Committees and Commissions of Council

ANTI-RACISM TASK FORCE COMMITTEE
The Anti-Racism Task Force is a new committee of the Town of Bridgewater whose vision is to eliminate racism and prejudice in all of its forms within the Town. The task force consists of 9 individuals appointed by resolution of Council. The task force will serve in an advisory capacity to Town Council in local race issues that impact those who live, work or play in the town of Bridgewater. The task force aims to promote a racism and discrimation free town by:
- Advising town Council on best practices for developing and implementing policies, plans, services, and facilitites that eliminate racism and discrimination;
- Monitoring and reporting to Town Council on racist and discriminatory practices in the community;
- Acting as a liaison between community members and Town Council on issues of racism and discrimination in the community; and
- Developing an acting plan, for Council to approve, for addressing racism and discrimination, as well as, promoting diversity and equal opportunity within the Town of Bridgewater.

If you wish to learn more, click here to download the terms of reference.

AUDIT COMMITTEE
The purpose of the Audit Committee is to meet the requirements of the Municipal Government Act and adhere to the following responsibilities.
- Review the financial statements of the Town of Bridgewater with the auditor;
- Evaluate the internal control systems and any management letters with the auditor;
- Conduct a review of the adequacy of the audit;
- Assist in the investigation of matters arising out of the audit;
- Review expense reports as prescribed by Section 65 of the Municipal Government Act; and
- Any other matters as determined by Council.

The Audit Committee meets at a minimum of twice per year.

Click here to view Section 65 of the MGA.

BRIDGEWATER BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS
The Bridgewater Board of Police Commissioners is a Board established in accordance with the Nova Scotia Police Act consisting of seven (7) members.  The seven member Board  is made up of 3 Councillors; 3 Council appointees who are neither Councillors nor employees of the Town; and 1 member appointed by the Minister of Justice.

The Board shall assist the Police Chief in the creation of programs and strategies to implement priorities, objectives and goals respecting police services in the community. The Board acts as a conduit between the community and the police department to ensure police services are delivered in a manner consistent with community values, needs and expectations.  The Board works closely with the Police Chief to ensure both a strategic plan and business plan are in place.

BRIDGEWATER ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE (BATC)
Active Transportation (AT) means using human-power transportation to move around.  Human-powered transportation includes walking, cycling, wheeling, in-line skating, skateboarding, cross country skiing, canoeing and kayaking.  It also describes the necessary infrastructure (for example, bike lanes and sidewalks) communities need to allow citizens to safely commute to and from work, school, businesses, playgrounds and green spaces.  The BATC works to support active transportation in Bridgewater by (a) consulting with, advising, and making recommendations to Town Council, (b) creating and influencing public policy, (c) improving infrastructure, (d) supporting and promoting community programs, (e) increasing partnerships and building capacity in the community, and (f) developing relevant tools and materials associated with active transportation policy, infrastructure and program implementation in Bridgewater. The Terms of Reference can viewed pdf here (161 KB) .  View the BATC website to see more... www.bridgewater.ca/activetransportation.

BRIDGEWATER MUSEUM COMMISSION
The objective of the Bridgewater Museum Commission is to operate, manage, and maintain one or more museums within the Town, including the DesBrisay Museum.   Their aim is to develop and operate educational and cultural programs, as well as, preserve and present artifacts, information, etc. which are of a historical, natural and/or cultural significance to the Town of Bridgewater and the surrounding County of Lunenburg.  The Commission consists of seven (7) members.  The membership is made up of  1 Councillor, 5 Council appointees; and 1 member representing the Friends of the DesBrisay society.

pdf CANADA DAY ON THE LAHAVE COMMITTEE
(147 KB) The Canada Day on the LaHave Committee is a standing committee of the Town of Bridgewater.  Its objective is to organize a festival in the LaHave River Valley for the celebration of Canada's birthday on July 1st.  The Committee consults, advises and makes recommendations to Council and engages community involvement in all aspects of festival development and coordination. The Committee's objective is to creat opportunities for Canadians to participate in celebrations that creat a sense of pride and belonging to Canada.

pdf CHRISTMAS ON THE LAHAVE COMMITTEE
(514 KB) The Canada Day on the LaHave Committee is a standing committee of the Town of Bridgewater. Its objective is to organize a festival in the LaHave River Valley for the celebration of Christmas Holiday Season. The Committee consults, advises and makes recommendations to Council and engages community involvement in all aspects of festival development and coordination. 

ENERGIZE BRIDGEWATER ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The Energize Bridgewater Advisory Committee (EBAC) provides advice to Bridgewater Town Council and staff on the design and implementation of the Energize Bridgewater program, which includes the Energy Poverty Reduction Program. The Committee advises Council on matters related to energy sustainability, affordability, and accessibility. The individuals represented on the Committee include Bridgewater residents as well as representatives from the housing, social service, energy, transportation, and finance sectors. The Committee works with the program’s Ombuds Service and the Client Advisory Circle to ensure resident voices are included in program decision making. To learn more about the program, visit energizebridgewater.ca.

HERITAGE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The Heritage Advisory Committee is a Committee of the Town of Bridgewater designed to advise the Town on issues such as the designation of buildings, streetscapes and areas within the Town as Heritage Properties and advises the Town on applications to alter substantially or demolish a Heritage Property. The Committee consists of no less than 5 and no more than 7 members with the majority of members being residents or property taxpayers of the Town.

PARKS, RECREATION & CULTURE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The Parks, Recreation & Culture Advisory Committee is a Committee of the Town whose objectives are to promote the opportunity for recreation and culture among residents within the Town and to advise Council on matters affecting the development and maintenance of recreation facilities, programs and services.  The Committee provides discussion and input on agreements entered into by the Town for the enhancement of recreation and park opportunities for its citizens.  The Commission consists of 9 members.  There are 2 members of Council, 6 residents, plus 1 member who is a resident of the Town under the age of 19.

PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION OF BRIDGEWATER
The Public Service Commission of Bridgewater is a water utility under the jurisdiction of the Public Utilities Act whose main objective is to supply the Town of Bridgewater with a sufficient and safe supply of water for drinking and everyday living. The PSC, as it is also known as, makes all necessary replacements, renewals, betterments, additions, and extensions to the water treatment plant and equipment. The PSC is also responsible for the water rates and charges for the Town which are under the control of the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board. The Commission consists of 6 members, majority of which are Councillors.

pdf YOUTH ENGAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
(102 KB) The Youth Engagement Advisory Committee is a committee of the Town whose purpose is to guide Council on local youth issues and on policies that impact youth in Bridgewater.  The committee will also play a key role in the development and implementation of events and activities for youth in the Town. There are 12 members on the Committee (3 Council Members and 9 Youth between the ages of 12 - 25).  Terms are for 1 year.