Fiscal year 2011-2012 is the second year that the Town of Bridgewater is working to implement its Integrated Community Sustainability Plan. This page will provide updates on the actions accomplished from the plan.

How is the Town funding its sustainability work?

Our sustainability initiatives are funded through the municipal tax base as well as a wide range of other sources. The largest dedicated funding source comes through the federal "Gas Tax Agreement". The government of Canada has committed to transfer funds equivalent to a portion of the federal tax on gasoline to municipalities. This fund is called the Gas Tax. We also regularly apply for other funds from the Province of Nova Scotia and the Federal government to help pay for sustainability projects. Cost-sharing projects with our municipal neighbour is also an important strategy for us.

What kinds of projects will the Gas Tax fund?

The Gas Tax will fund projects that are classified mainly as "environmental infrastructure" improvements. Projects will result, among other benefits, in cleaner air, cleaner water, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) which contribute to climate change. Eligible projects may include transportation and transit, water, waste water, solid waste and recycling, community energy systems, and active transportation & road infrastructure upgrades. The Gas Tax also allows for "capacity building" projects that increases the community's ability to make itself more sustainable.

How much funding does Bridgewater receive?

The distribution of Gas Tax funds is determined by Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations, the provincial department in charge of the fund. Bridgewater's share of the funding is calculated based on our population, the number of dwellings in town, and the town's annual total expendatures. From 2005 to 2010, Bridgewater received about 1.5 million dollars to contribute toward environmental infrastructure and sustainability upgrades. We also used some of the funding to hire a Sustainability Planner and complete our Sustainability Plan. From 2010-2014, the Town will receive about $600,000 per year to contribute toward our infrastructure and sustainability projects.

From 2005 to 2010, the Town's ICSP had not yet been completed. As a result, Gas Tax money was spent in areas that were felt to be in greatest financial need. The list below provides a summary of the projects that the Town funded in that time period.

Fiscal Year 2010-2011

• Energy efficiency upgrades to 11 municipal facilities
• 3 solar hot water systems installed on Town Hall, Public Works Garage and Police Stn.
• Sanitary sewer replacement on several Town streets
• Sidewalk repair work on several streets
• Waste water treatment plant upgrades
• Second annual Growing Green Festival hosted
• Active Transportation education programs developed for local schools and workplaces
• Several upgrades funded to Lunenburg Regional Community Recycling Centre

• Several upgrades funded to Lunenburg Regional Community Recycling Centre
• Water infrastructure upgrades at several Town-owned facilities
• Sanitary sewer replacement on Empire St.
• Pedestrian and cycling road planning work for Aberdeen and North
• Several upgrades to Waste Water Treatment Plant
• ICSP completed
• Active Transportation upgrades and education programming
• Acquired new mapping software

• Installation of new UV disinfection system at Waste Water Treatment Plant
• Several upgrades to Waste Water Treatment Plant
• New waste receptacles installed in public spaces
• Energy audits completed of all Town-owned facilities
• Public consultations for ICSP
• First-ever Sustainability Festival hosted
• Active Transportation education programming

• Several upgrades to Waste Water Treament Plant
• Active Transportation & Connectivity Plan completed
• Full-time Sustainability Planner hired

• Several upgrades to Waste Water Treatment Plant