The Inverness Oran

Port Hood Blue Jays’ Dylan Campbell slides into third base ahead of the ball where the Strait Area Sting’s Graham MacMaster was preparing to make the tag during Sunday’s U11 game in Port Hood.

-by Bill Dunphy

Put the bat on the ball and good things can happen.

That was the story for Port Hood Blue Jays batter Hughie Joe MacDonald on Sunday at the Dave Muise Memorial field.

Bottom of the sixth and final inning in the first of two U11 games with the Strait Area Sting, bases load, two out, and the Sting up by two runs, 13-11.

Harley Bernard led off with a walk, followed by an RBI double by Shamus MacInnis to close the gap to one run.

Still with no outs, a pair of walks by Emmett MacLean and Gabe Murphy loaded the bases and saw the Sting take out pitcher Calder Marchand and bring in Emmett MacKeigan.

MacKeigan got a force out at home and struck out the next batter for two outs, but Hughie Joe hit a hard grounder past first base to score MacInnis and MacLean for the walk-off 14-13 win.

The Blue Jays were down 12-3 going into the bottom of the fourth after the Sting’s top of the order of Christian MacDonnell, MacKeigan, Marchand and Hudson Burke began the game with the maximum five runs.

Port Hood got three of those runs back in the bottom of the first but the Strait added four more in the second, an RBI walk in the third, and a two-run homer off the bat of Marchand in the fourth for their 12^th run.

 The Jays began their comeback in the bottom of the fourth with walks by Dylan Campbell and MacDonald and a single by William Rankin to load the bases with one out.

Ethan MacKinnon drove in two runs on a single and Lennox MacInnis hit an RBI single to make it a 12-6 game.

The rally continued in the fifth where Port Hood scored five runs on eight walks. The Strait got one of those runs back in the sixth but couldn’t stop the Jays in their final at-bat.

In the second game of the doubleheader, the Sting rode a complete game pitching performance by Emmett MacKeigan to beat the Jays 16-3.

“We pushed their top pitcher right to his daily limit pitch count but he got the final out with his last batter before we had a chance to rally on their relievers,” said Port Hood coach Kenzie Campbell.

Campbell said baseball continues to grow in the Port Hood area with 21 players registered in the U11 program.

“We split them into two even teams for our local weekday house league that includes two teams from Inverness and one from Margaree. That’s just getting started, but it’s an awesome way to get as many players as we can playing ball locally all summer.”

With lots of talent to choose from, Port Hood, like Inverness, were able to put together competitive rep teams to play in the Nova Scotia Bluenose League.

“We selected 12 for our weekend travel team in the Bluenose league,” he said. “We have been focused on developing fundamentals, introducing pitching, and building up their resilience/grit. We are fairly young but there’s lots of potential for us to put it all together for provincials at the end of the summer.”

The Blue Jays are back home at the Dave Muise Memorial field again this Sunday for two games against the Glace Bay All-stars. Game times are 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

The Inverness Ravens don’t see action until July 31 when they are in Port Hawkesbury for a 6 p.m. game at Oaklee’s ball park to play the Sting.

On Sunday, Aug. 2, they are at home for a doubleheader against the Antigonish Angels. Game times are 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at the Ned MacDonald Memorial field.

-by Rankin MacDonald

The Municipality of the County of Inverness has finally raised its tax rates after decades of keeping the rates the same year after year.

                It was like a badge of honour for council over those years to keep the rates the same and not overburden their property owners.

                But with inflation, mandatory tax increases and government cuts, the rates became “stagnant” and increases were necessary to conduct the business of the municipality.

                The rates have gone up by nine cents per $100 of assessment.

                The rates we became comfortable with were $1.05 per $100 of assessment for residential property and $1.91 for commercial property.

                For 2026, the rates climb to $1.14 per $100 of assessment for residential property and $2 per $100 of assessment for commercial properties.

                With less money from higher levels of government and increases for mandatory payment to services like Police Protection and Education and the t need for water an sewer upgrades, the council figured it was time to move forward with an eye to a better economic future.

                This year, the municipality pays $4 million for Police services and over $5 million for Education in 2026/2027.

                The Resource tax rate is set at $1.14 and the Forest property rate is set at 25 cents per acre.

                Tax payments should be made by August 28^th.

Wastewater Area Rates:

Wastewater Service Area Rate - Districts 1; 0.414 per $100 of assessment;

Wastewater Service Area Rate - District 3, 4, 5, 6; 0.425 per $100 assessment.

District 1:

Cheticamp Volunteer Fire Department: $ 0.10 per $100 of assessment;

Cheticamp Volunteer Fire Department (Commercial Rate): $0.06 per $100 of assessment;

Meat Cove Volunteer Fire Department: $ 60 per one dwelling;

Pleasant Bay Volunteer Fire Department: $125 per one dwelling.

District 2:

NorthEast Margaree Volunteer Fire Department: $0.10 per $100 of assessment;

Margaree Volunteer Fire Department: $0.10 per $100 of assessment;

Margaree Volunteer Fire Department (Commercial Rate): $0.10 per $100 of assessment;

LeMoine Volunteer Fire Department: $0.10 per $100 of assessment;

Lemoine Volunteer Fire Department (Commercial Rate): $0.10 per $100 of assessment.

District 3:

Inverness Volunteer Fire Department: $0.08 per $100 of assessment.

District 4:

Whycocomagh Volunteer Fire Department: $0.10 per $100 of assessment;

Lake Ainsle/Upper Margaree Volunteer Fire Department: $0.10 per $100 of assessment;

Valley Mills Volunteer Fire Department: $0.10 per $100 of assessment;

Blues Mills Volunteer Fire Department: $0.10 per $100 of assessment;

Blues Mills Volunteer Fire Department (Commercial Rate): $0.05 per $100 of assessment.

District 5:

Mabou (1 dwelling) Volunteer Fire Department: $150 per one dwelling;

Mabou (more than 1 dwelling) Volunteer Fire Department: $300 per more than two dwelling units;

Port Hood Volunteer Fire Department: $0.10 per $100 of assessment;

Port Hood Volunteer Fire Department (Commercial Rate): $0.06 per $100 of assessment.

District 6:

Port Hastings Volunteer Fire Department: $0.13 per $100 of assessment;

Judique Volunteer Fire Department: $0.10 per $100 of assessment;

West Bay Road Volunteer Fire Department: $0.15 per $100 of assessment.

                Council will impose an additional percentage of one per cent per month on all rates and taxes remaining unpaid after August 28^th, 2026, and fixes April 1^st, 2027, as the day after which the tax collector may proceed to issue warrants for the collection on all rates and taxes then unpaid.

                The 2026 General Operating Budget totalling $30,220,313 for the fiscal year ending March 31^st, 2027, was approved.

                The water operating budget for 2026/2027 is $2,856,351.

                The General Capital budget was set in the amount of $32,009,688.

                The Water Capital Budget is $3,600,000 for this year.

            The Municipality of Inverness County Council had this to add:

                Municipality of Inverness County Council has approved the 2026–2027 operating and capital budget totalling $31,153,611, supporting continued investment in the infrastructure, programs and services residents rely on while addressing rising costs and planning for future growth.

                The approved budget includes a nine-cent increase to both the residential and commercial property tax rates. The residential rate will increase from $1.05 to $1.14, and the commercial rate from $1.91 to $2.00, per $100 of assessed property value.

                The budget was developed through Council discussions, financial analysis, and consideration of community priorities. While identifying efficiencies wherever possible, Council recognized the need to respond to increasing costs, maintain aging infrastructure and continue delivering essential municipal services.

                “This budget reflects Council's commitment to balancing fiscal responsibility with the needs of our community,” said Warden Bonny MacIsaac, Municipality of Inverness County. “While we recognize that any tax increase affects residents and businesses, it is necessary to ensure we can continue providing reliable services, maintain critical infrastructure and prepare for future growth.”

                The tax rate increase will help address:

– Higher mandatory provincial contributions for services such as education, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Property Valuation Services Corporation, regional libraries and provincial roads.

– Provincial budget cuts have significantly reduced funding for municipal programs, including infrastructure projects and community organizations. As a result, many community organizations are now turning to the municipality to help offset the loss of provincial funding.

– Aging municipal infrastructure, including solid waste and recycling services, municipal buildings, vehicles, and equipment.

– Rising construction, workforce, and operating costs.

– Increased demands related to climate adaptation, emergency management, and disaster response.

– Growing housing pressures.

                “We’ve heard from residents who are surprised to learn that municipalities are required to pay for services such as education and policing, while having no control over how much those costs increase each year," added MacIsaac. "Over the past three years, mandatory provincial contributions have increased by more than $1.6 million, or 20.4 per cent. Today, nearly one-third of every municipal tax dollar is directed toward these provincially mandated costs.”

                The tax rate increase is expected to generate approximately $1.59 million in additional revenue, helping offset the approximately $1.6 million increase in mandatory provincial contributions.

                While the increase represents a change for property owners, municipal tax rates have remained relatively stable over the long term. Residential tax rates have declined from $1.50 in 1978 to $1.05 in 2025, while commercial tax rates have decreased from $2.30 to $1.91 over the same period.

                Even with the approved increase, Inverness County's property tax rates will remain well below the provincial average, 31 per cent lower for residential properties and 48 per cent lower for commercial properties.

                For residential properties, the increase will add approximately:

– $115 annually for a home with a taxable assessed value of $127,644 (the average taxable assessment in Inverness County).

– $270 annually for a home with a taxable assessed value of $300,000.

– $360 annually for a home with a taxable assessed value of $400,000.

                Sewer rates are not changing as part of the 2026–2027 budget. The new property tax rates will take effect for the 2026–2027 fiscal year and will be reflected on property tax bills issued in July 2026.

                The 2026–2027 capital plan includes investments in:

– Water and wastewater infrastructure.

– Solid waste and environmental services.

– Recreation and community facilities.

– Transportation and active transportation networks.

                The Municipality will also continue to maximize external funding opportunities. Approximately 74 per cent of the 2026–2027 capital program is funded through provincial and federal partners, meaning every municipal dollar invested is expected to leverage approximately $2.75 in additional funding for community infrastructure.

                More information about the 2026–2027 budget, including budget documents and project details, is available at Budget 2026-2027 | Municipality of the County of Inverness.

A windswept Tracy and Martina bring Heather along on their escapades.

-by Autumn Cox

Heather Rankin has spent much of her life bringing Cape Breton to the world through music. Now, through her show, My Cape Breton, she is inviting the world home.

                In the freshly released second season, Rankin uncovers treasures in her own backyard and learns more about the characters, traditions, and places that make this island so special.

                “My goal is to let people know about the magic of this place, and to show different facets of what we have to offer outside of the scenery, outside of the music,” she said.

                The first season brought viewers through the places and traditions that have long shaped the island, from Mabou and Ingonish to the Gaelic College and the Highland Village. Season 2 moves more directly into the lives of its people.

                Rankin spreads her wings and performs with the Men of the Deeps, trains alongside the Cape Breton Highlanders, reconnects with fellow musicians and gets caught up in the escapades of one of the island’s best-known comedy duos, Tracy and Martina.

                Beyond the humour and adventure, the series also explores the strong sense of community that continues to draw Cape Bretoners home.

                “For generations, many of us grew up believing we had to leave in order to live and survive,” Rankin said. “Yet we all gravitate back when we can, whether it’s for the summer or when we retire. There’s something very powerful about the people and the sense of community here.”

                While the series may feel effortless on screen, creating it is no small task. It means researching stories, scouting locations, coordinating guests and crew, working around weather and travel, scheduling performances and interviews, and then bringing it all together in the editing room.

“You think, ‘I’m going to do a little TV show. It’s only six episodes,’ but it’s two solid years of work,” Rankin said. “It takes an army to put one episode together.”

                An Officer of the Order of Canada, award winning musician and accomplished actor, Rankin added producer to her growing list of credits this season.

                “This was the first season that I got a producer’s credit because I was involved in every aspect of it: the hiring, the writing, the editing, and the performing,” she said. “It’s really important that you experience all those jobs that make up the bigger picture, so you have a better appreciation for what those people do.”

                In many ways, the series continues work Rankin and her family have been doing for decades. Through their music, The Rankin Family introduced audiences around the world to the places, stories and traditions of Cape Breton.

                “The family travelled the world and sang about this place, and people came to see the places we sang about,” she said. “For me, that’s something I’m always very proud to share and represent.”

With so much of the island still left to explore, Rankin hopes there may be a third season. No matter what stories she uncovers next, one thing remains certain:

“My Cape Breton is, and always will be, home.”

                Both seasons of My Cape Breton are available on demand through Bell Fibe TV1 and the Fibe TV app.