For Immediate Release
Bridgewater Police Service
Media Release
Date July 21, 2020

UPDATE

Tobias Charles Doucette, currently residing in Bridgewater, has been charged with Attempted Murder of a Bridgewater Police Sergeant under Section 239(1) (b) of the Criminal Code and Assault on his common law partner under Section 266 of the Criminal Code. A Warrant of Arrest was applied for and granted at the Bridgewater Justice Centre. There are no confirmed sightings since the Alert Ready message was sent.

The Domestic Violence victim is no longer at risk and is in a safe location. Our officer is currently in surgery in the Capital Health Region. BPS and RCMP continue to search for Doucette (photo attached). Anyone who witnesses suspicious persons related to this matter are asked to avoid contact and immediately call police.

PROS # 20201004511
Deputy Chief MacPhee

>>>>

On July 20th, 2020 at approx. 11 pm, Bridgewater Police Service officers responded to third party Domestic Violence complaint at the Bridgewater Hotel, High Street, Bridgewater. Once inside the male attacked police with an edged weapon striking one officer in the neck. The male immediately fled the area on foot. The senior officer is currently in hospital with serious injuries. The female Domestic Violence victim received minor injuries prior to police arrival and was treated and released from hospital.

The male is arrestable for Attempted Murder and Assault. He is 6'2", 220 lbs, brown hair, green eyes, no shirt, no shoes, black shorts, early thirties First Nation male. The edged weapon was not recovered at scene. He was last seen in the south end of Bridgewater. BPS and RCMP have set up a perimeter. Police Dog is on scene. Please remain in your secured residence and call police if you see or hear anything related to this incident. Updates to follow as investigation continues.

PROS # 20201004511
Contact: Deputy Chief MacPhee, 902-543-2464

MEDIA RELEASE 
 

Town of Bridgewater takes action to decrease energy poverty and protect the environment
Government of Canada support assists the municipality in developing an energy management system

July 20, 2020 
 
BRIDGEWATER, NS - The Town of Bridgewater is developing an Energy Management Information System that will help the municipality reduce energy poverty and improve the quality of life for its residents.

The community's Energize Bridgewater program is a climate action initiative that is nationally renowned for its open smart cities approaches, policies and programs that collectively address equity in energy transition.

In 2019, Bridgewater won Infrastructure Canada's Smart Cities Challenge competition in the $5 million prize category for its plan to address energy poverty. The Energy Management Information System is part of this plan that will help manage energy consumption in Bridgewater's municipal facilities and provide data analytics to demonstrate the return on investment for home energy upgrades.

Today, the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Member of Parliament for South Shore - St. Margarets, announced $950,000 in support through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency's (ACOA) Innovative Communities Fund to help the community develop the system.

The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.

The project involves hiring experts and extensive consultation with residents as well as the creation of a roadmap for other Canadian communities to build their own Energy Management Information Systems.

"The Government of Canada is committed to helping communities like Bridgewater become more energy efficient and making clean, affordable power available to all citizens. The Energy Management Information System Bridgewater is creating will reduce the town's environmental footprint, increase community pride, enable other communities to adopt the system and, perhaps most importantly, reduce energy poverty," said Minister Jordan.

"As a winner of the Smart Cities Challenge, the Town of Bridgewater has demonstrated its leadership in harnessing innovative, community-driven solutions to address local challenges with its Energy Poverty Reduction Program, which will help address energy poverty locally while inspiring other communities across the country who may be facing similar challenges to adopt smart cities approaches," said Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna. "Through programs like the Smart Cities Challenge, Canada's infrastructure plan is resulting in thousands of projects, creating jobs across the country and building stronger communities."

The Town of Bridgewater's mayor, David Mitchell, explained that by utilizing emerging clean energy technologies and smart cities approaches to problem solving, Bridgewater proposes to accelerate the community's transition toward a clean energy economy, while reducing its energy poverty rate by 20% by 2025.

"Bridgewater will do this by building data and technology systems that enable residents to access program information and services and make more informed energy consumption decisions. The funding announced today represents another significant step in making that vision a reality," Mayor Mitchell said.

"Living in energy poverty means not being able to afford enough energy to heat and power one's home, or fuel for transportation. It is a serious problem across Atlantic Canada and affects almost two in five Bridgewater households."  

Municipalities are uniquely positioned to be at the forefront of the shifting world of energy systems, pairing data and connected technologies for community services that ensure underserved populations are the first beneficiaries of the energy transition. Doing so will offer tremendous economic benefits to communities across Atlantic Canada and beyond. 

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Chris Brooks
Director, Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-830-3839 (cell)
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Patrick Hirtle
Communications Manager
Town of Bridgewater
902-930-1382 (cell)
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

TOWN HALL REOPENING -- NEXT PHASE

Starting on Monday, July 6, Bridgewater Town Hall will begin the next phase of reopening to the public.

Hours of public access will now be our traditional "summertime" hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, Monday to Friday.

Those visiting the main lobby shall continue to abide by six feet of physical distancing while on site, and the main entryway is still marked with arrows and signage to guide visitors.

Some public access to Town Hall (beyond the Finance/lobby area) will now be permitted. Members of the public are strongly encouraged to call ahead with requests for in-person meetings to make appointments. Drop-in meetings are discouraged and meeting space may not be available to accommodate the required physical distancing -- again, please call ahead. The preferred method of meeting remains phone/video calls.

Members of the public who do book an in-person meeting with staff will be required to complete a screening form before the meeting. This procedure will ensure we are not only confirming visitors are free of COVID-19 symptoms, but it will also allow staff to track who has had access to the building in the event of a COVID-19 outbreak in the local area.

If you're sick or experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, please stay home and visit with us another day or call 902-543-4651 and we'll guide you through conducting your business at Town Hall from the safety of your home.

For more information on COVID-19, please visit: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/.

BRIDGEWATER TRANSIT : UPDATE

A brief public information update on Bridgewater Transit and COVID-19.

- Over the past few months, Bridgewater Transit has been free to riders in order to limit contact between drivers and passengers during COVID-19.

Beginning on July 2, regular transit fares will be collected again. If you purchase a monthly bus pass, those passes will be available from your usual vendor around town after June 15.

- Per advice from Nova Scotia Public Health, we encourage all riders to wear a mask for the safety of both passengers and drivers.

- Transit is considered an essential service and does not require riders to adhere to social/physical distancing. However, we do strongly encourage riders to do so when possible.

- There will be no Bridgewater Transit service on July 1 (Canada Day).

Bridgewater Transit is an important service for many in our community. Transit ridership is increasing again as business begins to return to normal.

In order to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and keep both riders and town staff safe, we ask that if you are feeling ill or exhibiting the symptoms associated with COVID-19 (cough, fever, etc) that you not board the bus.

We also strongly encourage all riders to consider wearing a medical mask to help prevent the spread of disease.

For more information on Bridgewater Transit, please visit www.bridgewater.ca/transit.

PUBLIC NOTICE : OUTDOOR POOL UPDATE
The Town of Bridgewater will not be opening the O'Regan's Subaru Outdoor Pool this summer as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

With limited information on social gathering restrictions moving forward and time running out to ready the pool for summer, Town Council made this difficult decision at the June 8 Town Council meeting with the best interests of all involved and with public safety in mind.

Moving forward, Town of Bridgewater Recreation Department staff will be working to investigate other opportunities and activities that will allow the community to "cool off" during hot summer days, while adhering to the restrictions and limitations in place because of COVID-19.

Although summer in the Town of Bridgewater will be different from those past, we look forward to developing creative ways to enjoy our community and "beat the heat."

PUBLIC REOPENING PLANS - TOWN HALL
Bridgewater Town Hall will begin a phased reopening to the public starting on Monday, June 8.

During the first phase of public access, Town Hall's main lobby area and the Finance Department will be open to receive bill/service payments and inquiries from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, Monday to Friday.

The rest of the building will remain closed to public access until further notice - however, staff in Engineering & Public Works, Community Development, Administration, and all Town operations have returned to work and are fully accessible and available to deliver service by e-mail or phone. For a complete directory, visit: https://www.bridgewater.ca/contact.

During the first phase of reopening, a maximum of two public visitors to Town Hall will be allowed in the lobby at a time in order to comply with social/physical distancing.

A divider and arrows have also been added in the lobby on the floor to help guide visitors as they arrive and depart Town Hall.

OTHER OPTIONS
Don't want to come to Town Hall to make bill payments? No problem! You can make payment on accounts without coming to Town Hall through your bank and online. Visit us at www.bridgewater.ca/payments to learn more.

UPDATE ON SUMMER DAY CAMPS

The Town of Bridgewater Recreation Department would like to notify the public that we will not be offering day camps this summer as a result of the ongoing unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic.

With limited information on social restrictions moving forward and the summer planning process upon us, Town Council made this difficult decision at a recent meeting with the best interests of all involved and with public safety in mind.

Our recreation staff will now begin planning opportunities and activities that will allow the community to enjoy more of our trails, parks, and open spaces while adhering to the restrictions and limitations placed on us as a result of COVID-19.

We look forward to providing an exciting few months of outdoor adventures, at-home activities, and virtual experiences that can be enjoyed as individuals, families, or small groups.

WELCOME!
The Town of Bridgewater is pleased to officially welcome our new Director of Finance Kim Hopkins, who will join the team beginning on May 19.

Kim has spent the last 21 years of her career with Grant Thornton LLP providing audit, accounting, and advisory services to small and medium-size businesses, not for profit organizations, towns and municipalities, and other public-sector entities.

Her interest in municipal accounting grew over the years and she specialized in providing services to towns and municipalities on the South Shore and across the entirety of the province.

"I am looking forward to the role of Director of Finance," she said. "Bridgewater is experiencing increased growth and development. I'm very happy to be part of the progress and bring the experiences I've had in public accounting with me into this new role, contributing to projects such as Energize Bridgewater, the Smart Cities Challenge, Bridgewater Transit, and the many other initiatives the Town is working on."

Kim and her husband, Greg, were each born and raised locally and they wanted their children to have the opportunity to grow up here as well.

"Our children are very active in various sports and if you're looking for me outside of work, I'm likely in a rink somewhere watching them at hockey and figure skating!"

Kim is taking over for departing Director of Finance Dawn Keizer, who will be retiring in June.

INTERIM PROPERTY TAX BILLING
Town Council recently voted to delay sending out interim property tax bills (usually sent out in late April/early May) by a period of one month because of the ongoing pandemic.

So, if you haven't received your interim bill yet, don't worry - you haven't missed it! They'll be issued in the next couple of weeks.

More information on when interim tax bills will be due will be forthcoming next week.

CANADA DAY 2020 : PUBLIC UPDATE
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions around social distancing and large gatherings, Bridgewater's Canada Day on the LaHave organizing committee has no choice but to cancel our planned 2020 Canada Day on the LaHave celebrations in Downtown Bridgewater.

The organizing team and its many community partners, including the South Shore Multicultural Association, had already been in the process of planning this year's event when the pandemic reached Canada. While disappointing, in the interest of public safety it was necessary to cancel the traditional Canada Day festivities for this year.

ONLINE CELEBRATION
While the traditional public gathering is cancelled, the Canada Day on the LaHave team is looking forward to preparing an online celebration of Canada for Bridgewater and all of Lunenburg County as part of a special July 1 edition of The Best of Bridgewater.

While we can't physically be together as a community, we can make use of technology and "feel" closer together from the comfort and safety of our own homes.

Stay tuned for more information in the weeks to come - we'll be sharing ways that YOU can participate in our Canada Day webcast special!

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION MEETING

A public participation meeting will be held online tonight, Wednesday, May 6, at 6:00PM to provide an overview of and receive public comment on an application to construct 14 townhouse units in three blocks containing 7, 4 and 3 units, on Oakland Drive (off Jubilee Road). The Preliminary Council report is available at www.bridgewater.ca/DA.

The meeting will be posted on the Town's Facebook page.

To register to speak during the meeting contact the Community Development Department at 902-543-2274 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by today at 12:00pm(noon).

To submit a comment to be addressed at the meeting contact the Planner, Nelson Nolan at 902-543-0434 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by today at 12:00pm(noon).

Additional written or phone submissions will be received until May 13; these can be submitted through the comment form for the application (on the webpage linked above) or by contacting the Planner.

WASTE COLLECTION NOTICE -- BIWEEKLY BULKY ITEM COLLECTION TO BEGIN NEXT WEEK

The Lunenburg Regional Community Recycling Centre has asked us to share that, beginning the week of April 20, 2020, phased-in biweekly bulky item waste collection will begin in the Town of Bridgewater.

Collection of one (1) bulky landfill item will begin as follows:

Town of Bridgewater - Week of April 20, on your green cart and garbage collection day, and will continue every two weeks.

Collection limited to ONE bulky landfill item for now, to accommodate limited resources. Please be mindful of the collection workers' need to be safe.

To serve as examples, bulky waste items may include: couches, footstools, mattresses, box springs, vacuum cleaners, rugs, upholstered chairs, suitcases, plastic furniture, lamp shades, plastic lawn ornaments, plastic Christmas decorations, artificial Christmas trees, plastic laundry hampers, plastic totes, kids' pools, plastic toys, plastic pipes, garden hoses, toilets, sinks, windows and vinyl siding.

**Wood and metal items collected during designated Fall pick up only.**

Have questions? visit www.communityrecycling.ca or call (902) 543-2991.