residents for cooperating and they are looking forward to officially opening of the courts soon.

They say all participants use the facility at their own risk and to report maintenance concerns to construction@invernesscounty.ca .

People of diverse skin tones fist bumping in a circle.

Volunteer award winners celebrated in Inverness County

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Inverness County has announced its 2026 volunteer award winners during National Volunteer Week this week.

The Municipality’s Volunteer Recognition Program invites community members to nominate local volunteers who make a difference each year.

“Volunteers are at the heart of what makes our communities feel like home. Across Inverness County, people continue to show up for their neighbours in ways big and small, and that’s what makes this place so special,” says Municipality of Inverness County Warden Bonny MacIsaac.

“Municipal staff have the privilege of working alongside individuals who create connection and belonging every day. To all our volunteers, we thank you. If you’re thinking about getting involved, reach out, we’d love to help you find your place.”

Catherine MacKinnon was randomly selected to represent the County at the annual Provincial Volunteer Awards Ceremony on September 28 in Halifax.

Her dedication to her community is a wonderful example of the spirit of volunteerism that makes Inverness County a special place to live, according to the Municipality.

The Municipality of Inverness County shared this year’s volunteer award winners are:

• Lydia Babin, Ski Margaree Trails Society
• Larry Beaton, Mabou Rivers Trail Association
• Bonnie Boulton, Bayview Education Centre
• Carol Ann Boyd, Glendale Community Hall
• Lawrence Cameron, The Inverness County Singers
• Mary Frances Chisholm, Inverness Historical Society
• Phyllis Cote, Evergreen Seniors Club
• Donald Fortune, Margaree Salmon Association
• Nadine Hunt, West Mabou Beach and Trails Committee
• Curtis MacDonald, Glencoe Station Recreation Association
• Jacqueline MacDonald, Whycocomagh Lakeview Child Care Society
• Leona MacDonald, Judique Keldonan Seniors Club
• Trish MacDonald, Whycocomagh Waterfront Centre
• Sheila MacDonnell, Judique Historical Society
• Ann MacDougall, Port Hood Development Association
• Catherine MacKinnon, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church
• Alice MacLellan, Mill Road Social Enterprises
• Annie MacLellan, Mabou New Horizons Club
• Gary MacLellan, Glendale and Area Community Cooperative Ltd.
• Billy MacLeod, St. Joseph’s Parish of SouthWest Margaree
• Marlene MacMillan, St. Peter’s Parish Port Hood CWL
• Alec MacNeil, Mabou and District Community Development Association
• Eileen MacNeil, Lake Ainslie Weavers
• Bridget MacQuarrie, Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital Auxiliary
• Jean McCann, North Mountain Culture & Recreation Association
• Tom McCann, L’Arche Cape Breton
• Chris McDaniel, Margaree Highland Games
• Kristin Muntz, Margaree Area Development Association
• Monica Ragan, Mabou Gaelic and Historical Society
• Mary May Richard, Centre Mi-Carême
• Stephen Richard, West Bay Road and District Volunteer Fire Department
• Beth Ryan, Inverness County Centre for the Arts
• Betty Watts, Chestico Museum

The Municipality says nominees are recognized for their invaluable contributions with a certificate of recognition and a gift certificate to a local business.

They thank volunteers for their continued dedication and service to Inverness County communities.