CBRM News

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)

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.

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:

All is Bright this holiday season in CBRM

With a growing list of parades, light ups, and community events taking place throughout the Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) this holiday season, CBRM Recreation’s All is Bright campaign aims to add to the joy and help residents find their way to celebrate.

AllisBrightCBRM.ca is a hub to find community listings, to enter your display or view the All is Bright light up map, for businesses to enter the Light up the Boardwalk program, and to find a Spotify playlist of Christmas music from our talented Cape Breton artists.

Starting today, November 22, residents and businesses can enter their holiday displays on our All is Bright map. By clicking on the link at AllisBrightCBRM.ca, you can upload photos or videos of your display along with your address, which will then be plotted on our interactive map for all to see. Residents can then plan their routes using the map to see some of the best displays throughout the community. Six random entries will receive a gift card, while a panel of Santa’s most trusted elves will vote on the best display for a Grand Prize package worth more than $250.

CBRM is also bringing back the popular Light Up the Boardwalk program launched last year. Until December 1, businesses can enter to decorate one of a dozen trees located on the Sydney Boardwalk. Photos of the trees will be posted on CBRM social channels with the one with the most shares having a donation made to a local non-profit organization of their choice. A second “Judge’s Choice” will also have a donation made to the non-profit organization of their choice.

Finally, CBRM Recreation and Parks & Grounds will present a light up of the annual Wentworth Park holiday display on Friday, December 16, at 6PM. With food, music, and performers, the park will be full with holiday spirit and a perfect way to be together this joyous season. The event is free, with some vendors on site selling food and items.

Municipal district boundaries meetings

October 21, 2022

SYDNEY, NS - Public participation and input is wanted to help determine the number and boundaries of municipal council districts. A series of local meetings are taking place to offer members of the public the opportunity to provide recommendations.

Every eighth year, all municipal councils in the province conduct a study of the number and boundaries of polling districts, examining their fairness and reasonableness, and the number of councillors to serve.

CBRM is currently divided into 12 electoral districts and residents are represented by 13 elected officials: one mayor elected at large and 12 councillors elected by the residents of the district they serve.

Open house-style public meetings are scheduled invite the meaningful participation of interested CBRM residents to explore polling district scenarios through interactive displays. A presentation will be followed by a session in which all attendees will be invited to make comments and ask questions.

Private property tree removal

Monday, October 3, 2022

SYDNEY, NS - CBRM’s 311 service is registering requests for assistance with tree debris removal from curbside and also for requests for tree cutting and removal from properties requiring assistance. In partnership with the Government of Nova Scotia and Canadian Forces, equipment and human resources are being prepared to work on private property to remove trees based on the following criteria:

Trees that are on or affecting:

Driveways and/or walkways
Out buildings
Home and outbuilding access and egress points
And other areas that cause impairment to basic needs

Fill out the form here to register your address, contact information and details of what work is needed. https://cbrm.frontlinesvc.com/app/ask

Comfort Centres on Tuesday October 4

Glace Bay Miners Forum: Open 10am to 5pm
Gabarus VFD: Open 8am to 7pm
Louisbourg VFD: Open 8am to 5pm (shower facilities available)
Sydney Centre 200: Open 10 am to 5pm

Municipal notices for Monday, October 3 (updated)

Municipal Notices: The following is an update on municipal services for Monday, October 3

The municipality continues to operate in a Local State of Emergency. The Local State of Emergency was approved for renewal on the weekend.

NEW: The Waste Management Facility on SPAR Road is open from 8am to 4pm Monday, October 3 to Saturday, October 8 this week.

North Sydney, New Waterford and Glace Bay Seasonal Leaf and Yard Drop-Off sites are open from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Monday, October 3 to Saturday, October 8 this week.

Solid Waste curbside collection is now on regular schedule.

Stacked yard debris will be picked up curbside for residents who register their address with 311.

NEW: Transit is resuming operations on all routes on Monday with some adjustments as noted. The route adjustments will be monitored daily and updated.

Route 4
Passchendaele, #11 and Steele’s Hill run will have a detour in Passchendaele,  #11 area using Manchester Street instead of Dorchester Street when travelling between Emery Street and Lorway Street. Route 4 will also not be travelling through Steele’s Hill at this time due to fallen trees, debris, damaged pole lines and low hanging wires

Municipal services for Sunday, October 2 and Monday, October 3.

Municipal Notices: The following is an update on municipal services for Sunday, October 2 and Monday, October 3.

The municipality continues to operate in Local State of Emergency.

OPEN: Transit is resuming operations on all routes on Monday.

CLOSED: Solid Waste Drop off sites are closed to public on Monday.

Solid Waste curbside collection is now on regular schedule. Next collection day is Tuesday.

Stacked tree debris only will be picked up curbside for residents who register their address with 311.

Burning of debris is not permitted. (CBRM by-law).

Several comfort shelters have closed due to restoration of power in their area.

OPEN: The following sites are operating on Sunday, October 2.

Gabarus VFD: Open 8am to 7pm
Glace Bay Miners Forum: Open 10am to 5pm
Howie Center VFD: Open 10am to 7pm
Louisbourg VFD: Open 9am to 6pm
New Waterford VFD: Open 10 am to 4 pm
Sydney Cruise Pavilion: Open 10 am to 5pm

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