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‘First of its kind’ library opened in Whycocomagh

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It’s the first of its kind in Nova Scotia.

A new library has opened in Whycocomagh. A joint venture between Eastern County Regional Libraries (ECRL) and the Municipality of Inverness, according to James Fuller, the warden of the Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s and chair of ECRL.

“The employees are paid for by the County of Inverness, while the library, the books, the functions, the computers, are overseen by the library board,” explained Fuller.

The initiative, he said, is in a First Nation and was spearheaded by the County of Inverness.

“To their credit, they saw an area in need and approached the libraries with a unique formula,” said Fuller.

He said it is facing some scrutiny amid concerns with security around personal information in the library system, but it has been addressed and they are now “really hoping for the best.”

Other libraries struggling

According to the Pictou-Antigonish Regional Libraries (PARL) the funding formula from the province has not changed in years.

Now, PARL said they are fighting to make ends meet and are currently fundraising with The Library Fund, looking to raise $300,000.

In addition to PARL, in early June, Annapolis Valley Regional Library (AVRL) announced they were shutting down five branches due to lack of provincial funding.

Fuller said if other areas want to look at this particular venture, that will be up to their boards.

However, he’s cautiously optimistic that, “in this particular area, in this particular situation, this will be a successful venture.”

Outstanding addition

A grand opening for the Whycocomagh branch was last weekend.

Fuller said the place was packed with people, hot dogs and a “special piece of equipment” called a cube.

“A 3D printer, a vinyl sign maker all in one that is part of a pilot program coming out of Sydney,” explained Fuller. “If you want to come make a widget in the 3D printer, it would be there for you to use.”

There will also be plenty of activities planned for the future.

“It looks like [this library] is going to be an outstanding addition to that community,” said Fuller.

Boiling Water

Boil water advisory lifted for Whycocomagh

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After a few weeks, the boil water advisory in Whycocomagh has been lifted.

The Municipality of Inverness County says it is no longer in effect as of 3:30 p.m.

It means the water voucher program will end but you can still collect water at the Whycocomagh Fire Department until 6:30 p.m.

The advisory went into place May 22 due to a slight discoloration.

The municipality extends sincere thanks and appreciation to all who helped.

Boiling Water

Boil water advisory & water pick-up continues in Whycocomagh

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If you’re on the Whycocomagh water system, the boil water advisory is still in effect and will likely remain over the weekend.

The Municipality of Inverness County says Public Works is actively investigating the cause with consultation from a senior hydrogeologist and a well drilling company.

They’ve also scheduled a camera inspection of the wells early next week.

This marks a week since the boil water advisory began due to discolouration.

The Municipality is partnered with the Whycocomagh Volunteer Fire Department to provide drinking water.

Impacted residents can pick it up Friday, May 29 from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the fire department located at 9519 Trans Canda Highway.

Impacted residents can collect two four-litre jugs of drinking water per person with up to six jugs per household as follows:

  • One-person household: two jugs (8 litres)
  • Two-person household: four jugs (16 litres)
  • Three or more people: six jugs (24 litres)

At the water pick-up, you can get a voucher for additional one four-litre jug of drinking water per person with up to three jugs per household from the Whycocomagh Co-op at 9402 Highway 105 as follows:

  • One-person household: one jug (4 litres)
  • Two-person household: two jugs (8 litres)
  • Three or more people: three jugs (12 litres)

If the boil water advisory is still in effect on Monday, there will be arrangements made for another water pick-up next week.

You can find updates on the Municipality’s website and Facebook page.

If you need help with water or voucher pick-up, please call Public Works at 1-866-258-0223, option 4.

person holding stainless steel faucet

UPDATE: Whycocomagh residents under boil water advisory, water pickup available

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A boil water order is in place for the municipality of Inverness County.

Users of the Whycocomagh water system are being asked to bring their water to a rolling boil for at least one minute before consuming it or using it for food preparation.

The water currently has a discoloration, and staff are investigating.

In the meantime, they’ve implemented the advisory as a precaution.

Tap water should be boiled before drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes or preparing food and drinks.

The Municipality of Inverness County has partnered with the Whycocomagh Volunteer Fire Department to provide drinking water to affected residents.

It can be picked up from the fire department at 9519 Trans Canada Highway, between 2:30 pm and 5:30 pm on Saturday. One four-litre jug will be provided per person, with a maximum of three jugs.

If the boil water order remains in effect on Monday, arrangements will be made for a second water pick-up.

Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

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.