Vital infrastructure replacement supports future growth

August 11, 2025

Throughout April, those walking the beach in Inverness were treated to an unusual sight: heavy machinery and a floating excavator. The reason? A vital infrastructure upgrade beneath the sand, out of sight, but essential for the future.

Approximately 180 meters of the 1,000-meter-long buried pipe, responsible for transporting effluent (treated wastewater) from the Inverness wastewater treatment plant into the Gulf of St. Lawrence, reached the end of its operational life. Installed in 1972 alongside the original wastewater treatment plant, the pipe had no known upgrades since its installation.

“This infrastructure replacement is about more than pipes in the ground,” said Melanie Beaton, Deputy CAO for the Municipality of Inverness County. “It’s about protecting public health, safeguarding the environment, and laying the groundwork for future community growth. By investing in critical infrastructure today, we’re ensuring Inverness remains a safe, vibrant, and resilient place to live for generations to come.”

The multi-phase project began in early April with an archaeological assessment where consultants carefully hand-dug through layers of sand and soil, searching for historical artifacts. Although nothing was found, the consultants remained on site throughout construction.

Following the assessment, the marine construction phase kicked off with a floating excavator trenching the ocean floor to install the new underwater pipe. Once completed, work shifted onshore to install the remaining length of the pipe under the beach.

Today, a casual stroll along the shore gives little clue to the complex engineering feat buried beneath. In fact, thanks to restoration efforts such as replanting dune grass and the placement of spruce boughs, the site has been returned to its original condition.

PROJECT SPECIFICS

Archaeological Consultants:
Davis MacIntyre & Associates Limited

Engineering Consultant:
CBCL Engineering & Environmental Design Services

Contractor:
Zutphen Contractors

Budget:
Approximately $800,000 (funding from a collaborative investment from federal, provincial and municipal governments)

To learn more, visit
www.invernesscounty.ca and click on Projects

Environmental monitoring will continue over the next year to ensure successful regrowth and ecosystem stabilization.

Additionally, a section of the boardwalk, which was removed to facilitate the project and had deteriorated over time, has been replaced with a newly constructed segment, improving accessibility and safety for beachgoers.

“Creating a construction site on a beach and next to a golf course made for an extremely challenging project,” said Sean MacDonald, Director of Capital Construction. “We had to consider tides, unpredictable (and often unfavourable) weather conditions, and numerous environmental regulations. It meant we had to adapt every day, but seeing this project wrapped up ahead of beach and golf season was very rewarding.”

MacDonald extended his appreciation to residents, “we want to thank the community for their patience throughout the project, and for respecting the safety measures around the site. This meant the contractor, consultants and municipal staff could focus on the project, and we are extremely appreciative.”