MARK POWELL NAMED NEW EDO FOR BRIDGEWATER

The Town of Bridgewater is excited to announce the hiring of Mark Powell as the community's new Economic Development Officer (EDO). Powell will begin work remotely during the week of February 22 and will officially join the staff at Town Hall in April. 

Powell's broad background working with business leaders covers many sectors including municipalities, renewable energy, green building, finance and property development, and working with First Nations communities. He has won global and national awards for his client work and the community supported renewable energy company he founded was recognized as a global top 100 BCorp.

"It speaks volumes about all that Bridgewater has to offer when someone of Mark's tremendous experience and calibre commits to making our community his new home," said Mayor David Mitchell.

"As the new EDO, Mark will be instrumental in building our local economy by bringing new investment, new businesses and strategic partners, and new families to our town - he has a proven track record and we're excited for what he will add to our dynamic staff team."

Coming from Toronto, Powell said that what drew him to Bridgewater is the strong sense of community and the opportunity to build upon an impressive and emerging local economy.

"One of the leaders I admire, Paul Krugman, said it best - when it comes to my role as the EDO, 'economics is about the people.' For me, economic development is about building and growing sustainably from all the amazing projects the Town has going on now, including Energize Bridgewater and its energy poverty reduction Smart Cities initiative and the new Highway 103 interchange at Exit 12A into the Bridgewater Business Park. There is so much potential here, it's inspiring!"

While Powell may be new to Bridgewater, he has worked in the Maritimes stretching back to 2003 when he had an office just outside of Souris, PEI.

His credentials include a Business degree specializing in finance and business development. He subsequently graduated from the SG1 Aging Successfully cohousing program founded by McCamant and Durrett. In 2020, Powell also completed a series of online programs from Sociocracy For All on consensus building and decision making.

Coming from a family of teachers, architects, and property developers, in his spare time Powell is a passionate and competitive sailor and volunteers many hours in community initiatives. He and his partner, Debbie, have also taken on the ambitious task of doing a complete renewable energy retrofit of an historic home in town as part of their relocation.

"Bridgewater is a shining star among municipalities, not just in Nova Scotia, but right across the country," he said. "I can't wait to get to work and do my part to help our community grow and prosper well into the future."

? FREE SATURDAY TRANSIT THIS FEBRUARY THANKS TO PARTNERSHIP WITH BRIDGEWATER KINSMEN

Whether you're a regular transit rider or you've never been on Bridgewater Transit before, Saturdays in February will be the perfect time to hop on the bus, shop local, and explore your community!

Today we're excited to announce that thanks to a sponsorship by the Bridgewater Kinsmen Club, Bridgewater Transit bus service will be FREE to all riders on Saturday, February 6, 13, 20, and 27!

Each February, KIN Clubs across Canada are encouraged to do a good deed for their community. This year, Bridgewater Kinsmen Club is sponsoring FREE transit on Saturdays as one of its good deeds!

Subject to change, Bridgewater Transit runs each Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

To track the bus online, visit www.bridgewater.ca/bus or download the FREE Town of Bridgewater iBridgewater app for your smartphone at www.bridgewater.ca/ibridgewater.

File # 2021-22635 - Controlled Drugs and Substances

Following an integrated operation between Bridgewater Police Service (BPS) and RCMP, a targeted traffic stop was conducted Wednesday, January 20^th, 2021, by the Street Crime Enforcement Unit, General Investigation Sections from RCMP & BPS, Criminal Intelligence Services Nova Scotia, and BPS Patrol.

Police also executed a CDSA warrant at a residence on High Street and the motor vehicle being driven. Police seized cocaine, methamphetamine, illicit marihuana, cash, cutting agents, a prohibited weapon, and a number of different types of pills yet to be determined. 

As a result of the operation, police arrested four (4) adults, two (2) males and two (2) females.

Three of the four parties arrested now faces charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, Cannabis Act, and Criminal Code of Canada.

One adult male is facing charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine, failing to comply with a court order, and possession of a weapon dangerous to the public.

One adult female is facing charges for possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine, possession for the purpose of trafficking methamphetamine, possession of illicit cannabis, and possession of a weapon dangerous to public peace.

The second male has been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine.

All have been released on conditions to appear April 14^th, 2021, at the Bridgewater Courthouse for plea. The investigation is continuing. 

Both the Street Crime Enforcement Unit and Crime Intelligence Services Nova Scotia are comprised of RCMP and BPS members.

Anyone who may have witnessed the event or anyone with information is asked to contact Bridgewater Police Service at (902) 543-2464.

Per our colleagues at Bridgewater Police Service >>>

On Monday January 18th, 2021, at approximately 11:58 a.m., Bridgewater Police Service responded to a 911 call to the King Street area north of Victoria Road in Bridgewater for a two (2) vehicle head-on collision with entrapment.

Multiple units from Bridgewater Police Service, Bridgewater Fire Department, and EHS attended the scene locating 2 vehicles with heavy damage to their front ends. Bridgewater Fire Department used the Jaws of Life to extricate both drivers.

Two (2) young males and one (1) adult female were transported by EHS to South Shore Regional Hospital. Two (2) of the parties sustained serious injuries as a result of the collision. One the vehicles crossed the centre line and the investigation into the cause is continuing.

Anyone who may have witnessed the event or anyone with information is asked to contact Bridgewater Police Service at (902) 543-2464.

Shared on behalf of our colleagues at NS Health and REMO >>>

NS Health is planning a local COVID-19 pop-up site in Bridgewater this weekend.

Where: CINEPLEX Theatre, 349 LaHave Street, Bridgewater

When:
- Saturday January 16, 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. AND
- Sunday January 17, 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.

The pop-up site:

• is to test asymptomatic individuals (16+)
• is not open for individuals with symptoms
• is not for people who visited at a potential exposure site identified by public health
• is not for a close contact of a person with COVID-19
• is not for someone who have left the Atlantic Bubble in the last 14 days

No appointment is necessary. Just pop in to get tested.

There are still a few volunteer shifts available. If you are willing to assist with the pop-up site, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and someone will be in contact with you regarding the available positions. Volunteers will be provided All PPE and training before the shift.

? WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Each year, the Town of Bridgewater hosts a Volunteer Recognition Ceremony during Provincial Volunteer Week to officially thank volunteers for making our community a better place!

As part of our celebration, the Town seeks nominations for a volunteer to represent our community at the Provincial Volunteer Awards Ceremony held in Halifax. The Town also receives nominations for the Volunteer Family Award and Corporate Volunteer Award.

This is where YOU come in! Do you know an outstanding volunteer who deserves recognition? If so, we want to hear from you SOON!

If you would like to nominate an outstanding volunteer to represent the Town of Bridgewater or nominate a family or business for consideration, please visit www.bridgewater.ca/volunteer and download a nomination form.

Submission details are located in each downloadable form and the deadline to submit is Friday, February 5.

Join us in celebrating the people who make Bridgewater an amazing place to live, play, and thrive!

If you're a resident of Bridgewater, you may get a call from Nova Insights and Vision Research over the next few weeks -- they are conducting a survey in several communities across Nova Scotia, including Bridgewater, in cooperation with the Province of Nova Scotia and, locally, the Town's Community Development Department. In order to avoid respondent bias, the exact subject of the survey is not being disclosed at this time.

If you receive a call, your participation in the survey is voluntary and you need only answer the questions that you are comfortable answering. All responses collected will be kept strictly confidential and will only be reported as a group, not by individual.

NS Health is planning a local COVID-19 pop-up testing site in the coming days. The exact date and location will be announced.

They are specifically seeking volunteers to assist with greeting, reception, managing flow, etc. for a few hours. Each shift is ideally 4 to 5 hours and they are looking for 2 complete shifts and require 10 to 14 volunteers per shift. All PPE and training will be provided before the shift.
The pop-up site:

• is to test asymptomatic individuals (16+)
• is not open for individuals with symptoms
• is not for people who visited at a potential exposure site identified by public health
• is not for a close contact of a person with COVID-19
• is not for someone who have left the Atlantic Bubble in the last 14 days.

If you are willing to assist with the pop-up site, please e-mail your interest with your name, phone number, and availability to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. More details will be provided to volunteers as schedules are confirmed.

We invite you to share this message.

With the first noteworthy snowfall event of the season in the forecast for Thursday, it's a good time to remind folks about what to expect before and after a storm here in Bridgewater.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

-- Roads are generally salted before a storm to deter the formation of a layer of ice on asphalt below snow cover.

-- Plowing typically begins when there is about 7 to 10 cm of snow down, with priority being given to primary routes within the first 12 hours after a storm. Supervisors are in communication with emergency officials during a storm to coordinate response to emergency calls as needed.

-- There are 70 kms of streets and 35 kms of sidewalks in Bridgewater, so cleaning up after a storm takes time. Be patient and, if possible, stay off the roads until snow clearing has taken place.

-- From 12 to 24 hours after a storm, focus areas generally include school zones, the downtown, secondary streets, then sidewalk maintenance.

-- During a storm, under Section 139 of the Motor Vehicle Act, no person is permitted to park on a street that could obstruct winter maintenance. Your vehicle could be towed, so please be prepared to find off-street parking.

-- Plow It Forward: if you can help a neighbour or volunteer to clear a fire hydrant, it helps your community!

-- Regarding waste, all solid waste to be collected by the Town should be accessible to the collection contractor within 3 metres (approximately 10 feet) of the curb or travel‐way, placed in such a manner as to not interfere with pedestrian traffic and snow removal. There have been compost carts placed on the sidewalks in that past and they prohibit snow removal and the Town will not be responsible for broken carts if they happen to get hit by the sidewalk plow.

Mayor David Mitchell and the Honourable Mark Furey MLA for Lunenburg West and Minister of Justice, officially welcomed Bridgewater's two new public transit buses at a brief ribbon-cutting earlier this afternoon.

ABOUT THE BUSES
The two new buses symbolize the commitment that the Town has made to transit service going forward. After providing more than 50,000 rides in its first two years of operation, it became clear that transit service was essential for Bridgewater's residents.

In April of 2020, Town Council committed about $430,000 to purchase the two brand-new buses. The Town received substantial grant support from the Department of Communities, Culture, and Heritage ($350,000) and from the Public Transit Assistance Program ($50,000) to assist in the purchase of the new buses.

It took about six months for the vehicles to be built by contractor Western Canada Bus, and they were delivered to the town about a month ahead of schedule. The buses went into operation on Saturday, November 21.

The new buses will represent a positive change for Bridgewater Transit's riders. Those who struggled with the stairs at the front of the old bus, or had to use the lift at the back, will now be able to board easily at the front of the bus thanks to a lower floor and an automated ramp that lowers down to the curb for easy access.

On board, riders will find a hand sanitizer station, 18 comfortable seats and plenty of room to manoeuvre. There is also extra standing room with handles to hold on to for stability, so although the buses are physically a bit smaller, there's lots of room for everyone!

Perhaps most importantly, the new buses will provide a much smoother and much quieter ride than the generation-old buses that have been the backbone of our service over the last three years.

MORE GOOD NEWS FOR TRANSIT RIDERS
It's now become a holiday tradition -- once again in 2020, Bridgewater's transit riders will get to enjoy some free rides and extra access to service over the next six weeks.

>>> Beginning this Sunday, November 29, and continuing on December 6, 13, and 20 -- each of the Sundays leading up to Christmas -- Bridgewater Transit will have FREE Sunday service from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. thanks to an extremely generous sponsorship by the LaHave River Credit Union Ltd.

>>> Then, during Boxing Week, Bridgewater Transit service will also be free to all riders on December 28, 29, 30, and 31, thanks to another very generous sponsorship by the Bridgewater Area Chamber of Commerce.

For more information on Bridgewater Transit, including out live transit tracker map, please visit www.bridgewater.ca/bus.

As we get ready to head into the spookiest weekend of the year, Bridgewater Police Service would like to take a few minutes of your time and remind you about expectations around Halloween festivities - for young and old alike - during COVID-19.

TRICK OR TREATING
The recommendation from Public Health is that youngsters go trick-or-treating with people that they live with or friends from your close social group, in groups of no more than 10 people. If you're not feeling well or have symptoms associated with COVID-19, then please stay the blazes home.

Regarding masks, non-medical masks are required in indoor public places such as a mall or restaurant. If children are trick-or-treating indoors - like in an apartment building -- we recommend that they wear a non-medical mask as part of their costume.

If you're handing out treats, you're not required to wear a mask unless you are in an indoor public place (like a mall). However, Public Health has recommended wearing a non-medical mask if at least 6 feet of physical distance cannot be maintained while handing out treats.

ADULT HALLOWEEN PARTIES
If you are hosting or attending a party or event at a home, the gathering limit is 10 people. As with all social events and holidays, it's strongly encouraged that people celebrate Halloween with an established family or close social group of up to 10.

Remember, if you have more than 10 people inside your house at a party, you run the risk of being fined.

On the food front, it's okay to serve food and drinks if physical distancing and good hand hygiene practices are being followed. If you do choose to offer food, there should be someone designated to serve food and beverages.  Also, sharing food or drinks between people is never a good idea.

INFO ON GATHERING LIMITS
If you're going out to a Halloween party at a hall or restaurant, non-medical masks are required in indoor public places, so you'll have to mask up. And, no, a Halloween costume mask does not replace a non-medical mask.

The indoor gathering limit with social/physical distancing for social events that are run by a recognized business or organization is 50% of the venue's legal capacity (typically set by the Fire Marshal), up to 200 people maximum indoors.

The outdoor gathering limit with social distancing for social events that are run by a recognized business or organization is 250 people maximum outdoors. The gathering limit with social distancing for social events that are not run by a recognized business or organization is 50 people maximum indoors and outdoors. 

REMINDERS
If you or anyone in your household are feeling unwell or self-isolating for any reason, you cannot have visitors to your house, nor can you hand out treats. There are posters available for download at novascotia.ca/coronavirus that you can post on your door or even at the end of your driveway to give trick-or-treaters a friendly "come by next year" message.

For more info, visit www.novascotia.ca/coronavirus/.

LUNENBURG COUNTY, NS - An experienced municipal civil servant has been hired to head up the Lunenburg County Municipal Joint Services Board (MJSB).

The MJSB's Board of Directors announced today that Jennifer Keating-Hubley will be taking over as Chief Operating Officer (COO) from retiring outgoing COO Siew Secord effective November 16, 2020.

Keating-Hubley has served as the Director of Finance for the Region of Queens since 2011, which included a period of approximately six months when she held the role of acting Chief Administrative Officer. Her career in municipal finance has spanned more than 15 years.

"I'm looking forward to bringing with me the many years of experience and knowledge I have in municipal Government to an organization in the community where I have resided all of my life," said Keating-Hubley.

Prior to her time in the public sector, Keating-Hubley spent more than a decade in the private sector where she was the finance manager for McDonald's restaurants in the Bridgewater and Liverpool areas.

ABOUT THE MJSB
The Municipal Joint Services Board was established in 2013 through a Memorandum of Understanding to better-serve residents of the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, the Town of Mahone Bay, and the Town of Bridgewater.

Each partnering municipality has assigned members to sit on the board, who in turn report to their respective municipal councils regularly to provide updates and to identify future shared services opportunities.

The Lunenburg Regional Community Recycling Centre was the first shared service to be administered by the MJSB Since then, the MJSB has provided additional shared services for the partner municipalities, including Information Technology (IT) and Human Resources.