News & Announcements
Municipal Support Line Opens up September 6, 2026
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Western Cape Breton Municipal Support Line Opens September 6
Western Cape Breton, Nova Scotia - Four municipalities are working together to support residents affected by the ongoing State of Local Emergency in western Cape Breton, including Inverness, Victoria and Richmond Counties and the Town of Port Hawkesbury.
A toll-free municipal support line will open Sunday, September 6, at 8 a.m. The line will provide residents with a central point of contact to report non-emergency issues and concerns related to the current emergency situation.
Municipal Support Line: 902-625-7888
Hours of operation: The support line will be available Sunday, September 6, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
What callers can expect: Calls will be answered by a municipal representative. If residents are unable to reach someone when they call, they may leave a voicemail and a representative will return their call. The nature of the concern will determine the appropriate response and follow-up.
The support line is available to residents of Inverness, Victoria and Richmond Counties and the Town of Port Hawkesbury.
The support line is intended for non-emergency issues and concerns. Any situation requiring immediate emergency assistance should be reported by calling 911.
Additional hours of operation will be announced as they are confirmed.
Earlier today, September 5, municipal officials declared a State of Local Emergency as response efforts continue and crews assess damage to roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure.
Widespread flooding has resulted in road closures, evacuations and disruptions to transportation networks. Conditions remain dangerous, and residents are encouraged to follow directions from emergency officials, stay away from affected areas and avoid unnecessary travel where possible.
To learn more about the local state of emergency, visit State of Local Emergency Declared in Parts of Cape Breton | Municipality of the County of Inverness.
For current road conditions, visit https://511.novascotia.ca/.
State of Local Emergency Declared
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*Sending on behalf of the Municipalities of Inverness, Victoria and Richmond Counties, and the Town of Port Hawkesbury
FOR IMMEDIATE USE
SEPTEMBER 5, 2026
State of Local Emergency Declared in Parts of Cape Breton; Residents Urged to Avoid Travel
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Residents are being urged to avoid all non-essential travel as heavy rainfall continues to cause significant flooding, road washouts and transportation disruptions across parts of Cape Breton.
Municipal officials have declared a State of Local Emergency in affected areas as response efforts continue and crews assess damage to roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure. Widespread flooding has resulted in road closures, evacuations and disruptions to transportation networks, and conditions remain dangerous.
Emergency responders, municipal officials, Department of Public Works crews and other partners are working around the clock to respond to incidents, support affected residents and assess damage.
"Public safety remains our top priority," said Jerron Hawley, Regional Manager for Emergency Services, for Western Cape Breton "People should stay off the roads unless travel is absolutely necessary. Reducing traffic in affected areas will help keep residents safe and allow emergency crews to respond quickly and efficiently."
Residents are reminded to:
- Not travel unless your trip is absolutely necessary.
- Check 511 Nova Scotia before travelling and be prepared for conditions to change quickly.
- Never drive through flooded roads, standing water, washed-out areas, or around barricades and road closures.
- Turn around and find another route if you encounter water on the roadway.
- Remember that floodwaters may be deeper and moving faster than they appear.
- Give emergency responders, assessment teams and road crews the space they need to work safely.
- Follow instructions from local authorities and emergency officials.
Officials caution that additional road closures may occur without warning as rainfall continues and damage assessments progress. Residents should expect travel disruptions and delays throughout affected areas.
Provincial and Municipal emergency management officials continue to monitor the situation closely and coordinate response efforts. Life safety remains the primary focus as crews work to assist impacted communities and restore transportation routes.
Residents should monitor local media, 511 Nova Scotia and official government channels for the latest information on road closures, weather conditions and public safety updates.
For current road conditions, visit 511 Nova Scotia .
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Media Contact:
Jerron Hawley
Regional Manager for Emergency Services - Western Cape Breton
Phone: 902-295-0580
Next Ride community test drives are coming to Richmond County.
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Curious about electric vehicles?
Next Ride community test drives are coming to Richmond County.
Residents are invited to stop by, learn about electric vehicles and e-bikes, ask questions, and connect with the Next Ride team.
✅ Test drive an electric vehicle
✅ Try an e-bike
✅ Learn about electric transportation
Village of St. Peter’s, St. Peter’s Pirate Days
Date: September 10, 2026
Time: 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Location: 9993 Grenville Street
Arichat, Municipal Office Parking Lot
Date: September 11, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: 2357 Hwy 206
Residents are encouraged to pre-book a test drive spot through the Next Ride booking page. Next Ride NS
Walk-ins are also welcome during the event.
Labour Day Closures - Monday, September 7, 2026
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Holiday Closures
Please note that the following facilities will be closed on Labour Day, Monday, September 7th, in observance of the holiday.
📍 Municipal Administration Building – Closed
📍 Solid Waste Management Facility – Closed
We will reopen with regular hours on Tuesday, September 8th.
🚛 Curbside collection will remain on schedule.
For urgent matters concerning water or sewer service, please call (902) 226-3988.
Have a safe and happy holiday!