The Bridgewater Sustainability Partnership program was managed by the Town of Bridgewater to engage the community in developing the ICSP and encouraging grassroots and business leadership in sustainability.  The program ran from 2008 to 2011. The program was open to any local business, organization or community group (incorporated or not) that wished to take part in the Town's sustainability initiatives in a more meaningful way.

Over the course of a nearly two years, Partners provided the Town with their time and energy to create a truly community-based plan. The details of their commitments were contained in a “Sustainability Partnership Agreement”, which was signed by all our Partners. This project was funded by the Town of Bridgewater, and there were no financial costs associated with participating as a Partner.

Down to Action - July 21, 2009

Our partners took their participation in our Sustainable Bridgewater Partnership Events very seriously. Here are a few pictures from the "Down to Action" session.

Partnership Details

The definition for "Partners" is broad, and we welcome all forms of organizations:

• businesses
• non-profit organizations
• other governments and government departments
• community groups
• clubs

The Sustainability Partnership Agreement outlines the basic committments of partners, summarized as follows:

• Endorse and support the development of Bridgewater’s ICSP, and commit to actively participate in this project
• Support the movement of this community toward a sustainable future
• Learn about and support the use of The Natural Step as our common sustainability guide
• Work together using our shared Partnership Principles (collaboration, open communication, integrity, innovation, inclusive engagement, responsibility, transparency, and integration)
• Attend regular Partner meetings (approximately 4 per year) to give their input on the Integrated Community Sustainability Plan
• Plan and complete 3 "quick hits" - simple actions that will make the business / organization / group more sustainable

Thanks to their involvement in this initiative, Partners will have the opportunity to:

• Become known for their interest in creating a sustainable community
• Be part of an important movement that is taking place around Nova Scotia and around Canada
• Have direct influence in this planning process that will shape our community and ultimately affect all of us
• Network with other progressive organizations in this community and region, and build organizational relationships with them
• Build the knowledge and skills of their members and/or employees by participating in this community program
• Learn about developing their own sustainability plans and actions

Notes: (1) The Town of Bridgewater has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg to work jointly on the development of Integrated Community Sustainability Plan. (2) This is a non-partisan program - we have extended invitations to all four of the major political parties to join our program.

	Download our Sustainability Partnership Agreement, which provides details on the committments and roles that come with partnership.
	Download our Introduction to Partners, which provides a brief summary of the Partnership Agreement.