Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, October 16, 2026 – Bridgewater's representative at the 2026 International Network of Michelin Cities (INMC) Startup Pitch Competition in Italy has captured first place. Petite Rivière Farming Company Ltd, a startup company based in Conquerall Mills, Lunenburg County, took the top prize among 12 competing businesses, earning €5,000, international networking opportunities, and valuable market exposure.

Founder and CEO Gregg Curwin, along with members of his team, attended the INMC Conference in Cuneo, Italy, from October 5 to 8 as representatives of the Town of Bridgewater. Bridgewater is a founding member of the INMC (2017) and a signatory to the organization's Corridor of Incubators initiative (2024), which coordinated the international pitch competition.

Petite Rivière Farming Company Ltd specializes in growing broccoli sprouts in a carefully controlled greenhouse environment and produces their freeze-dried broccoli sprout powder, marketed and sold under the name PurPhane® through their consumer-facing brand GoMicro. PurPhane® contains sulforaphane, the naturally occurring compound found in broccoli sprouts. The research surrounding its potential role in supporting cellular health and various other aspects of human health. Employing a combination of traditional farming practices with innovative agricultural techniques, they’ve distinguished themselves in the marketplace and attracted significant, promising, attention.

(Photo: Petite Riviere Farming Company Ltd (PRFC) accepting their 1st Place prize at the INMC Startup Pitch Competition, Cuneo, Italy. © 2026 Leonie Bechtold Fotografie. Pictured l-r: Bridgewater’s Deputy Mayor, Jennifer MacDonald, PRFC representatives Gary Ramey, Tracy Curwin, Gregg Curwin, Stefan Ramey, and Bridgewater’s Mayor, David Mitchell)

Bridgewater Mayor David Mitchell said the Town was proud to showcase the company on an international stage.

"As a founding member of the INMC, we welcomed the opportunity to showcase such an impressive rural-based company as our representative for this competition," said Mitchell. "Their commitment to developing and growing this business in our region while employing local Lunenburg County talent makes this achievement even more meaningful for our community. This recognition demonstrates that innovation, entrepreneurship, and startup growth are thriving in Bridgewater and the surrounding area. We couldn't be prouder."

Curwin said he is grateful for the opportunity created by the Town and for the support it has provided throughout the company's journey over the past year.

"We were not aware of the INMC or the Town's involvement until we were encouraged to participate in the local pitch competition last April," said Curwin. "We were humbled to be selected to advance to the international competition in Italy."
Reflecting on the victory, Curwin said competing against such a diverse group of startups from Canada and Europe was an incredible experience.

"Startups like ours in rural Nova Scotia benefit tremendously from the support and advocacy of local municipalities," he said. "I've chosen to develop my company here, and our expansion plans will leverage the new contacts and exposure gained through this competition."

The 2026 Startup Pitch Competition featured 12 companies that had each won regional competitions in their respective INMC member cities. The competitors represented 10 cities across five countries, including three companies from Nova Scotia.

In partnership with Ignite Atlantic, the Town of Bridgewater, the Municipality of the County of Kings, and Pictou County hosted regional pitch competitions in April to determine their representatives for the international event. Bridgewater's Petite Rivière Farming Company Ltd was joined by Bioteem40 from Kings County and Micro Garden / Bramble Hill Farm from Pictou County.

Returning from the conference, Mayor Mitchell said the experience reinforced the value of Bridgewater's participation in the INMC.
"Building valuable international connections and increasing awareness of Bridgewater's entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem helps attract new businesses, encourage investment, and create new market opportunities for existing companies," he said. "We look forward to building on the foundation we've established for the benefit of our business community."

The International Network of Michelin Cities is a global network of 23 member cities and regions connected through their industrial and cultural ties to Michelin. Founded in 2017 at the initiative of the Mayor of Clermont-Ferrand, France, home to Michelin's global headquarters, the network promotes collaboration, innovation, and economic development among member communities.

Recognizing the value of these international relationships, Mayor Mitchell and Bridgewater Town Council joined as founding members. Since its inception, Bridgewater has continued to serve on the organization's executive board.

In 2024, during the biannual conference in Anderson, South Carolina, the Corridor of Incubators was launched to support startup business growth and collaboration among INMC member cities. Bridgewater became one of the original signatories to the initiative's Memorandum of Understanding.

At the 2026 conference, the Town, along with nine cities and business incubators, including Ignite Atlantic, renewed its commitment to the program for another two years. The initiative helps startups access local innovation ecosystems and resources as they grow and expand into new markets.

Donna Hatt, Economic Development Manager for the Town of Bridgewater, serves as the Town's representative on the Corridor of Incubators team and co-hosted the 2026 Pitch Competition on behalf of the Corridor members and the INMC.

The INMC hosts a conference every two years in a different member city, creating opportunities for members to exchange ideas, share best practices, build business relationships, and showcase their communities on an international stage.

Media Contact:
Town of Bridgewater
Donna Hatt, Economic Development Manager
902.930.21056
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Background:

Learn more about International Network of Michelin Cities:
https://inmc21.com/
Learn more about Petite Rivière Farming Company Ltd (GoMicro.ca):
https://www.petiterivierefarm.ca/
https://gomicro.ca/
October 15 interview with CBC: https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.7382293

Town of Bridgewater INMC Membership
Oct 22, 2024: Bridgewater hosts launch of Michelin Cities Business Incubators Agreement
https://www.bridgewater.ca/news-events/latest-news/3441-bridgewater-hosts-launch-of-michelin-cities-business-incubators-agreement

March 2026: Nova Scotia Launches INMC International Startup Competition for Cuneo 2026
https://www.bridgewater.ca/news-events/latest-news/3636-nova-scotia-launches-inmc-international-startup-competition-for-cuneo-2026

WHEREAS poverty remains a significant challenge affecting individuals, families, and communities locally and around the world, which limits access to basic needs, opportunities, and the resources necessary for living in security and dignity; and

WHEREAS the United Nations has declared October 17th as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, observed annually around the world to recognize the resilience and strength of those living in poverty and affirms the theme – housing, home and the right to inhabit the Earth; and

WHEREAS communities thrive when all residents have access to adequate housing, nutritious food, quality education, healthcare, employment opportunities, and social supports; and

WHEREAS eradicating poverty requires collective action and collaboration among governments, organizations, businesses, and citizens to address the economic, social, and political systems that perpetuate inequality, which emphasizes the need for inclusive policies that uplift marginalized communities and ensures equal opportunities for all; and

WHEREAS child poverty rates are an indicator of broader economic hardship, exceeding 30% in parts of Lunenburg County; and

WHEREAS the Town of Bridgewater is committed to fostering a caring, inclusive, and sustainable community that supports the well-being of all residents and works toward reducing barriers that contribute to poverty and social exclusion;

NOW THEREFORE, I, Mayor David Mitchell, on behalf of Bridgewater Town Council, do hereby proclaim October 17, 2026, as the

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

in the Town of Bridgewater and encourage all residents to recognize this day by learning about the impacts of poverty, supporting local initiatives that assist those in need, and working together to build a more equitable and compassionate community.

Dated  this 13th  day of October, 2026
at Bridgewater, Lunenburg County
Nova Scotia.

WHEREAS October 15th is recognized worldwide and in other regions of Canada as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day, to symbolize our support of Nova Scotia’s Bill 179, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Act; and

WHEREAS each Day in Canada, 5 babies die within their first year and 8 babies are stillborn; as many as 1 in 5 pregnancies end in miscarriage, one family in Nova Scotia per day experience the pain of losing a child as a result of miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal loss; and

WHEREAS there is a need to develop a greater awareness and understanding about the causes of pregnancy and infant loss so we can improve the healthcare provided for pregnant mothers and their babies; and

WHEREAS the existence of babies and infants deserves to be recognized; and

WHEREAS increased awareness of the causes and impacts surrounding pregnancy and infant loss may lead to greater understanding, support and resources in communities across Nova Scotia; and

WHEREAS this declaration acknowledges the unique grief of bereaved parents and demonstrates support to the many families across Canada who have suffered a loss through miscarriage, medical termination, stillbirth or the death of their infant during delivery or shortly after birth; and

WHEREAS promoting awareness of pregnancy and infant loss increases the likelihood that these families will receive understanding and support as they face the challenges of their distinctive bereavement; and

WHEREAS a day of remembrance honours the lives of the children, and supports grieving parents, grandparents, siblings, and other family members whose lives are forever altered by the heartbreak of losing a child; and

WHEREAS such activities emphasize the Town’s commitment to supporting sensitivity and encouragement to bring this cause to light; and

WHEREAS the Day is observed with remembrance ceremonies and candle-light vigils, concluding with the International Wave of Light, a worldwide lighting of candles at 7:00 p.m.; and

WHEREAS the Town of Bridgewater wishes to recognize the profound grief experienced by families who lose a baby.

THEREFORE, be it resolved that I, Mayor David MITCHELL, on behalf of Town of Bridgewater Council, do hereby declare the day of October 15th as

PREGNANCY AND INFANT LOSS AWARENESS DAY

In the Town of Bridgewater.

Dated this 13th day of October, 2026
at Bridgewater, Lunenburg County
Nova Scotia.

WHEREAS on Wrongful Conviction Day (October 2), 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, be it resolved that I, Mayor David Mitchell, on behalf of Town of Bridgewater Council, do hereby proclaim the day of October 2nd as "Wrongful Conviction Day" In the Town of Bridgewater.

Dated this 28th day of September, 2026
at Bridgewater, Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia.

Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.

This federal statutory holiday was created through legislative amendments made by Parliament. Both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day take place on September 30.

Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day intended to raise awareness of the individual, family and community inter-generational impacts of residential schools, and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters”. The orange shirt is a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.
On September 30, we encourage all Canadians to wear orange to honour the thousands of Survivors of residential schools.
For more information, visit https://www.canada.ca/.../national-day-truth...

Local Events:

Truth and Reconciliation Day Mawio’mi, September 30, 11a.m. – 4 p.m.

As a community, the Town of Bridgewater invites you to join us as we gather with members of Wasoqopa'q First Nation for their 2026 Truth and Reconciliation Day Mawio’mi taking place at the Hank Snow Home Town Museum grounds in Liverpool. The event will open with a prayer, an honour song, greetings, stories, and cultural sharing, and be followed by presentations from singers, drummers, dancers, knowledge sharers as well as activities, and community celebrations. Everyone is welcomed.
On behalf of our community, we have extended support to the event and have arranged for accessible transportation through Lunenburg County Wheels to help community members from Bridgewater attend the event. Please reach out to us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to reserve a space for free transportation to and from the event. Spaces are limited and available on a first come first served basis The deadline to sign up for free transportation is this Thursday, September 24. Departure/return times and location will be confirmed with participants.

Mi’kmaq History Month at the DesBrisay Museum

Explore, discover and reflect on the rich history and culture of the Mi’kmaq people here in our community along the edge of Pijinuiskaq (LaHave River) in Mi’kma’ki. Among the many exhibits is the world-famous, historic Mi’kmaw hooded porcupine quill cradle. Created in 1868 by renowned Mi'kmaw artist Christianne Morris, this masterpiece is widely recognized as the largest surviving piece of Mi'kmaw quillwork in existence. The Museum is open Tuesday – Saturday, 1pm – 5pm, closed September 30.
We invite you to learn more about Mi’kmaw History Month at https://mikmaqhistorymonth.ca/
South Shore Public Libraries Truth and Reconciliation Events:

Reconciliation Reads on September 26, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Participants will discuss 52 Ways to Reconcile by David A. Robertson and contribute their own learnings and actions to ReconciliACTION posters. This event is also taking place in other locations around the South Shore: Chester at 10am, Greenfield at 10am, Lunenburg at10:30am and Liverpool at 2pm.

Every Child Matters Story Time is taking place at the Margaret Hennigar Public Library in Bridgewater on September 29, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

This will be a special story time program recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and honouring the experiences of residential school survivors.

Our friends at South Shore Public Libraries also have some great suggestions for further reading on Truth and Reconciliation, including titles such as:

• 52 Ways to Reconcile by David A Robertson
• The Reconciliation Manifesto by Arthur Manuel
• 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act by Bob Joseph

Service Notes for September 30:

The Town of Bridgewater’s public offices, including Town Hall, will be closed to the public on Tuesday, September 30.

Bridgewater Transit will run reduced hours from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Waste collection will take place as usual.

The Town of Bridgewater is pleased to announce that a temporary pedestrian bridge will be installed at the Veinot Bridge site on King Street, allowing the section of road to re-open to two-way traffic.

Following severe flooding in 2023, the pedestrian portion of the Veinot Bridge was deemed unsafe for use. To maintain access through the area, one lane was closed and temporary traffic lights were installed pending the permanent replacement of the bridge.

Due to the significant cost involved, installing a temporary pedestrian bridge was not initially feasible. Through a new agreement with the Province, a temporary pedestrian crossing can now move forward while plans for the permanent bridge replacement continue. The Province has advised that full replacement of the Veinot Bridge is expected to begin next year.

“We know this has had a significant impact on our residents, and we’ve been working diligently since the bridge was damaged to find the best possible solution given all the challenges involved,” said Mayor David Mitchell. "We appreciate the Province's partnership in helping us improve access while work continues towards the bridge's long-term replacement.”

To allow the work to be completed safely, the Veinot Bridge area will be fully closed to both vehicles and pedestrians from September 14 to October 2, 2026, at which point that section of King Street will reopen to two-way traffic.

A detour will be in place throughout the closure period. Motorists will be directed up Victoria Street, across York Street and down Starr Street.

Bridgewater Transit will also be detouring around the construction area, and Stop #4 will be temporarily closed. Transit users can track the live location of the bus on the Town’s website.

The Town is also working closely with the South Shore Regional Centre for Education to minimize impacts on students and families during the closure period. Staff are also coordinating with local businesses to help reduce disruption and ensure continued access to services in the area.

More information can be found at Bridgewater.ca/Roads. Further updates will be shared on the Town’s website, social media channels, and in the Town’s email newsletter at Bridgewater.ca/Post.

The Town thanks residents, businesses, and commuters for their patience and cooperation throughout this work.

Weather permitting, on Thursday September 10, Town of Bridgewater staff will be overseeing some "smoke testing" on Dufferin Street.

Please use caution and watch for staff carrying out this work when travelling in these areas on Friday.

What is Smoke Testing?

First thing’s first – it’s not really smoke.

During testing, a non-toxic, light gray, artificially created “smoke” – like a fog machine at a concert – is blown into access points (manholes) in the wastewater system.

Smoke testing is a method used to find potential leaks and deficiencies within the wastewater system, such as cracks and breaks, which would not otherwise be easily located without more intrusive and costly investigations, like excavation.

Plumes coming from plumbing vents and manhole rims during testing is normal. Plumes located in other areas can indicate defects and will be noted and photographed.

While not harmful to humans, pets, plants, it can be irritating to folks with respiratory issues.

If you see testing taking place near a manhole and you have respiratory problems, you may wish to avoid travelling through the area.

In some cases, you may see smoke test crews walking around the perimeter of your house or yard looking for smoke exiting the sewer system.

When this type of work is carried out, if you are home and happen to notice any unexpected smoke inside or outside your home, you can notify a member of the test team in the area if you see them, or you can call 902-541-4370 to report any issue.

New Multisensory Exhibit Opens at the DesBrisay Museum 
Powered by Water: Stories of the Wile Carding Mill 

AUGUST 27, 2026, BRIDGEWATER, NS — The DesBrisay Museum welcomes visitors to experience their latest exhibit, Powered by Water: Stories of the Wile Carding Mill. Designed for curious minds of all ages, the exhibition tells the story of water-powered industry along what is now known as Wile Brook. It sheds light on the once prosperous industrial hub, formerly known as Sebastopol, where water-driven wheels fueled a local industrial revolution in Victorian-era Bridgewater. 

Exploring the history of wool production in the area, visitors will learn about the significance of the carding machines that revolutionized the domestic textile industry in the 1860s. With stories of the rigorous labour performed by the Mill’s female staff, and the role children held in sourcing materials, visitors will gain an understanding of what life was like for workers at the Wile Carding Mill, how they left their mark on the building and how the Mill changed the local community. 

With opportunities for hands-on learning and accompanied by the sounds and smells of mill, the exhibit is arranged around a central projection of the Wile Carding Mill water wheel in motion. On Thursdays and Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., visitors can also see  livedemonstrations of wool carding and spinning by the museum’s heritage interpreter, and try their hand at these traditional skills, themselves. 

“We’re proud of how we’ve been able to bring this exhibit to life, and the way it allows visitors to engage in multiple ways,” said DesBrisay Museum Coordinator, Jillian Barteaux. “We hope this exhibit will help visitors connect with past and will help foster a deeper understanding of the Wile Carding Mill, the role that women played, and the significance to the historical economy.” 

Powered by Water: Stories of the Wile Carding Mill is on now and will be on view until Sept.19th, 2026. The exhibit is open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and is located inside the DesBrisay Museum at 130 Jubilee Road in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia. The museum is free year-round, with donations gratefully accepted. 

Free parking is available onsite, and the museum can also be accessed by bus, with a Bridgewater Transit stop located just outside. Bike racks are available near the main doors. The DesBrisay Museum is wheelchair accessible, and is a designated senior-friendly facility. For information on accessibility and the sensory elements of the exhibit, please contact the museum at 902-543-4033, or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Powered by Water: Stories of the Wile Carding Mill was created by the DesBrisay Museum with the support of Nova Scotia Museums. For more information, please visit www.DesBrisayMuseum.ca 

The Town of Bridgewater offers a low-income property tax exemption application for those whose household income is $35,000 per year or less.

Applications are available at Town Hall or you can download one by visiting For more information and to download an application form, click here. Paper forms are also available at the Bridgewater Town Hall front desk. Forms should be submitted by August 31 to apply for the current fiscal year.

The flag at Bridgewater Town Hall is flying at half-mast in memory of the Honourable John Hamm, former Premier of Nova Scotia, who passed away on July 13 at the age of 88.

A physician from Pictou County and an Officer of the Order of Canada, Dr. Hamm served Nova Scotians through both medicine and public office. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and those affected by his passing.

Residents and contractors in our region now have a simpler way to apply for building and development permits. The District of Lunenburg, Region of Queens, the Town of Bridgewater and the Town of Lunenburg have partnered to launch a shared online permit portal that can be accessed directly through each municipality’s website, starting on July 13, 2026.

With one account, users can apply for permits, upload documents or photos, and track their application status in real time. The new portal is designed to make the permitting process faster and more convenient, especially for contractors and tradespeople who are often working on multiple job sites across multiple municipalities.

Paper forms and in-person service will continue to be available for anyone who prefers them.

Coffee & Create Your Account Sessions 

To help people get started, staff will be hosting “Coffee & Create Your Account” sessions at local hardware stores. Contractors and residents can stop by for a coffee and receive quick, friendly help setting up their account on the new portal. Building officials will also be on hand to answer any questions!

Schedule

• July 14 – Brady's Home Building Centre, Liverpool (7 a.m.)

• July 15 – Buck's Home Building Centre, Cookville (7 a.m.)

• July 16 – Mary Lake Home Hardware, Caledonia (8 a.m.)

• July 17 – Castle Building Centre, Blockhouse (7 a.m.)

For more information on permit applications in the Town of Bridgewater, click here.

To log in or create a new account on the portal, click here.

GENERATIONS ACTIVE PARK PLAY AREA

A Design Build contract has been awarded to build an inclusive playground and splashpad at Generations Active Play Area. Your feedback will help shape the new park features by gathering your ideas and preferences. This quick survey (only takes 5 minutes!) gives you a chance to tell us what you'd like to see – we look forward to hearing from everyone!

About this Project
The Town of Bridgewater is looking to build an inclusive playground, splashpad and central pavilion (accessible washrooms) at Generations Active Park on Glen Allan Drive. This project aims to create a welcoming, safe, and engaging play space that meets the needs of all ages and abilities.

Send us your thoughts and feedback! Click here to fill out our online survey.