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.

Multicultural Festival, Family Fun, Food and More! 

JUNE 26, 2026, BRIDGEWATER, NS — Canada Day festivities are returning to Downtown Bridgewater this year, with a full day of programming that offers something for locals and visitors of all ages to enjoy. Running from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on July 1st, the day is jampacked with live music, activities for all-ages, a special Kids Zone, street market, food truck party and lots more. 

New this year will be a community picnic taking place on the Old Bridge, which will be closed to traffic along with a section of King Street, for the full day. Picnic tables will span the bridge, and visitors are invited to bring a packed lunch, or stop by one of the many food trucks that will be onsite. 

“We are always looking for new, fun ways to bring our community together,” said Donna Hatt, the Town’s Economic Development Manager. “On top of all the amazing things we have scheduled for the day, we wanted to offer a chance to slow down, have a chat and maybe even make a new friend or two.”

A major highlight of the day will be the South Shore Multicultural Association’s 13th annual Multicultural Festival taking place from 10:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Pijinuiskaq Park.

“We’re lucky to have such a vibrant community here on the South Shore, and Canada Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our diversity,” said Bridgewater Town Councillor and Events Committee Chair, Cheryl Fougere. “The South Shore Multicultural Association has put together a fantastic lineup of performers and will also be hosting an array of activities, including henna and chalk artists and face painting by the South Shore Waldorf School.”

With everything from intricate dancing by the Nova Scotia Chinese Culture & Arts Club, and booming rhythms of the Lunenburg Tharangam Chenda Group, to the young voices of the Three Wishes Youth Band, downtown Bridgewater will be alive with music and sound.

There will be many activities for kids and families, including bouncy castles, face painting, a 70’ obstacle course, fun with firetrucks (with the Bridgewater Fire Department) and lots more. Expanding past Downtown, there will be a free swim at the Michelin Bridgewater Outdoor Pool from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and a free screening of the movie GOAT, at HB Studios beginning at 5 p.m.

The official opening ceremonies will take place at 1 p.m. with a performance of the Mi’kmaq Honour Song, greetings from local officials and the Town of Bridgewater’s Built Heritage Recognition Awards. Afterwards, attendees can enjoy a walkabout to the featured Downtown buildings.

To make joining the festivities easy, Bridgewater Transit will be free and run from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. For those with vehicles, free parking is available at the South Shore Centre.

Inclement weather won’t ruin the fun. If poor weather is on the way, the festivities will move to an indoor location, with the decision being announced on Monday, June 29th.

To learn more, see a map of events and plan your day, visit Bridgewater.ca/Canada 

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Media Contacts:

Donna Hatt 
Economic Development Manager, Town of Bridgewater 
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
902-530-4099

Bronwyn MacFair 
Communications & Public Relations Officer, Town of Bridgewater 
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
(902) 930-1382

Riverview Park will be closed temporarily from 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 16, until 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17 to allow treatment of the Hemlock trees with a Health Canada approved pesticide. This is part of our efforts to combat the invasive Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA). Signage will be posted at the park entrances accordingly.

This work is being completed by Medway Community Forest Cooperative on behalf of the Town of Bridgewater.

About the Treatment:

The pesticide being used is approved for use by Health Canada and is safe to use. However, out of an abundance of caution, we are asking the public to abide by this closure notice and to stay out of the park during the entirety of the closure period.

Treatment will also be taking place on June 17 at Kinsmen Field, Generations Active and Ballfield, and the Centennial Trail; however, these locations will not require closures.

The Town of Bridgewater apologizes for any inconvenience caused by this closure and we thank you for doing your part in helping us save our community's Hemlock trees.

For more information on HWA and the Hemlock Conservation Project, please visit www.bridgewater.ca/HWA.

Update from Bridgewater Police Service [4:15 p.m.]

The structure fire on King Street remains active and is contained to two residential buildings. Crews are applying water to a nearby third building to prevent fire spread.

Bridgewater Fire Department, with support from multiple mutual aid partners, continues to respond. Bridgewater Police Service is also on scene assisting with public safety and traffic management.

No casualties or injuries have been reported. One resident remains unaccounted for.

For public safety, the following road closures are currently in effect and are expected to remain in place for at least 24 hours:

- King Street from Dufferin Street to Crescent Street

- Maple Street from King Street to Prince Street

The bus will continue to divert until King Street is reopened.

Impacted residents are asked to contact the Canadian Red Cross at 1-800-222-9597.

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Update from Bridgewater Police Service [12:30 p.m.]

Please be advised there is an active structure fire on King Street in Bridgewater, NS, and emergency services are on scene. Please avoid the area of King street between Dufferin street and Shipyards Landing, as roads have been closed to allow the Fire Departments and other agencies the space to conduct their duties.

Updates on traffic will be provided when available. Thank you for your understanding.

Bridgewater Town Council is considering amendments to the Land Use By-law to amend the definition of "Office" to add naturopaths to the list of health practitioners who may operate office-based practices. If approved by Council, this amendment would permit naturopathic practices in all zones throughout the Town where offices are currently permitted, including commercial, institutional, and residential zones that allow office uses.

A Public Hearing will be held by Council at 6:00 p.m. on June 22, 2026 in Council Chambers at Town Hall (60 Pleasant St, Bridgewater), at which time oral presentations and written submissions concerning the proposed amendments will be considered. This is the final opportunity for public input.

A copy of the proposed amendments may be obtained from the Community Development Department. For more information about the proposed amendments, contact Planner, Sarah Ravlic at 902-521-8417 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.bridgewater.ca/DA for more information.

The Public Service Commission of Bridgewater (PSCB) wishes to advise its water service customers that watermains will be flushed in the Town of Bridgewater from May 3 to May 21. Flushing will take place between 1 p.m. and 12 midnight based on the schedule that follows below.

Water customers are reminded that some loss of pressure and discolouration of water may be experienced during the flushing. The PSCB and the Town apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Customers are also reminded that domestic hot water tanks should be flushed annually, and main water valves in basements should be turned off when flushing is being undertaken in your area.

If you have any questions, please contact the Engineering Department at (902) 541-4370.

FLUSHING SCHEDULE

May 3, 5 and 6 >>> All streets on the west side of LaHave River, north of Dufferin Street, but not including Dufferin Street.

May 7 >>> All streets between Dufferin Street and Jubilee Road, including Dufferin Street, but not including Jubilee Road.

May 12 >>> All streets south of and including Jubilee Road, and west to but not including DesBrisay Drive.

May 13, 14 and 19 >>> East side of LaHave River starting at Chapel Hill Road, flushing all streets westerly to LaHave Street.

May 20 >>> "Pressure zone" on east side of LaHave River, which includes Winter Street, Winburn Avenue above Glen Sarty Drive, Pine Grove Road, New Pine Grove Road, and Highway 10 between Highway 103 and Champlain Drive.

May 21 >>> "Pressure zone" Dufferin Street Booster Station on west side of LaHave River which includes Pinecrest Subdivisions (DesBrisay, Olympiad, Sunset, Pinecrest, Cherry), Westmount Heights Subdivision (Atlantic, Westmount, Centennial, Micmac) and the upper end of Jubilee Road (from DesBrisay Dr. to Route 3).

Please note that due to weather and water storage conditions, there may be some deviation from the above schedule