Inverness council does not agree with a proposal to close of the Canso Causeway to combat the spread of COVID-19.

During yesterday’s regular monthly meeting of Inverness Municipal Council, warden Laurie Cranton spoke about a “rumoured” meeting that was going to be held last week with Cape Breton Regional Municipal and First Nation officials to discuss the possibility of closing the Causeway.

The warden said he was informed about the meeting by deputy warden Bonny MacIsaac, but no other councillors or municipal staff were aware.

Cranton said closing the Causeway is a “big step” since there are no cases in the Nova Scotia Health Authority’s Eastern Zone, and residents in Cape Breton and the mainland need the span for essential reasons like work and medical appointments.

The warden expressed his concerns with the idea to Port Hawkesbury Mayor Brenda Chisholm-Beaton, particularly the problem of policing the closure. He also noted that closing the causeway would split the Eastern Zone in half.

While he is open to discussing the issue, council is unanimous in their opposition to closure.

District 1 councillor Alfred Poirier said Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada are doing well, and such a decision should be up to medical professionals and experts, not politicians.

District 3 councillor Lynn Chisholm called the idea “crazy,” noting that wearing masks and distancing are more effective in stopping the spread of COVID-19.

The warden added that Inverness County residents are educated and aware about the virus, and the closure would disrupt too many lives.