UPDATE: All parks listed below have now re-opened.

>>>

The Province of Nova Scotia has provided additional details on the restrictions placed on woodland activity announced on May 30, 2023.

As part of the details provided, it is specifically noted that municipal parks and beaches may remain open. However, like several other municipalities, it is with an abundance of caution that Bridgewater will be taking steps to close some of our wooded parks at this time in order to reduce the potential dangers stemming from human activity in those parks.

To that end, in consultation with the Bridgewater Fire Department, the Town of Bridgewater wishes to advise that the following wooded parks are closed effective immediately until further notice:

⛔️ Centennial Trail (except the paved section on LaHave Street)

⛔️ Riverview Park (near Park View Education Centre)

⛔️ Sperry Ninos Park

⛔️ Generations Active Park (wooded pathways)

⛔️ Glen Allan Park

⛔️ Pinecrest Park (wooded pathways)

 
The following parks and playgrounds remain open at this time:

✅ Aberdeen Green

✅ Pijinuiskaq Park

✅ Shipyards Landing

✅ Woodland Gardens

✅ Bridgehead Landing

✅ St. Phillips Street Playground

✅ Michelin Nature Discovery Park

✅ King Street Court

✅ Pinecrest Park Playground

✅ Bridgewater Skate Park

✅ Riverside Park

✅ Brookside Cemetery and Veterans Memorial Park

✅ Glenwood Mill Park

✅ South Shore Vet Dog Zone

✅ Glen Allan Playground

✅ Kinsmen Tiny Tot Playground (near the O'Regan's Outdoor Pool)

✅ Mariners Landing

✅ Tannery Park

✅ Senior Citizens' Park (adjacent to the former BMA)

 
We do, however, ask that park users restrict their movements to dedicated park pathways only and ensure that you do not deviate into any wooded areas.

The Town also wishes to remind parks users that, per existing Town of Bridgewater Bylaw Chapter 191, there is no smoking at any time on Town of Bridgewater lands, including parks and sports/recreation fields.

A complete index and map of parks and their locations can be found at www.bridgewater.ca/parks.

TRAFFIC NOTICE >>> SOUTH KING STREET AREA
Beginning on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, contractor crews will commence work relating to the commissioning and connection of Pump Station 11 at Shipyards Landing. Initially, work will be focused on underground infrastructure in the area of the King Street and Jubilee Road intersection.

As a result, the travelling public is advised to export detours in the south end of Bridgewater, on King Street between Dufferin Street and Pine Street, for the next several days.

Staffed barricades will be in place at the following locations:

➡ King Street and Dufferin Street (southbound)

➡ Jubilee Road and Alexandra Avenue (eastbound)

➡ King Street and Pine Street (northbound)

➡ Conquerall Road and Highway 331 south of Bridgewater

Local traffic travelling south of Dufferin Street toward the Shipyards Landing area will be able to enter that area via Dufferin and King Street only.

TRUCK TRAFFIC
A detour for large trucks will be set up in Conquerall Bank, running from Conquerall Road to Conquerall Mills Road.

CAR AND SCHOOL BUS TRAFFIC
Staffed barricades will be installed at Pine Street to direct motorists and buses in/out of town.

We ask the public to plan for extra travel time when passing through this area or to plan alternate travel routes accordingly.

Importantly, please treat traffic control personnel along the route with courtesy and respect - they're there to help you navigate around the work area and showing them kindness and thanks for the important work they're doing goes a long way.

Detours will be in place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. A map of the affected area can be found at www.bridgewater.ca/roads. The Town of Bridgewater regrets any inconvenience caused to residents and businesses.

TOWN COUNCIL APPROVES 2023-2024 BUDGET

On Tuesday, April 11, Bridgewater Town Council concluded its 2023-2024 budget planning process by approving the Capital and Operating Budgets and setting wastewater rates for the coming year.

The budget calls for a 10-cent increase to both residential and commercial taxes, as well as a wastewater rate increase to assist with the cost of future wastewater system projects.

Bridgewater's budgeted gross operating expenses for the coming year will amount to about $28.8 million, an increase of about $2.9 million over the previous year.

On the capital side of the ledger, Bridgewater's new capital expenditures are budgeted to total $14.7 million, in addition to $18.7 million in "carry forward" capital projects from the 22-23 fiscal year.

"Budget is rarely easy, but this budget was particularly challenging - between coming out of COVID, and CPI and inflation-related increases, and all the other challenges, we faced a lot of tough decisions that, unfortunately, had to include a tax rate increase," said Mayor David Mitchell.

"It should be reassuring for the ratepayers in Bridgewater that there's no fluff in the budget - you could see from the meetings we had, we scrutinized each item - we trimmed $15,000 here and $6,000 there. So, we're running as lean as we can."

One of the biggest ongoing cost pressures, Mayor Mitchell noted, is the generational capital investment the community must make over the next 18 years in updating its wastewater infrastructure.

"We've explained this very well over the past five years - we have $50 million worth of wastewater work to be done. These are projects that, in an ideal world, our community would've started to invest in decades ago," he explained.

"Now, we're doing it - and it's the right thing to do, both for the environment and to allow our community to continue to grow and thrive in the years to come - but it comes at a very substantial cost."

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 $5.2 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 $4.8 million investment in road-related upgrades, including a major infrastructure renewal project on High Street, between Empire and Victoria; $225,000 earmarked for paving on Pearl Street; and $600,000 dedicated to other pavement renewal projects throughout Bridgewater.

- Ongoing investment in infrastructure and services work in the Bridgewater Business Park and the lands surrounding the new Exit 12A interchange, amounting to approximately $3.8 million.

► The Town's commitment to core services and strategic priorities remains strong, including allocations for Fire Protection ($1.6 million), Bridgewater Police Service ($4.1 million net), and REMO ($25,225).

► 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:

- Bridgewater continues its investment in Bridgewater Transit service, this year earmarking $322,000 for the operation of the service.

- The Town's share of contributions to the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre this year is $652,000.

- Bridgewater is investing more than $66,000 in community events, such as Canada Day on the LaHave, Christmas on the LaHave, and the acclaimed Music on the Riverbank concert series.

- Council had also preapproved the addition of a full-time Community Navigator, whose role includes assisting in settlement services and the attraction and retention of both new residents and doctors.

- The Town is providing $65,000 in funding to its Low-Income Property Tax Exemption program, as well as $9,000 to ProKids, $44,000 to local non-profits through the Grants to Organizations program, and $111,000 in support for qualified tax-exempt properties owned by non-profit organizations.

Budget information is available at www.bridgewater.ca/budget23.

? HIGH WATER LEVELS THROUGHOUT LUNENBURG COUNTY
It's no secret that we've experienced an exceptionally wet and warm winter season in our region to date. As a result, water levels in lakes, brooks, and streams throughout much of Lunenburg County are higher than normal - and those levels could rise even more over the next week with more precipitation in the forecast.

With this in mind, the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg (MODL), the Bridgewater Public Service Commission (BPSC), and the Town of Bridgewater wish to advise the public that BPSC staff are closely monitoring water levels in Hebb Lake.

While the lake level has stabilized following last week's rainfall, it may become necessary to release additional water from the Hebb Lake Dam as a precautionary measure. We ask that residents in the immediate area of the lake make note of this possibility and take any necessary actions to prepare for localized flooding of low-lying areas around the lake.

Additionally, we would also like to remind the broader public that these wet conditions underscore the need to be prepared for the impacts of weather and flooding, particularly at this time of year.

Our colleagues at the Lunenburg Regional Emergency Management Organization (REMO) have some great suggestions on ways that you can reduce the likelihood of flood damage, including the following:

➡️ Install backflow valves in sump pumps, floor, sink, toilet and washing machine drains in your basement to prevent sewer backups

➡️ Install drainage for downspouts a sufficient distance from your residence to ensure that water moves away from the building

➡️ Add to your landscaping efforts and build up the areas against your foundation to keep water moving away from your home

➡️ If your property is next to a ditch or stream, keep the banks clear of brush and other debris

➡️ Clear culverts and drainage areas or create drainage areas diverting water away from your home and property

➡️ Do not park vehicles along streams, rivers, or creeks, especially during threatening conditions

➡️ If you have a private well on your property and it gets contaminated during a flood, purify it by boiling water or using purification tablets. Visit the NS Environment and Climate Change website for tips at https://novascotia.ca/nse/water/privatewells.asp.

For more info on how to best prepare for emergencies, including flooding, please visit www.lunenburgremo.ca.

January 19, 2023 / For Immediate Release

The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg and the Town of Bridgewater will share in funding the Town's new Tiny Shelter Grant Program through a commitment of $15,000 from each municipality.

In November 2022, the Town of Bridgewater made amendments to its Grants to Organizations policy to create the Tiny Shelter Grant Program. The program is designed to financially assist organizations interested in acquiring and hosting a tiny shelter on their property.

Thanks to the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg's contribution, the funds available through the program have been doubled. Qualifying organizations are now eligible to be awarded a grant of up to $2,000 for one season (November 1, 2022 to May 1, 2023) and a grant of up to $6,000 for three seasons, from 2022-23 to 2024-25.

"I want to say a huge thank you to Mayor Carolyn Bolivar-Getson and the councillors from the District of Lunenburg," said Bridgewater Mayor David Mitchell following the January 16 Town Council meeting at which recent amendments to the policy were finalized.

"This was not prompted - it was the Municipality coming to the Town and saying that they would like to be a part of the program," he added. "We really appreciate their contribution to the program, and it will have a major positive impact for those struggling to find shelter locally."

The cost of a single tiny shelter can range from $10,000 to $15,000, not including furnishings, utility hookups or site preparation, meaning a significant portion of the cost is still shared by the hosting organization. The new funds, the mayors agreed, will be a big help in a time of need.

"Currently, there are two tiny shelters in Bridgewater, and we know there have been ongoing conversations for additional tiny shelters with other community partners," said Mayor Bolivar-Getson. "We believe this jointly funded grant will offer greater assistance to the community organizations helping those in need in the community."

Media contacts:

Patrick Hirtle

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

Alex Dumaresq
Deputy CAO
Municipality of the District of Lunenburg
(902) 541-1332
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

❄️ REMINDER >>> YOUR WINTER STORM GUIDE
It looks like it's finally going to happen -- the first significant snowfall of the Winter of 2022-2023 is in the forecast, with the potential for 20 cm of snow on Friday and overnight into early Saturday morning.

Snow, freezing rain, ice pellets, and strong winds present obstacles for you and for those tasked with clearing the more than 100 kilometers of streets and sidewalks in Bridgewater in the days following a storm. With that in mind, we wanted to once again remind the travelling public and our entire community about how our storm operations roll out when bad weather hits and where you can find important information about changes to services caused by storms.

➡ BEFORE THE STORM
The Town's crews are generally on the road pre-salting before a storm hits. Salting the roads prior to a storm prevents bonding between falling snow or ice pellets/freezing rain and the road surface, helping to make post-storm cleanup easier.

? Winter Parking Alerts
When bad weather is expected, the Town will issue Winter Parking Alerts as a reminder for residents to seek off-street parking to allow snow clearing to take place. hese alerts are published on social media and available via push notification through the Town of Bridgewater app. To download the app, visit www.bridgewater.ca/app.

Under Section 139 of the Motor Vehicle Act, it is illegal to leave any vehicle on the street if it obstructs winter maintenance during or after a snowstorm. If you do so, your vehicle may be towed away without warning at your expense.

⚠️ Weather Alerts and Advisories
Get your forecast information from reliable services, such as CKBW/Country 100.7 and Environment Canada or a trusted weather app. During bad weather, heed the advice of Bridgewater Police Service and RCMP and stay off the road if asked to do so - this allows crews to work more efficiently to clear roads and eases the burden on emergency responders.

➡ DURING THE STORM
Plowing generally begins when snow cover on primary roads reaches between 5 and 7 centimeters. The remainder of plows are usually activated near the end of the storm. If a larger storm is expected (forecasts calling for more than 10 cm) plowing may begin on secondary streets prior to the end of a storm.The Town of Bridgewater's Public Works crews provide the same level of service during and after a winter storm regardless of the time of day or day of the week.

❓ Did you know?
Bridgewater's Public Works crews can safely work a maximum of 16 hours before a required rest period. That's why a great deal of careful planning goes into the timing of when crews spring into action - to make sure they can be deployed effectively before they're required to rest.

? Transit service during a storm
Bridgewater Transit drivers work with our Public Works staff to keep our transit service on the road as long as safely possible. If more than 10 cm of snow is forecast, transit service may be delayed. Keep up to date on all impacts to Town services during a storm via the Town's social media or app, or in our Storm Centre at bridgewater.ca/storm.

➡ AFTER THE STORM
? 0-12 Hours
Crews begin clearing streets in force near the conclusion of a storm, starting with main arteries and hills in Bridgewater. Our job is to ensure that emergency vehicles have basic access to every area of our community. In an emergency, plowing crews coordinate with police, fire, and paramedics to ensure immediate access as required.

? 12-24 hours
Crews work on sidewalk maintenance, starting first near Bridgewater's school zones. Crews also "wing back" snow or ice on streets and begin removal of snow from parking areas downtown, allowing our local businesses to resume normal operation as soon as possible.

? 24-48 hours
Sidewalk maintenance and additional winging back of snow cover on streets continues during this period, with additional sanding and salting as required by conditions.

?+48 hours
Crews focus on additional work around bus stops, crosswalks, and fire hydrants.

⛄️ Clearing your property
Under Section 318 of the Municipal Government Act, snow cannot be plowed across any streets or on to sidewalks; it must be stored on the property being cleared or hauled away and dumped in an approved location. The Town of Bridgewater is a supporter of the Plow It Forward campaign, which encourages neighbours to help each other after a storm. You can also help by adopting a fire hydrant to keep clear.

? SPECIAL STORM DEBRIS COLLECTION
>>> Taking place October 3 to 7 in Bridgewater

A special residential storm debris collection will take place in the Town of Bridgewater on residents' regular collection day during the week of October 3 to 7, 2022. Tree waste and bagged yard debris will be collected curbside.

COLLECTION GUIDELINES
✅ Maximum weight per piece of wood: 100 lbs

✅ Maximum length per piece of wood: 6 feet

✅ Bags of leaves and small twigs: maximum weight 55 lbs

✅ Bundle and tie small branches to make collection easier

✅ Paper leaf and yard waste bags must be used for bagged leaves and small twigs, plastic bags not accepted.

Waste must be curbside by 8 a.m. to ensure collection.

More information about year-round leaf and yard waste collection can be found online at https://www.communityrecycling.ca/collection/leaf-yard-waste-collection.

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

WHEREAS, energy efficiency is an abundant, clean, and low-cost way to meet Bridgewater's energy needs to avoid pollution, improve comfort and health, while reducing energy bills for residents and businesses in our community; and

WHEREAS, improved energy efficiency is a core solution to address the debilitating and widespread problem of energy poverty experienced by two out of every five Bridgewater residents as evidenced by local research conducted in 2019 and 2022 and reflected in comparable statistics from across Atlantic Canada; and

WHEREAS, implementing energy efficiency and other clean energy policies and programs can help boost direct investment in Bridgewater's housing stock, thereby generating economic opportunities and job creation while continuing to move our community toward a sustainable future; and

WHEREAS, smarter energy use reduces the amount of energy needed for our homes, businesses, organizations, and transportation, which helps avoid emissions that can harm our health, pollute our air, and warm our climate; and

WHEREAS, for municipalities and provinces or territories like ours that are trying to tackle harmful pollution, energy efficiency can get us closer to our emissions reduction goals; and

WHEREAS, energy efficiency makes our homes and workspaces healthier, safer, and more comfortable; and

WHEREAS, building energy codes can significantly improve occupant health and comfort, create new jobs, and reduce utility costs and emissions, and Bridgewater supports recent Federal commitments to increase the minimum levels of efficiency for new and existing buildings through adoption of stringent model building codes; and 

WHEREAS, a nationwide network of energy efficiency groups and partners has designated the first Wednesday in October as national Energy Efficiency Day; and

WHEREAS, together we can continue to contribute to our sustainability efforts by learning more about energy efficiency and practicing smarter energy use in our daily lives;

THEREFORE, be it resolved that Town Council for the Town of Bridgewater, hereby proclaim October 5, 2022 as "ENERGY EFFICIENCY DAY" in the Town of Bridgewater, and urge citizens to join us in supporting our clean energy goals and moving toward more energy efficiency now and in the future.

 Signed this 12th day of September, 2022 at
Bridgewater, in the County of Lunenburg, in
The Province of Nova Scotia.

 Mayor David MITCHELL
on behalf of Bridgewater Town Council

WHEREAS the Town of Bridgewater has adopted the principles of openness, transparency and accountability; and

WHEREAS Part XX of the Municipal Government Act gives citizens a right of access to information in the custody or under the control of the Town of Bridgewater; and

WHEREAS access to information ensures citizens of Nova Scotia have the opportunity for meaningful participation in the democratic process; and

WHEREAS a celebration of the right of citizens to access information will facilitate informed public participation in policy formulation, ensure fairness in government decision-making and permit the airing and reconciliation of divergent views; and

WHEREAS the Town of Bridgewater joins all other Canadian jurisdictions and democracies world-wide in acknowledging international Right to Know Week;

THEREFORE be it resolved that Town Council for the Town of Bridgewater hereby proclaims September 26 to October 2, 2022 to be Right to Know Week in the Town of Bridgewater.

Signed this 12th day of September, 2022 at
Bridgewater, in the County of Lunenburg, in the Province of Nova Scotia:

Mayor David Mitchell
on behalf of Bridgewater Town Council

WHEREAS, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a diagnostic term used to describe impacts on the brain and body of individuals prenatally exposed to alcohol. FASD is a lifelong disability. Individuals with FASD will experience some degree of challenges in their daily living, and need support with motor skills, physical health, learning, memory, attention, communication, emotional regulation, and social skills to reach their full potential. Each individual with FASD is unique and has areas of both strengths and challenges.

WHEREAS, fasdNL is a pan-provincial organization that educates, provides supports and resources, and raises awareness about fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) in Newfoundland and Labrador and Atlantic Canada; and

WHEREAS, fasdNL is leading a three-year FASD prevention, awareness, training, and collaborative action project in the four Atlantic provinces; and

WHEREAS, FASD Awareness week is devoted to raising awareness of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) to improve prevention of FASD and diagnosis and support for individuals with FASD and broad public awareness helps to put FASD the 'map'; and

THEREFORE, Town Council for the Town of Bridgewater proclaims the month of September, 2022 to be FASD Awareness Month, as cause/issue/special occasion etc. in the Town of Bridgewater.

Signed this 12th day of September, 2022
at Bridgewater, in the County of Lunenburg,
in the Province of Nova Scotia.

Mayor David MITCHELL
on behalf of Bridgewater Town Council

? 2022 PAVEMENT RENEWAL PROJECTS
>>> Expect work to take place throughout Bridgewater beginning August 21

The Town of Bridgewater will be coordinating pavement renewal projects with the contractor, Dexter Construction Ltd., in many areas of the community for approximately three weeks beginning on August 21, 2022. In total, the Town of Bridgewater has allocated approximately $800,000 toward pavement renewal this year. That budget does not include additional allocations for new streets or project areas where underground infrastructure work is taking place.

The planned list of 2022 pavement renewal project locations includes:

▪ Aberdeen Road (LaHave to Davison)

▪ Alexandra Avenue (Crescent to Acadia)

▪ Alpine Drive (Dublin to Civic #15)

▪ Audrey Drive (Meldrum to Bennett)

▪ Christie Street (Parkdale to Civic #9 Elizabeth)

▪ Glen Allan Drive (Etna to LaHave)

▪ Jubilee Road (Alexandra to Fern)

▪ Jubilee Road (Marlboro to DesBrisay)

▪ King Street (Park to School)

▪ King Street (Starr to Victoria)

▪ LaHave Street (Elm to Aberdeen)

▪ Logan Road (King to Wentzell)

▪ Nafthal Drive (Glen Allan to Pinehurst)

▪ North Street (Winburn to LaHave Street)

▪ Victoria Road (High to Town Line)

To see these locations on our road work map, please visit www.bridgewater.ca/roads.

WHAT TO EXPECT
Work is weather dependent. Each section of street will take anywhere from a few hours to a few days to complete and involve planing off old pavement and putting down new pavement. Generally, planing work will take place first and motorists should slow down and use caution when crossing the lip/drop between a planed area and regular pavement. The work will include traffic being controlled with traffic control personnel. Every effort will be made to minimize the disruption to residents and businesses in order to complete the work, however motorists are advised to expect delays when travelling throughout Bridgewater during the work and to allow for extra travel time accordingly.

Traffic delays, dust, noise and heavy equipment are common elements of planing and paving. We are committed to providing a work site that is safe and orderly.

We also ask and remind you to show respect, kindness, and courtesy for workers who are on site for these projects.

WORKING HOURS
Working hours are generally 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. It should be anticipated that the contractor might choose to work longer hours and weekends to complete the work, on schedule.

SPECIAL NEEDS
Individuals with special needs who may be uniquely impacted by this project should contact the Project Manager as soon as possible to make them aware of your situation. We will work with you in an attempt to minimize your inconvenience as much as possible. If you have any questions or would like to discuss this further, please feel free to contact the Town of Bridgewater Engineering Department at 902-541-4370 or you can reach out to project manager Justin Penny at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

WASTE COLLECTION

Regularly scheduled solid waste collection will continue as usual. Residents are reminded to have items to the curb prior to 8:00 a.m. Collection calendars are available from the Engineering Department at www.communityrecycling.ca.

The Town of Bridgewater regrets any inconvenience caused to residents and businesses, during this important and necessary work.

? NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING

There will be a Special Meeting of Town Council to consider several time-sensitive matters, specifically:

a) a Public Hearing to consider a Development Agreement for a ready-mix concrete production facility at 25 Cook Road;

b) 1st consideration of a substantive Development Agreement Amendment for a manufacturing facility addition at 233 Logan Road; and

c) proposed Temporary Borrowing Resolutions (for PACE/Energize Bridgewater and regular capital budget)

The Meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 6, 2022, in Council Chambers at Town Hall (60 Pleasant St, Bridgewater), at which time oral and written presentations will be considered. The public is invited to attend the meeting, which will also be livestreamed on the Town of Bridgewater Facebook page.

For more information regarding Community Development matters (items a and b, above), please contact Planner Eric Lindsay at 902-530-3614 or by email at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

You can also visit www.bridgewater.ca/DA to see all current applications.