Town approves 2025-2025 Operating and Capital budgets

Bridgewater Town Council passed its 2025-2026 Capital and Operating Budget on Monday, March 31, 2025, with no increase in property tax rates for residential or commercial owners in the community.

Total budgeted operating expenses for the coming year will amount to just shy of $34 million, an increase of approximately $1.95 million over the previous year's budget. On the capital side of the ledger, Bridgewater's new capital expenditures are budgeted to total $16.9 million and there are $28.9 million in carry forward project expenses.

"For Bridgewater, it's no secret that we have a massive infrastructure renewal program taking place over the next decade," Mayor David Mitchell said. "This will mean Bridgewater's Capital Budget is higher than we have ever seen before - but without it we cannot grow, and we cannot continue to attract new jobs, industry, doctors, and families."

It will also be a very busy year for roadwork with close to $3 million earmarked for road improvement projects, the mayor added, noting, "I think we can all agree it is needed."

"Municipal budgets are never easy. Unlike provincial or federal governments, we cannot run a deficit and, so, our operating budgets must balance," Mayor Mitchell explained. "We will continue to seek out partnerships and other sources of funding for the projects we have ahead. We have great relationships with our provincial and federal colleagues and, as a community, Bridgewater has demonstrated time and again that our contributions to the Nova Scotia economy are not insignificant. We are an important part of this province and of Canada and they see that."

BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS

► Residential tax rate remains at $1.85 per $100 of assessment.

► Commercial tax rate remains at $4.07 per $100 of assessment.

► The commitment toward capital projects this year includes:

- A total of $11.1 million will be invested in wastewater infrastructure to support residential and business growth and development. Ongoing investment in wastewater infrastructure will also have a positive impact on the environment and the health of the LaHave River.

- A total of $2.85 million is being invested in road-related upgrades, including paving projects on St. Phillips Street, Empire Street, and pavement renewal projects throughout Bridgewater that will take place later this summer. A project to add a longer right-hand turning late from north LaHave Street on the approach to Veterans Memorial Bridge will take place while the Province of Nova Scotia completes upgrades to the bridge's decking later this year.

- A total of $160,000 is also earmarked for sidewalk upgrades, an increase of $20,000 over last year.

- Ongoing investment in infrastructure, services work, and the development of a land sales marketing strategy and concept plan for the Exit 12A Bridgewater Business Park lands.

► The Town's commitment to core services and strategic priorities remains strong, including allocations for Fire Protection ($1.8 million), Bridgewater Police Service ($4.67 million net), and the Lunenburg County Regional Emergency Management Organization ($49,000).

► Council is also investing in several initiatives designed to enhance quality of life in the community and Bridgewater's profile as a desirable destination:

- Roughly $158,000 will once again be going toward a park preservation project, designed to safeguard Bridgewater's parkland trees against the invasive Hemlock Woolly Adelgid.

- The Town is investing $2.7 million total in recreation facilities, including the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre, the O'Regan's Subaru Outdoor Swimming Pool, and the community's wealth of parks, playgrounds, and trail networks.

- More than $1.4 million is being invested in reducing energy poverty through Energize Bridgewater programs.

- Bridgewater is investing more than $106,000 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.

- The Town is providing $70,000 in funding to its Low-Income Property Tax Exemption program; $25,000 to ProKids and a new ProFund to support adults facing financial barriers who are seeking to access activities; $45,000 to local non-profits through the Grants to Organizations program; and $123,000 in support of qualified tax-exempt properties owned by non-profit organizations.

Interim tax bills will be mailed in April and will come due by Friday, May 30. Final tax bills will be mailed in August and come due on Monday, September 29.

Budget information, including the complete operating and capital budgets, is available to download and view at www.bridgewater.ca/budget25.