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.

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 

-30-

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.