Last night, Bridgewater Town Council approved proposed changes to the Town's Vending Bylaw. Whether you're operating a food truck, hosting a yoga class, or something else entirely, anyone wishing to operate as a vendor on Town of Bridgewater lands will now have more choice than ever as the Vending Bylaw will be amended to allow vending at any park or recreation facility in Town.

With the expanded list, vendors will be able to book Tannery Park, Generations Active Park, Glen Allan Park Glenwood Mill Park, and others for vending. Visit the Explore Bridgewater website to see all the parks that can be used for vending: https://www.explorebridgewater.ca/parks-green-spaces-and-playgrounds

If you have any questions regarding vending permits, please contact the Recreation office at (902) 543-2274 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

⛵️ REMINDER RE: SHIPYARDS LANDING
Work continues on the pump station and forcemain upgrade project at Shipyards Landing. Due to that work, the Town will not be taking any event bookings for the bandstand/gazebo and adjacent lands at that site this summer, nor will the Town be issuing vending permits for that location. We apologize for any inconvenience and ask for your understanding as this important project continues.

Access to the boat launch for those looking to put watercraft in the river may be possible, particularly on evenings and weekends, however we ask boaters to understand that access to the launch cannot be fully guaranteed at all times because of the nature of the work. Boaters may wish to consider using the nearby municipal launch in Dayspring as an alternative.

? DID YOU KNOW?
>>> Town of Bridgewater 2021-2022 Grants

The Town of Bridgewater wishes to advise its residents, as is required by Section 65 (c) of the Municipal Government Act, that the following grants were issued for the year April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022:

Bluenose Shuffleboard Club -- $1,000

Bridgewater Baseball Association -- $1,000

Bridgewater Curling Club -- $3,300

Bridgewater Farmers Market Association -- $1,000

Bridgewater Figure Skating Club -- $1,275

Bridgewater Interchurch Food Bank -- $1,000

Bridgewater Tennis Club -- $1,000

DMC Boxing Club -- $2,275

Flourish 55+ Healthy Activity Centre -- $2,775

Kinship Performing Arts Centre -- $1,000

LC Judo Club -- $1,000

Lunenburg County Hikers -- $1,025

Park View Grad Event - The Lewis Foundation -- $1,500

Sea Hawks Minor Football Club -- $1,000

Society of Saint Vincent Paul -- $1,525

South Shore Fieldhouse Society -- $2,775

South Shore Pipers and Drums Assoc -- $1,500

South Shore Sexual Health -- $2,000

Senior Wheels Association -- $1,000

VON Lunenburg -- $3,275

Western Riptide -- $1,000

YMCA of Southwest Nova Scotia -- $8,275

Façade Improvement Program:
- Maria Charlin $799
- Greg Rafuse $5,000
- Gary Ramey $5,000

Designated Community Project Fund -- South Shore Fieldhouse Society $40,500

? TOWN OF BRIDGEWATER PROCLAMATION
>>> The Longest Day of Smiles

WHEREAS Operation Smile Canada is a global medical charity providing free, life-changing surgeries and medical care to children born with cleft conditions around the world; and

WHEREAS every 3 minutes, a child is born with a cleft condition, and lack of access to safe, effective surgery means that easily treatable conditions like cleft lip and cleft palate can become fatal. Operation Smile Canada believes every child born with a cleft condition deserves exceptional surgical care; and

WHEREAS The Longest Day of SMILES® will unite Canadians from coast to coast to coast as they raise awareness and funds to support this important cause; and

WHEREAS on June 19, 2022, the Town of Bridgewater is encouraged to celebrate the Longest Day of SMILES® by sharing #longestdayofsmiles on social media;

THEREFORE Town Council for the Town of Bridgewater hereby proclaims June 19, 2022, as The Longest Day of SMILES® and commends its thoughtful observance to all citizens

of our Town.

? SHIPYARDS LANDING BOAT LAUNCH ACCESS
>>> May 16, 2022

The Town of Bridgewater wishes to remind boaters who use the launch at Shipyards Landing that as a result of the ongoing Pump Station and Forcemain Project at that location, we cannot guarantee access to the boat launch for recreational boaters at this time.

While access to the launch at Shipyards Landing may be possible during the evenings and on weekends, because of the complex nature of the project we cannot guarantee with certainty that the launch will be available for use.

With that in mind, we are encouraging boaters to consider using other public launch sites, such as the Municipality of Lunenburg's location in Dayspring, for the next few weeks.

If you do choose to use the launch at Shipyards Landing, please move your trailer off site as quickly as possible after you have your craft in the water to allow others to make use of the launch.

Emergency access to the Shipyards Landing launch will be maintained for Bridgewater Fire Department and emergency responders, who may be required to respond to water rescue calls on the river during the project.

Thank you for your understanding and patience as this important project proceeds.

? TOWN OF BRIDGEWATER PROCLAMATION
>>> International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia

WHEREAS the Human Rights Act of Nova Scotia recognizes that no one can be discriminated against on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression;

and WHEREAS Bridgewater is a society open to everyone, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans people (LGBTQ+) and to all other people who identify with sexual diversity and the multiplicity of gender identities and expressions;

and WHEREAS, despite recent efforts towards greater inclusion of LGBTQ+ people, homophobia and transphobia are still present in society;

and WHEREAS May 17 is the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia;

THEREFORE, Town Council for the Town of Bridgewater hereby proclaims May 17, 2022, as INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA AND TRANSPHOBIA and recognizes this day as such.

For more information, visit https://may17.org/about/.

? TOWN OF BRIDGEWATER PROCLAMATION
>>> Lyme Disease Awareness Month

WHEREAS Lyme disease is a serious illness caused by the bite of a black-legged tick infected with the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi:

and WHEREAS black-legged ticks carrying a variety of diseases or illnesses can now be found in all parts of Nova Scotia;

and WHEREAS awareness, education and practicing preventative measures, such as daily tick checks and proper tick removal, can help reduce your chances of contracting tick borne diseases;

THEREFORE, be it resolved that Town Council for the Town of Bridgewater, does hereby proclaim May 2022 as "Lyme Disease Awareness Month."

? TOWN OF BRIDGEWATER PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, members of the Shriners International fraternity, with vision, generosity and a desire to make a positive impact on the world, opened the first Shriners Children's hospital 100 years ago;

and WHEREAS, Shriners Children's offers care for orthopedic conditions, burn injuries, spinal cord injuries, and craniofacial conditions, regardless of a family's ability to pay or insurance status;

and WHEREAS, since 1922, from that single hospital has grown a unique and beloved health care system with locations across the United States, as well as in Mexico and Canada;

and WHEREAS, Shriners Children's three-part mission has one goal: to change and improve lives by caring for patients, conducting research to gain knowledge and develop new treatments,

and providing educational opportunities for physicians and other health care professionals;

and WHEREAS, Shriners Children's has improved the lives of more than 1.5 million children since its founding 100 years ago;

and WHEREAS, it is fitting and appropriate to acknowledge the positive impact Shriners Children's has made in its first century of caring for children;

NOW, THEREFORE, Town Council for the Town of Bridgewater hereby congratulates SHRINERS CHILDREN'S UPON CELEBRATING the 100th anniversary of its founding and offering hope and healing to children and families around the world.

? SURVEY LAUNCH!
>>> McGill University team looking for info on energy use, housing, and connections to well-being

Calling residents of Bridgewater: we want to hear from you!

A research team from McGill University is conducting a study to understand how energy use and housing conditions relate to health and well-being in Bridgewater. This study is conducted in collaboration with the Town of Bridgewater.

Residents of the Town of Bridgewater, aged 19 years and older, who are either renters or homeowners, and who have lived at their current address at least since January 2022 are eligible to participate in the survey.

Those who complete the survey will receive a $10 gift card for Fresh Cuts Market!

You can participate online, over the phone, or in person.

Complete the survey online here: https://surveys.mcgill.ca/ls3/477489?lang=en

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment to complete the survey in-person or over the phone, contact the research team at 902-930-2561 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

? PUBLIC NOTICE >>> FIRE PRACTICE

Bridgewater Fire Department will be carrying out a "forestry-type" practice this evening, Monday, April 25, from approximately 7 to 8:30 p.m. near the Duck Pond at Woodland Gardens.

If you see fire crews in the area, it is only a practice.

REMINDER: EARTH WEEK CLEAN UP + FREE MOVIE SATURDAY!

Remember, it's still not too late for you or your business or organization to get involved with the Lunenburg Regional Community Recycling Centre!

To register and receive your clean-up supplies, call (902) 543-2991. Groups have been out doing their part to keep their neighbourhoods looking beautiful.

Thank you for all your hard work!

EARTH DAY DOCUMENTARY

For Earth Day, the Town of Bridgewater is hosting a free documentary screening.

Bring a chair and join us on Saturday, April 23, 2022, at 7 p.m. at HB Studios for a screening of Hell or Clean Water, the inspiring story of one Newfoundlander's obsessive quest to clean up the coastal ocean floors.

This event is free, but registration is required. Register by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling 902-543-2274.

>>> More about Hell or Clean Water

In what appears to be an impossible task, Newfoundland diver Shawn Bath has devoted himself to cleaning up the ocean floor one rotting tire at a time. On the brink of bankruptcy and a break-up, his obsessive endeavour catches the attention of locals and a controversial non-profit organization who would like to assist him in scaling up his operations.

Watch the trailer here: https://vimeo.com/532048344

? EASTER WEEKEND WASTE COLLECTION CHANGES
>>> Easter Holiday Collection & Site Hours

Please note that the following changes will take place regarding waste collection as a result of the Easter weekend:

➡️ Friday, April 15, 2022: No waste collection will take place in the Municipality of Lunenburg and Town of Bridgewater. This collection has been rescheduled for Saturday, April 16, in both areas. The Community Recycling Centre will be closed.

➡️ Saturday, April 16, 2022: Recycling Centre open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

➡️ Monday, April 18, 2022: Waste collected AS USUAL in the Municipality of Lunenburg and Town of Bridgewater. The Community Recycling Centre will be open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Questions? Call 902-543-2991 or visit www.communityrecycling.ca.

COUNCIL NOTES - APRIL 11, 2022, REGULAR & BUDGET MEETING
>>> Town Council approves 2022-23 Capital & Operating Budgets

On Monday night, Bridgewater Town Council concluded its 2022-2023 budget planning process by unanimously approving both the Capital and Operating Budgets for the coming fiscal year. The budget calls for no residential or commercial tax rate increases in the community for 22-23.

Bridgewater's budgeted gross operating expenses for the coming year will amount to about $25.9 million. On the capital side of the ledger, Bridgewater's gross capital expenditures are budgeted to total $26 million, with $16 million in new capital investments planned and $10 million being carried over from 2021-22, making it the largest single-year capital investment in the town's history.

"We're preparing our community to meet the demands of the future and to ensure that Bridgewater can thrive as more and more people come to the South Shore, and in particular to our community, to live, work, play, and grow together," said Mayor David Mitchell.

"Our Council is investing significantly in roads, water, and wastewater infrastructure, and that will continue to position Bridgewater as a destination of choice for developers looking to build more housing - including affordable housing projects," Mayor Mitchell added.

BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS
► Residential tax rate remains at $1.75 per $100 of assessment.

► Commercial tax rate remains at $3.97 per $100 of assessment.

► There will be a 5% increase in the Wastewater rate, with money from that increase being set in reserve for future wastewater-related capital projects.

► The commitment of $26 million in capital projects this year includes:

- A total of $5 million will be invested in wastewater infrastructure to support residential and business growth and development. Ongoing investment in wastewater infrastructure and capacity will also have positive implications for the environment and the health of the LaHave River.

- A $4 million investment in road upgrades, including major infrastructure renewal projects on High Street and St. Phillips Street, and more than $800,000 dedicated to pavement renewal projects throughout Bridgewater.

- Detailed construction design work ahead of future infrastructure and paving improvement projects earmarked for Empire Street.

- Ongoing investment in infrastructure work in the Bridgewater Business Park and the lands surrounding the new Exit 12A interchange, amounting to approximately $3.6 million.

► The Town's commitment to core services and strategic priorities remains strong, including allocations for Fire Protection ($1.5 million), Bridgewater Police Service ($4.0 million net), and REMO ($31,458).

Energize Bridgewater's PACE program has been expanded to allow more homeowners to make affordable housing upgrades that will save them money over the longer term. The Town also continues its investment in Bridgewater Transit service, which has seen ridership remain strong, even through the pandemic.

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

- An allotment of $230,000 total has been earmarked for Bridgewater Memorial Arena, with renovations scheduled to take place this year in the second-floor Auditorium. Additional renovations will also take place on the main floor stemming from the planned removal of the Annex, while roof repairs for the building will be carried over from 21-22 and completed this spring.

- The pilot project to provide wintertime maintenance to select trails in Bridgewater is being continued and there will also be additional investments made to enhance the wintertime sidewalk clearing program.

- Council is also investing in placemaking and the community's Active Transportation Plan, with the implementation of a trail on High Street and dedicated park improvements throughout the community.

- Bridgewater is also continuing to support non-profit organizations in the community and the work they do through $29,000 in direct investments by way of grants, and approximately $100,000 in indirect support by way of property tax exemptions.

► Download the full budget document at www.bridgewater.ca/budget22.

WATCH THE MEETING -- To watch the final meeting and approval for the 2022-2023 Town of Bridgewater Capital & Operating Budgets, click here.

"The investments we make in our town today will continue to pay dividends for years to come," Mayor Mitchell said. "From wastewater to roads, from community safety to various programs and services, we know the work that needs to be done and this budget helps get us there."