09/08/2026
Sharing to amplify the efforts of the municipalities across Cape Breton:
The state of emergency remains in effect, while the counties of Richmond, Inverness, and Victoria work to repair road damage and determine next steps.
Hospitals in our region remain open, and a regional support line has been created: 902-625-7888
See the original post below for more details!
*Sharing on behalf of Inverness, Victoria and Richmond Counties and the Town of Port Hawkesbury
State of Local Emergency Update – September 7, 2026
First and foremost, our thoughts are with the family, friends, and community members affected by the tragic loss of life near Cleveland, Richmond County. This has been an extraordinarily difficult event for residents across Cape Breton and the Strait Area, and our deepest sympathies are with everyone who has been impacted.
From the outset, our priority has been public safety. Municipalities, the Regional Emergency Management Organization (REMO), first responders and provincial agencies have been working around the clock to assess conditions, share information, support affected communities and respond to changing circumstances.
Current Status
The State of Local Emergency remains in effect. While there has been no impact to hospitals in the region at this time, discussions continue regarding the duration of the declaration and any potential impacts on schools tomorrow.
Regional Coordination
Supported by funding from the Nova Scotia Department of Emergency Management, Inverness, Victoria and Richmond Counties and the Town of Port Hawkesbury recently partnered to establish a Regional Emergency Management Organization (REMO).
A REMO brings neighbouring municipalities together to coordinate emergency planning, preparedness, response and recovery. It provides a structure for municipalities and emergency response agencies to work together when an incident extends beyond the capacity of a single community.
This is the first major event for this REMO, and it has demonstrated the value of regional coordination. All four entities have been working together, alongside provincial partners and first responders, to support residents throughout the region. This response is ongoing.
REMO Response
As the weather events unfolded, a Joint Operations Centre was established in Port Hawkesbury, bringing together representatives from Inverness, Victoria and Richmond Counties and the Town of Port Hawkesbury. With guidance and support from the Nova Scotia Department of Emergency Management, the REMO has been working closely with the RCMP, EHS, local fire departments and the Nova Scotia Department of Public Works.
A support telephone line opened on September 6 to provide residents with a central point of contact to report non-emergency issues and concerns related to the current emergency situation. Approximately 50 calls have been received to date, including requests for medical assistance, questions about emergency response capabilities and reports of road conditions.
We want to be very clear with residents: police, fire and ambulance services remain available to respond to 911 calls. If a resident cannot be reached because of a road closure, washout or blocked driveway, emergency responders have additional resources available, including helicopters and ATVs, where required.
Next steps
The REMO will continue to work closely with provincial partners and consider their recommendations as decisions are made regarding the State of Local Emergency and the ongoing response.
We recognize the uncertainty and disruption residents are experiencing, and we thank everyone for their patience, cooperation and understanding.
Our priority remains clear: keeping people safe, supporting those who have been affected and working together to get our communities through this difficult event.
🔹 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. https://invernesscounty.ca/state-of-local-emergency-declared-in-parts-of-cape-breton/
🔹 Municipal Support Line: 902-625-7888
https://invernesscounty.ca/western-cape-breton-municipal-support-line-remains-open/
