The Town of Bridgewater is establishing a new Events Committee and we're looking for keen folks interested in stepping up and helping to both plan and execute major events in the Town of Bridgewater, including Canada Day on the LaHave, Christmas on the LaHave/Bridgewater Shines, the Harvest Moon Music Festival, and more!

ABOUT THE COMMITTEE
The Town of Bridgewater Events Committee is an advisory committee to Town Council.

In addition to providing advice to Town Council on matters related to public events, this committee shall also be responsible for collaboratively working with staff to plan, develop, and execute events endorsed by Bridgewater Town Council and funded by the Town of Bridgewater.

Events under the purview of the Committee shall include but not be limited to: Canada Day on the LaHave, Christmas on the LaHave, Music on the Riverbank, Harvest Moon Music Festival, and the Bridgewater Frost Fair.

The Committee may also provide input and support, as requested by the Staff Lead or Town Council, in the Town's Special Events application process with external organizations that are seeking to create/host events in Bridgewater, and provide advice to Council accordingly as requested or required by Council.

To read the Terms of Reference for this committee, click here.

Folks interested in applying to join the committee should expect a time commitment of one to two meetings a month, lasting 60 to 90 minutes in length, for the months of January, February, March, April, May, July, August, September, October, and December each year. June and November (prior to the Canada Day and Christmas events) may require more than two meetings, as these periods are the "home stretch" before the events take place. Volunteers are also expected to be available to assist in executing events on the date(s) they are scheduled to take place.

If you'd like to submit your information for consideration as a committee member, please visit www.bridgewater.ca/serve and fill out the form there to tell us a bit about yourself and why you'd like to get involved!

TOWN OF BRIDGEWATER 2025-2026 BUDGET

Bridgewater Town Council and staff are working on preparing the 2025-2026 budget document. As a resident or business owner in Bridgewater, or even if you live in another area but work or play in Bridgewater, your input in developing next year's budget is important.

TAKE THE SURVEY
To participate in the budget survey, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TOBBudget25. The survey will remain open through March 25, 2025.

To view the recently approved Town Council Strategic Plan for the 2024-2028 Council term, visit www.bridgewater.ca/strategic.

HOW DOES THE BUDGET WORK?
The Town's budget is divided into two sections: the Operating Budget and the Capital Budget.

The Operating Budget is the normal day-to-day budget that provides services to the town's residents and businesses.

The Capital Budget is the part of the budget that focuses on long-term investments and includes things like roads, sewers, and water infrastructure improvements as well as improvements to facilities.

THE BUDGET PROCESS AND TIMELINE
During January and February, the budget begins to come into focus. If you have important feedback or suggestions, now is the time to have your voice heard.

As we prepare to enter Spring 2025, Council will consider the proposed budget document in detail and at multiple public meetings. It is anticipated that the draft 2025-2026 Proposed Budget document will be publicly available through the Town of Bridgewater's website and at Town Hall for the public to review in late March.

Council's public budget meetings are currently tentatively scheduled for:

>>> Monday, March 17 -- 6 p.m. (Discussion Session Meeting for Budget review)

>>> Monday, March 24 -- 6 p.m. (Regular Council Meeting for Budget review)

>>> Monday, March 31 -- 6 p.m. (Extra Council Meeting for Budget review - *if required)

>>> Tuesday, April 7 -- 6 p.m. (Discussion Session Meeting for Budget review - *if required)

>>> Monday, April 14 -- 6 p.m. (Final Capital and Operating Budget review; tentative date for approval). If additional meetings are required, they will be advertised accordingly on social media and here on the Town's website. Times and dates are subject to change.

TALK BRIDGEWATER
In-person Talk Bridgewater sessions are your chance to connect with Council directly to provide your input to Town Council or to ask questions about both the Budget and the Town's newly approved Strategic Priorities priorities for this Council term. Those sessions will be held as follows:

>>> Wednesday, March 19, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre in the Galleria

>>> Thursday, March 20, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at South Shore Centre (Bridgewater Mall) near Tim Hortons

Just as we do with regular meetings of Council, each of these budget meetings will be livestreamed via the Town's Facebook page (@BridgewaterNS) and made available as an archived recording following the meeting through the Facebook page and the Town's YouTube channel.

The online Budget survey will remain open until March 25, 2025. If you can't make an in-person session, you can always submit your input online!

OTHER WAYS TO GIVE FEEDBACK
One of the effective ways to provide budget input is by directly contacting the Mayor and members of Town Council. You can find their contact information by clicking here. You can also directly contact the Town's Director of Finance at 902-541-4362 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

📣 HOUSING ACCELERATOR FUND ANNOUNCEMENT

On Monday, March 3, 2025, the Government of Canada, the Town of Bridgewater, and the Town of Mahone Bay jointly announced that they reached agreements under the second round of the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) to eliminate barriers to build needed housing in our communities.

The Town of Bridgewater will be receiving over $3.3 million to accelerate the construction of 100 homes over the next three years. This work will help spur the construction of a combined 365 homes over the next decade.

The Town of Mahone Bay is to receive over $400,000 through HAF to accelerate the construction of 13 homes over the next three years. This work will help spur the construction of a combined 250 homes over the next decade.

The Town of Bridgewater's Action Plan commits to five local initiatives, such as increasing density by creating a pathway to winding down its single-unit dwelling (R1) zone.

The plan will incentivize the creation of affordable housing by making municipal land available and offering grants to offset development costs. The Town will also be streamlining the approval process by implementing e-permitting and adopting a suite of pre-approved building plans.

"Bridgewater has grown over the last decade, putting significant strain on our existing housing stock," said Mayor David Mitchell. "Today's announcement allows our community to invest in upgrading infrastructure, helping to reduce red tape and leading directly to more new housing starts."

"Today's announcements are about building more homes faster for people in Bridgewater and in Mahone Bay," explained MP Kody Blois, Member of Parliament for Kings-Hants, who was on hand to represent Hon. Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities.

"By working with the Towns of Bridgewater and Mahone Bay, we are making sure families have a safe, affordable place to call home."

For complete details, visit https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/media-newsroom/news-releases/2025/helping-build-more-homes-faster-bridgewater-mahone-bay.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SUBJECT >>> Town of Bridgewater Launches 'Bridgewise' a Home Energy Pilot to Address Energy Poverty

Bridgewater, Nova Scotia - February 26, 2025 - Energize Bridgewater is proud to announce the launch of Bridgewise, a home energy pilot program created to improve home efficiencies, promote environmental sustainability and tackle energy poverty. Part of the Energize Bridgewater program, this new technology provides Bridgewater residents with the tools and data they need to make smart energy choices. 

By making energy consumption and air quality information easily accessible and actionable, Bridgewise helps households reduce their energy expenses and improve their living spaces.

Energy poverty -- the inability to afford adequate energy services -- is a pressing issue in Atlantic Canada. Outdated housing stock, harsh winters, and rising energy costs have left many households struggling to make ends meet. The region has some of the highest energy poverty rates in Canada, which significantly impact health, safety, and quality of life.

"Energize Bridgewater is dedicated to ensuring that no household is left behind," says Asad Hussain, Senior Energy Manager, Town of Bridgewater. "With innovative programs like Bridgewise, we're equipping residents with the tools to take control of their energy use, lower their costs, and contribute to the fight against energy poverty and climate change. Our mission is to ensure that every household has access to affordable, efficient energy solutions."

Bridgewise uses advanced technology to help residents optimize energy efficiency and improve indoor air quality. The platform collects and transmits real-time data on home energy use and indoor air quality through a secure LoRaWAN network. Residents can access this data via a user-friendly dashboard, enabling them to:

• Identify ways to lower energy costs

• Improve comfort and safety

• Enhance indoor air quality

By making energy use visible and actionable, Bridgewise is a vital tool for households aiming to reduce their energy expenses and improve their living conditions.

Bridgewise is first being made available to current participants in the Energize Bridgewater Home Upgrades program. Residents who complete the program will be notified if they are eligible to participate in Bridgewise.

More broadly, Energize Bridgewater is on a mission to:

• Reduce household energy spending by 52%

• Lower the community-wide energy poverty rate from 38% to 30% by 2026

• Create a pathway to lift all households out of energy poverty over time

To date, the program has made significant strides:

• Upgrades for over 180 dwelling units are underway or complete, achieving energy reductions of 22-39% for initial participants.

• Over $220,000 in utility arrears for households in need have been identified and support is being provided.

• The program is projected to stimulate over $10 million in economic activity by 2026, benefiting clean tech and trades sectors.

By retrofitting homes and promoting clean energy, Energize Bridgewater is reducing carbon emissions while ensuring an equitable transition to a sustainable future. This municipal-led initiative demonstrates the critical role local governments play in addressing gaps left by federal and provincial programs.

Energize Bridgewater serves as a model for communities across Canada, integrating social equity, environmental sustainability, and economic development into a comprehensive approach. By sharing its lessons and successes, Bridgewater aims to inspire other municipalities to tackle energy poverty and climate challenges together.

In addition, the Town of Bridgewater was recently recognized nationally by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities as one of nine Sustainable Communities in Canada as the winner of the Climate Change Mitigation category. Bridgewater was the sole recipient from the Atlantic region.

Residents and stakeholders interested in Bridgewise or other Energize Bridgewater initiatives are encouraged to visit energizebridgewater.ca or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

About Energize Bridgewater
Energize Bridgewater is a multi-faceted program committed to addressing energy poverty, promoting environmental sustainability, and fostering economic growth. By implementing innovative solutions and building strong partnerships, the program is transforming the way communities approach energy challenges. In 2019, the Town won the national Smart Cities Canada Challenge. The winning $5 million grant helped to create Energize Bridgewater. 

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Media Contact: 
Patrick Hirtle 

Communications Manager 

Town of Bridgewater 
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
902-930-1382

WHEREAS, Heart disease is the number one killer of women worldwide and the leading cause of premature death for Canadian women, a fact unknown to many women and their healthcare providers; and

WHEREAS, The Canadian Women's Heart Health Alliance is an organization of volunteer health professionals and patients working hard to improve women's heart health; and

WHEREAS, Wear Red Canada Day is celebrated annually to raise awareness for all Canadians, but especially Canadian women, to be mindful, curious, and proactive in the management of their heart health and wellness; and

WHEREAS, We want to see better prevention, diagnosis, and care, and fewer women dying prematurely from heart disease;

THEREFORE, I, Mayor David Mitchell, on behalf of the Town of the Town of Bridgewater, do hereby proclaim February 13, 2025, Wear Red Canada Day in the Town of Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, Canada.

📣 SIDEWALK REMINDER

The wintery weather we have experienced overnight and so far today is a good reminder of the impacts of the rapid freeze-thaw cycle that we often experience here on the South Shore during the colder months.

Over the past week, we've seen temperatures as low as -17 degrees and as high as a few degrees above zero.

With that in mind, we wish to remind residents and visitors that conditions can change quickly during winter and we ask folks to proceed accordingly with caution when heading out on foot or by wheel.

Today, the Town of Bridgewater's Public Works crews are actively salting our 35-plus kilometres of sidewalks and turning areas using our equipment, and hand-salting areas such as the Old Bridge sidewalk that our larger equipment cannot service.

Please keep in mind that temperatures are forecast to drop back to the -10 degree range tonight.

Town of Bridgewater wins national award for programs to cut emissions, reduce energy poverty  

 Issued: JANUARY 27, 2025 

BRIDGEWATER, NOVA SCOTIA -- The Town of Bridgewater in southwest Nova Scotia has received a prestigious 2024 Sustainable Communities Award from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM). Bridgewater is one of nine winning municipalities from across Canada, and the only one from Atlantic Canada, the FCM announced on January 27. 

This award recognizes ongoing work by Energize Bridgewater, an initiative of the Town of Bridgewater that works to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address energy affordability in rural communities. 

Held since 2001, the Sustainable Communities Awards celebrate the most innovative and sustainable projects by Canadian communities of all sizes. Energize Bridgewater won in the climate change mitigation category. This award "recognizes municipal initiatives that drive deep reductions in community greenhouse gas emissions," according to the FCM. 

"We are proud of this made-in-Nova Scotia approach to the urgent problem of climate change," says Bridgewater's Mayor David Mitchell. "Our small town is showing how Canada can transition from fossil fuels in ways that respect all members of society, including the most vulnerable."  

Energize Bridgewater's approach centers on "energy poverty" as a key part of climate change mitigation. Energy poverty exists when households cannot afford to maintain healthy indoor temperatures or access energy-saving upgrades and renovations. A common measure of energy poverty is when a household spends more than 6 percent of its income on energy for the home. 

"Approximately 38 percent of Bridgewater's households were living in energy poverty in 2022," explains Energize Bridgewater Director, Jessica McDonald. "This shocking number shows that energy poverty and climate change are inextricably linked." 

Energize Bridgewater aims to reduce the community's energy poverty rate by 20 percent by 2026 using three core innovations: 

 - Coordinated access is a central intake or "front door" to assist residents experiencing housing insecurity. The program provides housing placement, help with energy bill arrears, and other services. To date, 686 households have used these services. 

 - Streamlined home energy upgrades means a single access point for all provincial and federal energy upgrade incentives. To date, 182 Bridgewater households have upgrades completed or in progress. Those with completed upgrades save over $600 per year on average. 

 - Real-time energy information allows residents to track household energy use alongside indoor/outdoor air quality and temperature. Developed in Bridgewater and currently in the pilot stage, this new technology helps residents make better decisions about energy use and upgrade options. 

Key to all three innovations is a Program Navigator who provides confidential, in-person, trauma-informed support for residents at all stages of Energize Bridgewater programs. 

Winners of the Sustainable Communities Awards will attend the awards ceremony at the FCM conference in Fredericton, New Brunswick, from February 10-13, 2025. 

 
Media Contact: Patrick Hirtle, Manager of Community Attraction & Communications: 
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
Phone: 902-930-1382

 
Community Background: With a population of approximately 9,000, Bridgewater is the largest town in Nova Scotia's South Shore region. Bridgewater has pledged to become a net zero community (zero carbon emissions) by 2050. In 2019, the Town won the $5 million Smart Cities Challenge for their proposal to reduce energy poverty. 

For more information on Energize Bridgewater, visit https://www.energizebridgewater.ca/.

For more information on this award, see the FCM Media Release and Backgrounder:

•  https://fcm.ca/en/news-media/announcement/fcm-announces-winners-the-2024-sustainable-communities-awards

•  https://fcm.ca/en/news-media/announcement/fcm-announces-winners-the-2024-sustainable-communities-awards/backgrounder

📣 TOWN COUNCIL PROCLAMATION
>>> International Day of Persons with Disabilities

WHEREAS, December 3rd is recognized globally by the United Nations as International Day of Persons with Disabilities; and

WHEREAS, Canada is a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disability, and two out five Nova Scotians live with a disability; and

WHEREAS, Nova Scotia has proclaimed the Accessibility Act that recognizes accessibility is a human right and set a goal of an accessible province by 2030; and

WHEREAS, International Day of Persons with Disabilities promotes an understanding of disability issues and the importance of equal access for Nova Scotians with disabilities and in all aspects of society; and

WHEREAS, through public awareness, community partnerships, and municipal accessibility initiatives this day aims to foster an environment of equal participation of individuals with disabilities within the Town of Bridgewater.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Town Council for the Town of Bridgewater, do hereby proclaim December 3rd, 2024 as "International Day of Persons with Disabilities" in the Town of Bridgewater.

Signed this 25th day of November 2024 at Bridgewater, in the County of Lunenburg, in the Province of Nova Scotia, and proclaimed at the November 25, 2024, Regular Meeting of Bridgewater Town Council.

On Monday, October 21, 2024, the Town of Bridgewater welcomed the world as our community of about 9,000 residents played host to partners of the International Network of Michelin Cities (INMC) and the organization celebrated the launch of the new INMC Corridor of Incubators Agreement.

"The International Network of Michelin Cities plays an important part in Bridgewater's place at both the national and international table," explained Bridgewater Mayor David Mitchell.

"The signing of the Corridor of Incubators Agreement further demonstrates Bridgewater's commitment not only to growing the local economy but doing so by attracting and scaling up sustainable and innovative business," he added.

"I am thrilled that Bridgewater once again leads the way by being a founding signatory of this agreement with our Canadian sister locations in Pictou County and Magog, Quebec."

A delegation from INMC founding city, Clermont-Ferrand, France, led by that city's Deputy Mayor Jérôme Auslender, arrived in Bridgewater on Sunday night for the event.

The day-long visit included a morning meet and greet at Town Hall with Mayor Mitchell, the new Town Council-elect, and staff. The visiting delegation then travelled to the Michelin Bridgewater facility for a full tour.

From there, a luncheon was hosted at the NSCC Lunenburg Campus in Bridgewater where the INMC Corridor of Incubators Agreement was officially launched.

Guests included the Honourable Becky Druhan, Minister of Education and MLA Lunenburg West, Municipality of the District of Lunenburg Mayor-elect Elspeth McLean-Wile, Town of Lunenburg Mayor-elect Jamie Myra, along with representation from Invest NS, the Nova Scotia Community College, the Pictou County Partnership, Valley Regional Enterprise Network, Bridgewater and Area Chamber of Commerce, Lunenburg Board of Trade, and many members of the local business community.

Joining the Town of Bridgewater among the initial seven agreement signatories from Canada are Pictou County, Nova Scotia, and the City of Magog, Quebec. European signatories include the cities of Clermont-Ferrand, France; Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Braga, Portugal; and Regensburg, Germany.  

The international agreement establishes a corridor to facilitate partnerships among INMC cities to host innovative start-ups and create an opportunity for them to expand internationally.

"We now have a direct connection for our existing businesses here in Bridgewater that will support business growth and development as the International Network of Michelin Cities expands from the original seven members to 23 locations around the world," said Donna Hatt, the Town of Bridgewater's Economic Development Officer.

"It's great for the region and it's great for our businesses in particular."

NOVA SCOTIA MUNICIPAL ELECTION - ELECTION FOR BRIDGEWATER TOWN COUNCIL
The 2024 Nova Scotia Municipal Election concluded with the close of polls at 7 p.m. local time on Saturday, October 19, 2024.  

ELECTORAL RESULTS
The official results from the Town of Bridgewater Returning Office are as follows:

MAYOR
David Mitchell was acclaimed as Mayor of the Town of Bridgewater.

TOWN COUNCIL
The results for the candidates competing for the six Town Council seats in the Town of Bridgewater in the 2024 Municipal Election are listed below in order according to the total votes each candidate received.

The top six candidates, highlighted in bold, have been elected to Bridgewater Town Council for the 2024 to 2028 term.

Cheryl Fougere - 1,504

Stacey Colwell - 1,456

Jennifer McDonald - 1,343

Eric Whynot - 1,303

Mike Conklin- 1,209

Braden Newell - 1,092

Donette Getson - 962

Jane Morrell - 763

David Carter - 634

Total number of eligible electors in Bridgewater in 2024 was 7,158. A total of 2,154 ballots were cast, representing 30.1% of eligible voters.

We invite and encourage the entire community to sincerely thank each of the nine residents who put their names forward as candidates, dedicating their time, energy, and enthusiasm to canvassing door to door, meeting with residents, participating in candidate forums, and much more.

📣 CENTENNIAL TRAIL BRIDGE SET TO RE-OPEN LATER TODAY

The Town of Bridgewater team working on the restoration of the Centennial Trail Bridge has completed its work ahead of schedule. Some additional landscaping work around the bridge site is being completed today and this section of the Centennial Trail, including the bridge, is expected to fully re-open to public use at about 4 p.m. on Friday afternoon.

A total of 27 new treated bridge timbers, as well as new decking and railing, have been installed following the fire on the bridge this summer.

We wish to express our enthusiastic thanks to all the staff who worked on this project (part of the project team is pictured in the photo included with this post), both on site and behind the scenes - your hard work made re-opening this important trail corridor for our community possible.

The Town would also like to once again extend its thanks to Buck's Home Building Centre, which donated a total of about $4,600 in building materials to support the reconstruction of the bridge decking and railing.

Again, thank you to everyone who worked on this important project!

WOODLAND GARDENS HEMLOCK CONSERVATION UPDATE

The Town of Bridgewater's Hemlock Conservation team will begin work next week, around October 15, on Sections 4 and 5 at Woodland Gardens at the east end of the park in the Duck Pond area. Some additional work also remains in Section 3, which runs from the pond northward parallel with Parkdale Avenue.

Signage and barricades will be in place in the park alerting users to which areas are closed to public access as work proceeds. It is extremely important for the safety of park users to abide by any signage or closure barricades that you encounter, and avoid entering any active conservation work areas.

SECTION 1 > COMPLETED

Southwest end of the trail/park off Exhibition Drive extending toward Elizabeth Avenue. This closure has been extended to Wednesday, September 11, to allow for work to be completed.

SECTION 2 > COMPLETED

South-central portion of the park, extending from Elizabeth Avenue to the pond, extending south to the Fern Avenue/Jubilee Road area. This area will include the Tiny Tots Playground area next to the O'Regan's Subaru Outdoor Swimming Pool.

SECTION 3 > MOSTLY COMPLETED

North side portion of the park, extending from the pond northward toward Walnut Street, running parallel with Parkdale Avenue.

SECTION 4 > STARTING WEEK OF OCTOBER 15

North side of the park, extending from the pond northward toward Crescent Street and Park Street.

SECTION 5 > STARTING WEEK OF OCTOBER 15

South side of the park, extending from the pond southward toward Jubilee Road and eastward toward Alexandra Avenue. the Town This area will include the space that borders on the meadow to the rear of DesBrisay Museum.

These dates are tentative and weather dependent. If closure dates need to be extended as a result of weather conditions, additional updates will be provided to the public.

For more information about Bridgewater's Hemlock Conservation Project, please visit www.bridgewater.ca/HWA.