CBRM putting forward four housing projects for eligibility approval

March 13, 2023

SYDNEY, NS - Cape Breton Regional Municipality will seek feedback from CMHC (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation) on the eligibility of four housing proposals submitted to the municipality for “Rapid Housing Initiative” funds. The RHI Cities stream includes $5 million of available funds for an eligible project or projects in CBRM. 

Council voted to reject a staff recommended project on March 7, but additional efforts resulted in further options for CBRM to move forward with Rapid Housing Initiative Round 3 funding.

CMHC has advised they are willing to work with CBRM to assess each of the applications received for eligibility and viability and provide feedback. CBRM staff are currently submitting all 4 applications in draft form to the CMHC submission portal by a deadline of March 15.  

Staff are also continuing communications with the provincial government on supports available to support applications.

CBRM Council will be required to make a decision on final project approvals by the end of March in order keep in line with project start dates of May 2023. 

Meeting Cancellation Notice - March 7, 2023

March 3, 2023

MEETING CANCELLATION NOTICE: A public hearing scheduled for 6:30 pm on March 7th is cancelled. The hearing was in regards to a proposed sale of CBRM properties for housing development. The meeting was first advertised on February 18.

Be prepared: Low temperatures Feb 3 and 4

February 2, 2023

Temperatures will drop extremely low on Friday night and Saturday, February 3 and 4. It is recommended that people do not leave their homes during extreme cold events unless necessary.  A prolonged time outside in the cold where you are exposed or motor vehicle breakdown could have a tragic outcome when coupled with extreme cold conditions. 

Those vulnerable due to homelessness: Anyone experiencing housing insecurity should call 211 to be connected to the proper provincial supports. The Community Homeless Shelter, 106 Townsend St in Sydney is open, aware of the weather and their facility is ready to receive clients.  The shelter has the ability to expand and accept additional clients during extreme weather events. If the person is located outside of Sydney they can contact the shelter at Phone: (902) 564-9487 Other: (902) 539-0025 

Comfort Centres (temporary locations): During a cold or warm spell, residents have many options to go for temporary comfort including public buildings, shopping locations, coffee shops etc.Designated municipal comfort centres that are operated by volunteers open in a response to an emergency where the ability for residents to go to the many other available public locations for comfort is not available. This type of event would be a widespread power outage where the expected restoration times appear to go well beyond 24 hours. We encourage 72 hours personal preparedness which is considered a Canadian and Nova Scotia standard. 

Some safety tips from Government of Canada: https://www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/sfttps/tp201101-en.aspx

CBRM CELEBRATES NOVA SCOTIA HERITAGE DAY WITH EVENT AT CENTRE 200

February 1, 2023  

SYDNEY, NS - With the coldest days of the year fast approaching, the Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) Recreation Department is bringing some heat to the midwinter month with a community event celebrating Nova Scotia Heritage Day on Monday, February 20.

The event will recognize the groundbreaking contributions of 2023 Nova Scotia Heritage Day Honouree, Elder Rita Joe. Taking place both indoors and outdoors at Centre 200, a combination of music, games, performances, and ways to get active will be on site from 12-5 p.m.  Elder Rita Joe of We’koqma’q First Nation was instrumental in paving the way for other Mi’kmaq authors. A residential school survivor, her greatest wish was to see more writings come from her people and “that the children would read it.” A member of the Order of Canada and the Queen’s Privy Council, Elder Rita’s writings worked to change the negative attitudes encountered in her life’s journey.

Starting with the “Poems of Rita Joe,” Elder Rita celebrated Mi’kmaq culture and language in her writings which include “Song of Eskasoni,” “Kelusiltiek,” and her most famous work “I Lost My Talk.”

An official Nova Scotia Heritage Day community celebration of the life and works of Rita Joe will be held on Thursday, February 16, from 5-8PM at Allison Bernard Memorial High School in Eskasoni with all welcome to attend.  

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CBRM Facilities Notice: Cape Breton County Recreation Centre

February 1, 2023

CBRM Facilities Notice:

At the request of the Riverview High School, a no food and beverages policy will be in place at the Cape Breton County Recreation Centre during the Red Cup tournament activities. Spectators attending games will not be able to bring food or beverages into the building. This is similar to Centre 200 policy which is no outside food and beverage permitted into the building during ticketed events. A canteen will be open for the event offering hot food and beverages throughout the weekend.

No bags, backpacks or other large bags are permitted. There will be no re-entry permitted for each game. Once the spectator enters they must remain inside for the remainder of the game or leave without re-entry. There will be a special student entrance.

911 service disruption: Call 902-563-5151 for local CBRM emergency services

January 31, 2023

CBRM NOTICE:
Emergency Services Update: 911 service disruption 
Via RCMP NS:Update 7:45 a.m. 911 line problems appear to be Nova Scotia province wide still ongoing. Contact your local Emergency Service directly (Police, Fire and EHS).  

Emergency services at CBRM can be reached at 902-563-5151

Citizen Representation on Committees - Call for Expressions of Interest

January 4, 2023

Citizen Representation on Committees
Call for Expressions of Interest
The Council of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality requires, from time to time, the services of citizens who would be willing to serve as volunteer members on various Committees of Council, or exterior Committees to which CBRM appoints Citizens.

Currently there are vacancies on the following Committees:
• Board of Police Commissioners (three positions for a two-year term – with one from Central, North and East Divisions of CBRM. Successful applicants must consent to a criminal record background check as per Section 77 (2) of the NS Police Act Regulations)
• Audit Committee (one position for a two-year term)
• Diversity Committee (two-year term for specific stakeholder groups – see Governance Policy)
• CBRM Heritage Advisory Committee (three to five positions for a two-year term)
• Cape Breton Regional Library Board (two positions for a two-year term)

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Transit schedule changes in new year

December 30, 2022

Transit Cape Breton is making schedule changes to better serve riders in 2023.

Changes include extended Saturday Service on Route 1 on Saturdays between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. in addition to the regularly scheduled Route 1. This was to address higher demand for service on Saturday.

Due to increased ridership seeking service to Cineplex and the large number of crowds gathering at stops on Prince Street near Boston Pizza and BMO, Transit Cape Breton has added a new route and stop to CBU Express. CBU Express will leave the transfer hub on George Street, travel Pitt to Esplanade, Dorchester Street to George Street to Ferry Street. From Ferry St., it will turn onto Stable Dr. / Inglis Street and patrons seeking service at Cineplex will have a new stop on Inglis Street located adjacent to the CBRM Parks and Grounds Building and Cineplex. CBU Express will get back on route from there via Prince Street. Between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., the CBU Express will stop at the Mayflower Mall and Walmart.

Transit Cape Breton is also increasing service to New Waterford. Throughout the day, Transit Cape Breton will provide hourly service, and there will be four trips daily where Route 9 makes a trip to downtown Sydney.

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CBRM seeking to acknowledge and recognize Fiona response volunteers

Volunteers are the heart of our community. During the emergency response to Hurricane Fiona, our CBRM community stepped up. Mayor and Council would like to acknowledge those who volunteered to help their community recover in the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona.

Let us know who you are and your role so CBRM Council can acknowledge and recognize your contribution. 

Like all volunteers, you did not act out of an expectation of return. So please don’t hesitate to add your name, or tell us the name of someone you know, who went above and beyond for their community. Please let us know by Monday, December 5th. Call 311 or fill out the form here. 

Water Utility rates application information

Nov 28, 2022

THE CAPE BRETON REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY, on behalf of its WATER UTILITY has applied for approval of amendments to its Schedule of Rates and Charges for Water and Water Services and amendments to its Schedule of Rules and Regulations This matter will be considered in a public hearing as follows:

Hearing starts: Wednesday, February 22, 2023 9:00 am Council Chambers 320 Esplanade Sydney, Nova Scotia

Depending on the circumstances, this public hearing may be held by GoToWebinar video conferencing.

Board Hearings are open to the public, and you may participate as follows:

• You may speak at the hearing. You must notify the Board by Thursday, February 16, 2023.
• You may make written comments by sending a letter to the Clerk of the Board at
P.O. Box 1692, Unit “M”, Halifax, NS B3J 3S3,
or by email at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
or by fax at (902) 424-3919 by Thursday, February 16, 2023.
• You may request formal standing as an Intervener, subject to Board approval. This will allow you to present evidence or cross-examine witnesses. Your request must be received by the Board by Friday, December 9, 2022, and a copy of your written evidence by Wednesday, January 11, 2023.
Additional information about the matter is as follows:

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