BRIDGEWATER PARKS, TRAILS, SPORTS FIELDS UPDATE
>>> Issued July 24, 2023 -- 4:40 p.m.

⛔️ All trail systems remain CLOSED at this time, as staff need to continue to make inspections and assess and deal with storm-related damages.

➡ Both the Kinsmen and LaHave sports fields will open on Tuesday, July 25, 2023. There are minor washouts on Kinsmen Track and the LaHave Street Fields road leading from the parking lot to the upper (baseball) field. Please use caution in these areas.

➡ Woodland Gardens behind the museum is open.

➡ Playgrounds are open. There is debris at Glen Alan Park that is yet to be removed and some road washout - use with caution.

➡ Bridgewater Skate Park is open.

➡ The South Shore Vet Dog Zone dog park on Glen Allan Drive is open. There is a minor washout by the main entrance - use with caution.

➡ Mariners Landing is open.

➡ Aberdeen Green is open.

➡ Riverside Park is open.

➡ King Street Court is open. Please use caution by the floating docks as there may be debris collected there.

➡ Pijinuiskaq Park is open.

➡ Shipyards Landing is open.

➡ Tannery Park is open. Washout at the south entrance - use with caution.

Again, all trails are still closed at this time -- there is a lot of debris to be cleaned up and washout areas to be addressed. While the sun is out, it does take time for facilities to be inspected to ensure they are safe. Please continue to be patient and avoid closed facilities and trails.

PARKS, TRAILS, AND FIELDS CLOSURE NOTICE
All Town of Bridgewater parks, trails, and sports fields are closed to the public until Monday.

This closure will allow time for Town of Bridgewater Parks crews to conduct a thorough post-storm inspection of these spaces to ensure that there has not been any damage, such as broken trees or compromised paths, that may pose a threat to our residents.

At this time, we ask you to err on the side of caution and please respect this temporary closure.

A MESSAGE FROM BRIDGEWATER FIRE DEPARTMENT

The members of Bridgewater Fire Department wish to extend their sincere thanks to the entire community for the patience and understanding shown in the face of the extreme challenges caused by the weather event of the past 24 hours.

The storm that struck our region was far from a typical storm, and the volume of rain that fell caused significant troubles for many in our community.

Normally, the members of Bridgewater Fire Department focus their energies on fire suppression or life-saving matters, such as responding to home or business fires, motor vehicle accidents, and the like.

However, because of the historic amount of rain brought on by this storm, Bridgewater Fire Department members took the unusual step of going outside of their normal frame of work to assist those in dire need of pumping services. The volume of water last night was so significant that it threatened bodily harm to many in our community, so BFD's members took action - over the course of the storm, the department responded to roughly 100 calls for pumping-related assistance.

Now that the storm has calmed and waters are beginning to recede, BFD is requesting that the public no longer call for assistance for basement and yard pumping and, instead, return to relying on Bridgewater Fire Department to respond to regular fire-related emergencies.

This will allow BFD's crews to recuperate and be ready to respond to emergencies after a 24-hour period that was unlike any in our history.

If anyone in the community is seeking pumping services for their property today or moving forward, we request that you contact one of the many excellent local contractors or restoration companies that provide that service.

Thank you so much for helping to ensure that all of us got through the storm together.

???? SOUTH SHORE EXHIBITION PARADE NOTICES

???? PARADE ROUTE INFO

The South Shore Exhibition Parade takes place on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, beginning at approximately 6 p.m., travelling along High, Empire, King, and Dufferin Streets.

The parade route will significantly impact traffic flow in and around Bridgewater. Street closures will begin along major routes by 5:30 p.m. Please adjust your travel routes and expectations for travel time that evening accordingly. Traffic volumes will be high in town from approximately 4 p.m. onward.

The parade route can be found at www.bridgewater.ca/roads.

???? ALTERNATE TRAVEL ROUTES DURING THE PARADE

During the parade, motorists are advised to take the alternate route:

Victoria Rd. > William Wile Rd. > Century Dr. > Route 3 > Dufferin St. or Jubilee Rd. to avoid delays and/or gain access to your destination in the south end of Bridgewater or beyond. Motorists may also use Highway 103 to bypass the parade area.

All motorists should expect delays during the parade because of the increased volume of traffic in and around Bridgewater during the event.

The recommended alternate travel route can also be found on a map at www.bridgewater.ca/map.

???? TRANSIT

Bridgewater Transit will conclude service at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 25, 2023.

???? WASTE COLLECTION

Businesses and residents along the South Shore Exhibition Parade route are asked to place their waste curbside after the parade has passed on Tuesday evening. Wednesday morning waste collection will begin at 9 a.m. FOr more information, please call 902-543-2991.

???? TRAFFIC NOTICE >>> EXHIBITION DRIVE

From July 25 through July 30, Exhibition Drive will be open to southbound traffic only.

For more information on the South Shore Exhibition, please visit www.thebigex.com.

ABOUT FRESH AIR FILMS

Join us every second Friday at Woodland Gardens and get cozy under the stars for a night of free family friendly entertainment. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, get cozy, and enjoy the big screen. With new movies showing over the summer there is something for everyone to see! All films start around dusk - estimated times included below.

 July 7 - Princess Bride (9 p.m.)

 July 21 - Iron Giant (9 p.m.)

 August 4 - School of Rock (8:30 p.m.)

 August 18 - Audience Choice (Vote online or at previous movie nights!) (8:20 p.m.)

Woodland Gardens (behind the DesBrisay Museum) 130 Jubilee Rd, Bridgewater.

CANTEEN WILL BE SELLING SNACKS!

Bring cash for snacks, all proceeds going to Pro Kids, funding programs for children in need!

Guardians must stay with children under 13.

If raining, check Town of Bridgewater Facebook page for cancelation or alternative programing. Bring a water bottle, and blanket or lawn chair. Bathroom onsite.

???? LOCAL WATER LEVELS ARE HIGH / HEBB LAKE DAM

Water levels across the province have been rising steadily over the past couple of weeks as a result of the significant rainfalls in Nova Scotia since early June.

The Public Service Commission of Bridgewater (PSCB), the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, and the Town of Bridgewater wish to advise the public that the PSCB has pulled a log at Hebb Lake Dam in order to lower the overall level with a small release of water. This action will help to ensure the safe operation of the dam system while keeping the dams as full as safely possible.

Some property owners in the downstream area may experience minor flooding as a result of the release of water. We ask that residents in the immediate area of the lake make note of this and be aware of the potential for localized flooding of low-lying areas around the lake.

If you have any questions, please contact the Public Service Commission of Bridgewater at 902-541-4370.

UPCOMING CHANGES TO LOGAN ROAD
The Town of Bridgewater wishes to advise the public that there will be upcoming changes to the flow of traffic on Logan Road in Bridgewater.

Beginning later this summer, Logan Road will be closed to traffic just past Access Storage Bridgewater, which is located at 230 Logan Road.

➡️ Through traffic entering the Bridgewater Business Park from King Street will be routed off Logan Road, via Wentzell Drive and North Park Street, to reach St. Phillips Street. Businesses located above the intersection of Wentzell Drive and Logan Road will still be open and accessible.

➡️ Through traffic entering the Bridgewater Business Park from St. Phillips Street will be directed to North Park Street, then to Wentzell Drive, and Logan Road.

A date for the closure of Logan Road and change to traffic flow in the Bridgewater Business Park has not been finalized yet, but we will provide further notice to the public when that date has been confirmed.

Signage will also be placed on site throughout the Bridgewater Business Park to help guide motorists.

ONCE EXIT 12A IS COMPLETED
In the future, when Exit 12A is opened, through traffic on Logan Road will be able to cross Highway 103 at the Exit 12A interchange and connect with St. Phillips Street.

TOWN HALL NOTICE / SUMMER HOURS

Bridgewater Town Hall will be closed to the public on Monday, July 3, 2023. Town Hall and Town of Bridgewater public offices will reopen on Tuesday, July 4.

Summer hours will be in effect for the months of July and August, with Town Hall open from from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, Monday to Friday.

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.