APRIL 15, 2026, BRIDGEWATER, NS — A local Bridgewater-area business, Petite Rivière Farms of Conquerall Mills, has won the International Network of Michelin Cities (INMC) Bridgewater Start-up Pitch Competition. Owner Gregg Curwin will now travel to Cuneo, Italy, this October to represent Bridgewater at the International Pitch Competition during the INMC Conference.

The Town of Bridgewater is a founding member of the International Network of Michelin Cities, an organization initiated by the Mayor of Clermont-Ferrand, France. The network brings together cities with Michelin plants to seek collaboration, share best practices, and support economic development.

As a member of the Corridor of Incubators, formed in 2024, Bridgewater is part of a seven-city team coordinating the International Pitch Competition. Through this collaboration, Bridgewater earned the opportunity to send one business to compete among 15 international finalists.

In partnership with Ignite Atlantic, the Town of Bridgewater hosted a local pitch competition to determine its representative. Nine businesses applied, with seven qualifying to pitch before the judges at an event held on Tuesday, April 14, at Rosewater Social in downtown Bridgewater.

Mayor David Mitchell, who also served as a judge, said the event exceeded his expectations. “This event clearly demonstrates that we have a diverse and vibrant ecosystem of entrepreneurs here in our community. I’m thrilled that we are able to leverage our involvement with the International Network of Michelin Cities to create this unique and valuable opportunity.”

The judging panel included:

• Doug Jones, Ignite Atlantic

• Mayor David Mitchell, Town of Bridgewater

• Alexandre Lanteigne, Global Affairs Canada

• Valerie Caswell, Invest Nova Scotia

The seven pitching companies represented a broad spectrum of industries:

• Within the Hour Inc., Alex De Saint Sardo

• Petite Rivière Farms, Gregg Curwin

• Real Network, Danielle Oleahko

• Abundance Soil Amendment Inc., Rosmarie Lohnes

• D3 Technologies Ltd., Teri-Lynn Dempsey

• Digital Elder, Chase Sutherland & Krystal Retieffe

• New Voice Languages and Tutoring Inc., Elena Andrianova

Noting that the decision was difficult, Ignite Atlantic CEO Doug Jones announced Petite Rivière Farms as the winner.

Although still an early-stage start-up, judges noted the significant potential of the company’s product. Petite Rivière Farms grows, harvests, and produces micro broccoli containing sulforaphane, a compound anticipated to provide anti-inflammatory health benefits. Early research suggests it may also help block and inhibit the reproduction of cancer cells. Their product, Broccoli Bounty, is currently available for purchase online at gomicro.ca.

Company CEO and founder Gregg Curwin says he’s proud of what the business has accomplished to date. He credits his family and team for their success, acknowledging that farming is hard work. Curwin said they chose to start the company in rural Nova Scotia, in the Green Bay / Petite Rivière area because it’s a place they have loved for many years.

Participation in INMC Cuneo 2026 will provide Petite Rivière Farms with international exposure, access to global relationships, and opportunities to connect with municipal leaders, ecosystem partners, and fellow innovators from across INMC member cities.

Curwin is one of three Nova Scotia entrepreneurs who will be traveling to Cuneo. Bridgewater’s INMC sister communities, Kings County and Pictou County, are also hosting pitch competitions in partnership with Ignite Atlantic.

Bridgewater Town Council Approves 2026-2027 Budget
No Changes to Property Tax Rates 

APRIL 14, 2026, BRIDGEWATER, NS — Bridgewater Town Council passed its 2026-2027 Capital and Operating Budget on Monday, April 13, 2026, with no increase in property tax rates for residential or commercial owners in the community. The residential tax rate remains at $1.85 per $100 of assessment. The commercial tax rate remains at $4.07 per $100 of assessment.

The total budgeted operating expenses for the coming year will amount to $35,688,241, an increase of 4.9%. Bridgewater’s capital expenditures are budgeted at $31,354,750, with a carry forward of $38,075,257.

“It was important to us to hold firm on not increasing the tax rate this year,” said Mayor David Mitchell. “We know the cost of living has risen, and Council hears every day how increases in essentials like groceries are affecting residents. At the same time, we have significant investments that we need to make the years ahead, especially in wastewater. We already run a lean budget, so it’s not easy to balance out all of these needs.”

Continued Investment in Community Well-being 

$3.3M will go into funding for recreational facilities including the LCLC, the Michelin Bridgewater Outdoor Pool, parks and playgrounds, including a new fully accessible playground in Generations Active Park. An additional $84,700 will go towards park preservation, seeing through the completion of the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Project.

The budget provides continued support for public transit with the continuation of extended service hours, planning for an expansion to key areas adjacent to Town boundaries, and bus stop improvements and shelters.

$298,000 is allocated for energy poverty reduction initiatives including the PACE program, the creation of a Regional Home Upgrades Navigator, and the transition of the Bridgewise program.

The Town is also providing $70,000 in funding to its Low-Income Property Tax Exemption program, $28,500 to ProKids and $252,000 in support to local non-profits through grants, sponsorships and tax-exemption.

$50,000 is allocated to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives, including enhancing service delivery and strengthening organizational capacity and awareness. $43,600 will go to the implementation of an Accessibility Plan.

Critical Investments in Wastewater and Infrastructure 

Significant investments in infrastructure are being made to support continued growth and development within the community. These include $23.7 million allocated to wastewater projects, totalling $40.6 million when accounting for capital carry-forward projects. 

$800,000 is budgeted for road upgrades which includes pavement management, along with intersection and road upgrades tied to wastewater work on Dufferin.

$160,000 will be going to sidewalks, while $708,000 will be going to parks development to enhance community spaces.

In addition, $135,000 has been earmarked for a wastewater capacity strategy, with costs partially offset through grant funding.

Due to the significant investments needed this year and in the coming years, both residents and businesses will see an increase to wastewater rates. For residents, the rate this year has been set at $644, representing an increase of approximately $6.60 per month.

Economic Development and Enhancing Bridgewater’s Profile 

$245,000 has been allocated to advance Business Park Development initiatives. This funding will support the creation of a comprehensive land sales marketing strategy, the development of a conceptual plan for Exit 12A Phase 2, and the preparation of a Downtown Development Plan.

Bridgewater is also investing more than $99,000 in community events, such as Canada Day on the LaHave, Christmas on the LaHave, Harvest Moon Music Festival, and the acclaimed Music on the Riverbank concert series.

$87,500, funded through the Town’s Marketing Levy, will go to creating and implementing a tourism and events strategy, and $25,000, also from the Marketing Levy, will go to the creation of a major events fund. 

Commitment to Core Services 

The Town’s commitment to core services and strategic priorities remains strong, including allocations for Fire Protection ($1,805,748), Bridgewater Police Service ($4,974,772 net), and Emergency Response through the Lunenburg County Regional Emergency Management Organization ($59,972).

“As challenging as this budget was, I think we landed in a really good place,” Mayor Mitchell added. “As always, staff and council worked hard to find savings everywhere we could, and to make responsible decisions that are in the best interests of the taxpayers. We have a number of impactful projects on the books for this year, and I’m looking forward to seeing them move forward and benefit our community.” 

View and Download the Complete Budget  

Budget information, including the complete 2026-2027 Town of Bridgewater Operating and Capital budgets, is available to download here.

BRIDGEWATER, N.S. — April 7, 2026 — Under sunny, crisp skies on Saturday, March 28, 118 participants took part in the 2nd Annual 5k Lobster Crawl, presented by Bridgewater Guardian Pharmacy, raising $3,060 for the IWK Foundation in support of 10-year-old Alfie Bourque’s 2026 fundraising goal.

With registrations matched by Steele Auto Group, the event contributed toward Alfie’s ambitious goal to raise $20,000 for the IWK Children’s Hospital Foundation this year.

Originally scheduled for February as part of the Nova Scotia Lobster Crawl, the event was rescheduled due to winter trail conditions. The March 5k route departed from the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre and followed the Centennial Trail, crossing the LaHave River and showcasing one of the area’s most scenic active transportation corridors.

While the event is an official, timed run, organizer and event presenter Pam Kennedy, owner of Bridgewater Guardian Pharmacy, emphasized that accessibility and fun were the real focus.

“Our goal with the 5k Lobster Crawl is to encourage people to get outside, be active in the winter, and spend time together while supporting a great cause,” said Kennedy. “It’s heartwarming to see such a large, all-ages crowd from across Nova Scotia tackling the 5k at their own pace — as runners, walkers, families with strollers, and even four-legged friends.”

A show of hands at the start line suggested that at least half of participants were first-time Lobster Crawl entrants and first-time visitors to the Centennial Trail.

The event was also a family affair for Alfie, who ran alongside his 14-year-old cousin Mateo Bourque, who crossed the finish line first overall with a time of 18:36. Alfie placed an impressive 29th overall, finishing well ahead of the enthusiastic event mascot, Lucy the Lob’STAR.

“It was an absolutely amazing experience to push myself to run the race, and I’m so happy that we raised $3,060 for the IWK,” said Alfie. Inspired by the event, he plans to continue training for an upcoming August run, when he will compete in the 3k Kids Spartan Race in Ottawa, alongside his mother, Miranda Wimbush, who will be running the 10k.

By the numbers, event organizers reported 150 registered participants, with 118 taking part on race day. Ages ranged from 1 to 83 years, including 23 participants aged 60 and over, and an impressive 21 youth aged 19 and under.

Participants received a custom lobster-shaped finisher medal and post-race refreshments provided by Fresh Cuts Market, with results timed by Route 541. The celebration continued with a post-run social at King Street Beer.

Kennedy credited the event’s success to strong community partnerships, including Steele Auto Group South Shore, Fresh Cuts Market, Bridgewater Triathlon, Route 541, King Street Beer, the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre, with support from Run Nova Scotia and volunteer medical services from St. John Ambulance, in partnership with the Town of Bridgewater.

Planning is already underway for the 2027 5k Lobster Crawl. Those interested in supporting Alfie’s fundraising goal can visit his official IWK fundraising page here.

Media Contacts:
Pam Kennedy Event Presenter,
Bridgewater Guardian Pharmacy
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Donna Hatt Economic Development Officer
Town of Bridgewater
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The Town of Bridgewater, the Municipality of the County of Kings, and Pictou County have jointly announced the launch of the INMC Nova Scotia International Startup Competition, a coordinated initiative that will send three Nova Scotia startups to compete at the International Network of Michelin Cities (INMC) Conference in Cuneo, Italy in October 2026.

The competition brings together Nova Scotia’s three INMC membership holders under a shared “INMC Nova Scotia” approach. By working collaboratively rather than independently, the regions aim to amplify innovation emerging from rural and regional communities and strengthen Nova Scotia’s presence within the global INMC network of 23 international cities

Each region will host its own pitch competition or showcase in Spring 2026. One startup from Bridgewater and the South Shore, one from the Municipality of the County of Kings and the Annapolis Valley, and one from Pictou County will be selected to represent Nova Scotia internationally at INMC Cuneo 2026.

The International Network of Michelin Cities is a global network of communities connected through innovation, economic development, and international collaboration. Participation in INMC Cuneo 2026 will provide selected startups with international exposure, access to global relationships, and opportunities to connect with municipal leaders, ecosystem partners, and fellow innovators from across member regions.

This coordinated effort reflects a shared commitment to positioning Nova Scotia’s innovation ecosystem on the international stage while reinforcing local economic development priorities within each participating region.

Applications for the INMC Nova Scotia International Startup Competition are now open. Regional competitions will take place in April, with final selections made by the end of May. Selected startups will receive founder preparation and international readiness support throughout the summer and fall in advance of the October 2026 conference.

The INMC Nova Scotia International Startup Competition represents a coordinated commitment to international engagement, regional collaboration, and innovation-led economic development across Nova Scotia’s INMC sister regions.

More information, including eligibility criteria and application details, is available at: https://igniteatlantic.com/inmc-ns-pitch-competition-2026/

The former Bridgewater Memorial Arena (BMA) has been undergoing a transformation over the past few years.

Today, the building is home to the Bridgewater Farmers’ Market and the South Shore Players theatre. No longer an arena, the building is in need of a new name that better reflects what the space is now.

We’re inviting you to share your ideas and help shape the next chapter for 123 Empire Street.

Click here to send us your name ideas!

Submissions are open until March 31.

The flag at Town Hall has been lowered to half-mast in recognition of the victims of the recent tragedy in Tumbler Ridge.

We also extend our condolences to the community of Kitigan Zibi Anishinābeg during their time of mourning.

We are deeply saddened by these events, and our thoughts are with the families, friends, and loved ones of those who lost their lives. We, along with communities across Canada, mourn and reflect on the impact of these heartbreaking tragedies.

FEBRUARY 6, 2026, BRIDGEWATER, NS—On February 14^th, from 10 am to 1 pm, join the Town of Bridgewater at 123 Empire Street for the 2026 Frost Fair. Filled with family-friendly activities, including a lobster cookie s’more station, this free event welcomes everyone to warm up to winter, gather with friends and community members, and have fun.

Hosted in honour of the Towns 127^th Birthday, this year’s event includes an open house. The location, 123 Empire Street, is the former Bridgewater Memorial Arena, but is now home to the Bridgewater Farmers’ Market and the South Shore Players Theatre.

“A lot of people in our community still call the space the BMA,” says Donna Hatt, the Town of Bridgewater’s Economic Development Officer. “But the space has been undergoing a transformation over the past few years. It’s being given new life as a community hub.”

For this year’s Frost Fair, the Town has partnered with the two tenants operating within the facility to create a fun day of activities and experiences.

The Bridgewater Farmers’ Market will be hosting a special Valentine’s themed market featuring local makers and creators. There will also be a 360 photobooth presented by Purple Cow. The South Shore Players are inviting guests to tour their new 100 seat performing arts space, and to enjoy a performance by the Lamplighters from 11am to 12pm on the stage.

Outside, visitors can play giant games and then warm up by the fire with lobster-shaped s’mores from Weagles’ Bakery, and complimentary hot chocolate presented by Nova Scotia Power.

Visitors are also invited to help with renaming this facility, by stopping by the Town of Bridgewater’s booth. No longer an arena, the building is in need of a new name that better reflects what the space is now. This will officially kick-off the community engagement program that will run until March 31^st.

Frost Fair is proudly presented by the Town of Bridgwater in partnership with the Bridgewater Farmers’ Market, South Shore Players, Nova Scotia Power, Purple Cow, CKBW / Country 100.7 and is part of Nova Scotia Lobster Crawl.

Rounding out the weekend of festivities is free Family Swimming on February 13th from 4:30pm to 6:30pm at the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre presented by the Town, and Seedy Saturday on February 14th from 10am to 4pm at the DesBrisay Museum. Everyone is invited to enjoy free Bridgewater Transit all weekend too thanks to a generous sponsorship by the Bridgewater Kinsmen Club.

For more information, click here.

A message from Mayor David Mitchell, Board Chair:

On behalf of the Board, it is my pleasure to welcome Jill Rafuse as the new Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Municipal Joint Services Board, Lunenburg Region, effective February 4, 2026.

Jill brings twenty-five (25) years of experience in real property management, project delivery, procurement and occupational health and safety through her federal public service career with Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC).  She holds an MBA, is a Professional Engineer, and is certified as a Project Management Professional.

Jill shared the following message as she prepares to step into her new role:
“I’m eager to meet everyone, learn more about your roles and priorities, and work together to strengthen the services we provide. Thank you in advance for the warm welcome—I look forward to collaborating with all of you.”

We look forward to Jill’s contribution to the MJSB!

Mayor David Mitchell

Board Chair

The Public Service Commission of Bridgewater has agreed to waive interest charges on the current water bills until end of business day November 28th, 2025.Those signed up for pre-authorized payment will still have their accounts debited as scheduled on October 31st, 2025.

The water bills were mailed a little over a week ago, though their delivery may be delayed due to the rotating postal strike.  Please note bills were printed prior to the strike and will not reflect any payments made on or after September 18th, 2025.  Interest will still be charged on overdue balances owing from prior bills.

There are a number of different ways that you can make payment, including visiting Town Hall in person, making a payment at your local financial institution or paying online.  For more details on all payment options, please visit www.bridgewater.ca/payments or call 902-543-4651. As usual, payment options are also detailed on the invoice you will receive in the mail.

Thank you.

WHEREAS on Wrongful Conviction Day (October 2, 2025), we raise awareness of the tremendous personal, social and legal costs associated with wrongful criminal convictions.

It is important to note that a person’ s fundamental rights and freedoms are taken away from them when they are wrongfully convicted.

Wrongful Conviction Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about those who have been wrongfully convicted and to educate people on the causes, consequences and complications that lead to wrongful convictions, in the hopes of preventing them from occurring.

The Town of Bridgewater acknowledges with gratitude organizations and individuals who work hard to overturn false convictions and ensure the wrongly convicted can receive the justice they rightfully deserve.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Mayor David Mitchell, on behalf of Bridgewater Town Council, do hereby proclaim October 2, 2025, as “Wrongful Conviction Day” in the Town of Bridgewater.

Signed this 22nd day of September 2025, at Bridgewater, in the County of Lunenburg, in the Province of Nova Scotia.

-- From the Regular Meeting of Bridgewater Town Council
Monday, September 22, 2025

The Province of Nova Scotia has announced as of late this afternoon that the Woods Restrictions have been lifted in Lunenburg County as of 4 p.m. on September 18.

As this information was not provided in advance to municipalities, the Town of Bridgewater is asking our residents for patience over the next couple of days as our Parks staff conduct required inspections of trails and parklands that have been closed since the restrictions were introduced. Inspections will begin early on Friday morning.

Residents can expect that barricades will remain in place at parks and trails until inspections have been completed.

Once areas have been inspected and deemed safe for use, barricades and signage will be removed location by location, indicating that the area is once again open to public use.

Again, we ask you to be patient for another day or two as inspections take place and to continue to respect any barricaded and signed trails and parkland out of an abundance of caution and concern for your safety.

BRIDGEWATER, NS - Following the phenomenal success of the Parade of Paddlers on the LaHave (Pijinuiskaq) River in 2024 in honour of Bridgewater's 125^th anniversary, Canoe Kayak Nova Scotia (CKNS), Cape LaHave Adventures and the Town of Bridgewater are pleased to announce the event will return in 2025, expanding to become the Pijinuiskaq Paddle Festival, a two-day event, September 20 and 21, 2025.

The very vibrant and eye-catching Parade of Paddlers, which attracted 170 paddlers last year, will take place once again, this time on Sunday, September 21, beginning at 11 a.m.

Honouring the areas ancestral and cultural connection to the LaHave River, the event name continues to reflect the traditional Mi’kmaq name for the LaHave River, Pijinuiskaq, meaning having long joints or branches.

The mass paddle event starts and ends at Shipyards Landing, along the west bank of the river, with the paddle route travelling northward through the heart of downtown Bridgewater and under the two bridges before turning back. The route is a gentle paddle and about 2 kilometres in length.

The Parade of Paddlers is open to everyone, residents and visitors alike – registration is required, but the event is FREE to join. Participants need to bring along their own canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard and safety equipment, however rentals can be pre-arranged.

Among the boats participating again this year will the be the 10-person “Big Canoes” thanks to the continued partnership between CKNS and the South Shore Multicultural Association.

New for this year is the addition of paddling clinics, which will take place on Saturday, September 20. Nearly 60 spots are available within Beginner Stand-Up Paddleboarding and Kayaking, Rescue clinics, Basics of Adaptive Paddling, Greenland roll training and more. There is a $20 fee to participate in the workshops.

The clinics are coordinated and offered through event partner, Cape LaHave Adventures in Dublin Shore. Co-owner Sarah Hrdlicka says they are excited to be a part of the event and its growth.

“We're looking forward to hosting and helping more people access our ocean playground and learn skills that enable them to stay safe and enjoy our beautiful backyard, including the LaHave River and the LaHave Islands archipelago,” she said.

Brian Crooks, Board Member with Canoe Kayak Nova Scotia and member of the planning committee says the Pijinuiskaq Paddle Festival embodies the core mission of CKNS, to foster safe, inclusive, and environmentally responsible paddling across Nova Scotia.

“Through this event, we are proudly bringing people together to enjoy the scenic LaHave River as we strengthen the paddling culture in Bridgewater and along the South Shore,” he said. 

With an eye toward showcasing how paddling can unite people in celebration of nature, heritage, and accessibility, Bridgewater’s Mayor David Mitchell said he’s thrilled to welcome back the Pijinuiskaq Parade of Paddlers and the expanded program for the community.

“The LaHave River is our Town’s most beautiful natural resource and seeing more than 170 paddlers on the river last year was magical.” he said.

“This event is a fantastic legacy stemming from the Town’s 125th anniversary celebrations last year, and we couldn’t be more enthusiastic to see this type of activation of our waterway here in the heart of the LaHave River Valley,” Mayor Mitchell added.

While the group paddle itself is fun and meaningful for paddlers, it’s fun for spectators too. On the day of the paddle, the public is invited to meet and mingle among the participants Shipyards Landing from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. as they prepare to depart and organizers suggest Pijinuiskaq Park in downtown Bridgewater is perfect for watching the boats on the water pass through Town.

The Pijinuiskaq Paddle Festival intertwines within Bridgewater’s Harvest Moon Music Festival on September 19 and 20, and the 2025 Nova Scotia 55+ Games which takes place the same week. Organizers hope paddlers will plan to incorporate these events during their visit.

Presented by CKNS and Cape LaHave Adventures in partnership with the Town of Bridgewater, the Festival is supported by Paddle Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia through the Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage.

For more information and to register for the 2025 Pijinuiskaq Paddle Festival as a participant or a leader, or to register for one of the workshops visit https://ckns.ca/pijinuiskaq-paddle-fest-2025/ or explorebridgewater.ca.