Sewer cleaning scheduled this week in parts of Bridgewater
Sewer cleaning will be taking place in parts of the Town of Bridgewater from Monday, March 1, to Friday, March 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily, weather permitting.
Cleaning work will be focused on:
- Mayfair subdivision
- LaHave Heights
- Hirtle Drive
- Streatch Drive (from Glen Allan Drive to Porter Crescent)
- Eastside Plaza area
>> What are sewers?
Sewers are underground pipes that carry wastewater from homes and businesses to the wastewater treatment plants where it is treated and then released to the river. Everything you pour down your drains or flush down your toilet goes into a sewer.
>> Why are you cleaning the sewers?
The cleaning and inspection program keeps the sewer system operating efficiently by:
• Helping prevent blockages and backups.
• Removing built-up debris, such as tree roots, grease, grit and sand.
• Determining the condition of the sewer so we can repair or replace sewers as necessary.
>> How do you clean the sewers?
We use a high-pressure nozzle to flush water down the sewer. The dirt and debris are sucked up through a manhole by a large vacuum truck and taken to the landfill.
>> How long does it take to clean the sewers on each street?
It usually takes about one day to clean the sewer on each block. However, some sewers can take longer, depending on their size and condition.
>> Do I need to do anything before you clean the sewers on my street?
Yes. Occasionally during cleaning and inspection, air pressure in the sewer can cause water to splash out through toilets, sinks and drains.
Take the following precautions to prevent water damage in your home:
• Close the lids on all toilet bowls when not in use.
• Insert drain plugs in all sinks and bathtubs when not in use.
• Remove all floor mats in bathrooms.
• Place an old towel around the base of toilets.
• If you have a float plug in your floor drain or a backwater valve installed in your house, ensure that it is free of debris and operating properly.
• Wrap the cover of your basement floor drains with plastic (i.e., a freezer bag). Place something heavy over the floor drains to keep the plastic-covered floor drain covers in place.
>> You may put things back as they were when the equipment has moved off your block.
>> Will I notice anything after you have cleaned the sewers on my street?
Sometimes the sewer cleaning and inspection leaves an odour in the home. If so, run some water down the sink and bathtub drains, flush the toilets, pour a pail of water into each basement floor drain and open the windows. After a short time, the odour should disappear.
>> Can I use the toilets and my water while you are cleaning the sewer on my block?
Yes. However, be careful as air pressure in the sewer during the cleaning and inspection can sometimes cause water to splash out through toilets, sinks and drains. Remember to close the lids on all toilet bowls when not in use and insert drain plugs in all sinks and bathtubs when not in use.
>> How will I know when you are cleaning the sewers on my street?
In most cases, we will put a notice in your mailbox before we clean the sewers on your street. If we need to clean the sewer quickly because of a blockage, we won’t have time to let you know in advance.
>> When do you clean and inspect the sewers?
We have two types of programs:
1. A sewer cleaning program only: We move around the Town all year cleaning areas where there are persistent problems and doing emergency work to clear blockages.
2. A sewer cleaning and inspection program: We clean and inspect sewers in selected areas of the town each year, usually from November to April, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. We realize that the equipment is very noisy and may disturb residents. Sometimes this cannot be avoided and we appreciate your patience.
>> Ways you can protect your home against sewer backup.
The sewer cleaning and inspection program is one of the steps that we take to reduce the risk of sewer backup. There are steps you can take to protect your home against basement flooding, including:
• Install a backwater valve and sump pit drainage system.
• Check and maintain your backwater valve and sump pit drainage system regularly.
• Improve drainage around your house.
>> Things that should not be flushed down toilets:
Feminine products, condoms, cooking grease, food, baby/wet wipes, rags, dental floss, Q-tips, cotton balls, diapers, cat litter, pills, paper towels, Kleenex/facial tissue, cigarette butts, coffee grounds etc.
For more information, contact the Town of Bridgewater Public Works Department at (902) 543-5142 .
Talk Bridgewater at South Shore Centre -- Friday, February 26
TALK BRIDGEWATER – THIS FRIDAY!
We are back! It’s been more than a year since the last public Talk Bridgewater session, but we are excited to announce that the members of Town Council will be on site at South Shore Centre on Friday, February 26, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
This is YOUR chance to stop by and directly connect with your representatives on Town Council.
Have thoughts on this year’s budget and how the Town should invest your tax dollars? Want to learn more about the wastewater improvements that are planned for Bridgewater or why the Exit12A is so important for the future of development in our community?
Do you have a suggestion that would make part of our community shine? Or maybe a question that you want to ask? Are you looking for a chance to volunteer and make our town a better place to live, work, and play?
Now is the time to reach out and connect with Council at Talk Bridgewater.
You’ll find the members of Council near the centre entrance (by the Bridgewater Transit stop, Charm, and Mama Pita). See you there!
If you can't make the session yourself, you can also connect with Town Council by e-mail. Visit www.bridgewater.ca/council for contact info options.
Please note that COVID-19 restrictions are in place. You're asked to wear a mask and to try to maintain six feet of social/physical distancing where possible.
Sanitary sewer work upcoming on Churchill Street
TRAFFIC NOTICE & NOTICE OF WATER DISRUPTION
TRAFFIC NOTICE >>> CHURCHILL STREET
Please be advised, the following section of street will be closed to traffic to facilitate sanitary sewer repairs in the area of:
CHURCHILL STREET, from Summit St. to Dominion St., beginning on Monday, February 22, running through Friday, February 26, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily (weather permitting).
This section of street will be closed to through traffic until work is complete -- only local traffic will be permitted.
The Town of Bridgewater regrets any inconvenience caused to residents and businesses.
WATER NOTICE >>> CHURCHILL STREET
THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION OF BRIDGEWATER may shut off the water for approximately two (2) hours to carry out sewer repair work in the area of:
CHURCHILL STREET, from 47 Churchill St. to Dominion St. on Monday, February 22, and Tuesday, February 23, between 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Rain date: Tuesday 23 & Wednesday 24, February 2021 ~ same time)
After work is complete and water pressure resumes to normal, we ask customers to flush water taps for 5 to 10 minutes should they experience any air or discoloured water. We regret any inconvenience this may cause our customers.
Bridgewater hires new Economic Development Officer
MARK POWELL NAMED NEW EDO FOR BRIDGEWATER
The Town of Bridgewater is excited to announce the hiring of Mark Powell as the community’s new Economic Development Officer (EDO). Powell will begin work remotely during the week of February 22 and will officially join the staff at Town Hall in April.
Powell’s broad background working with business leaders covers many sectors including municipalities, renewable energy, green building, finance and property development, and working with First Nations communities. He has won global and national awards for his client work and the community supported renewable energy company he founded was recognized as a global top 100 BCorp.
“It speaks volumes about all that Bridgewater has to offer when someone of Mark’s tremendous experience and calibre commits to making our community his new home,” said Mayor David Mitchell.
“As the new EDO, Mark will be instrumental in building our local economy by bringing new investment, new businesses and strategic partners, and new families to our town – he has a proven track record and we’re excited for what he will add to our dynamic staff team.”
Coming from Toronto, Powell said that what drew him to Bridgewater is the strong sense of community and the opportunity to build upon an impressive and emerging local economy.
“One of the leaders I admire, Paul Krugman, said it best – when it comes to my role as the EDO, ‘economics is about the people.’ For me, economic development is about building and growing sustainably from all the amazing projects the Town has going on now, including Energize Bridgewater and its energy poverty reduction Smart Cities initiative and the new Highway 103 interchange at Exit 12A into the Bridgewater Business Park. There is so much potential here, it’s inspiring!”
While Powell may be new to Bridgewater, he has worked in the Maritimes stretching back to 2003 when he had an office just outside of Souris, PEI.
His credentials include a Business degree specializing in finance and business development. He subsequently graduated from the SG1 Aging Successfully cohousing program founded by McCamant and Durrett. In 2020, Powell also completed a series of online programs from Sociocracy For All on consensus building and decision making.
Coming from a family of teachers, architects, and property developers, in his spare time Powell is a passionate and competitive sailor and volunteers many hours in community initiatives. He and his partner, Debbie, have also taken on the ambitious task of doing a complete renewable energy retrofit of an historic home in town as part of their relocation.
“Bridgewater is a shining star among municipalities, not just in Nova Scotia, but right across the country,” he said. “I can’t wait to get to work and do my part to help our community grow and prosper well into the future.”
Free Saturday transit in February thanks to Bridgewater Kinsmen
? FREE SATURDAY TRANSIT THIS FEBRUARY THANKS TO PARTNERSHIP WITH BRIDGEWATER KINSMEN
Whether you're a regular transit rider or you've never been on Bridgewater Transit before, Saturdays in February will be the perfect time to hop on the bus, shop local, and explore your community!
Today we're excited to announce that thanks to a sponsorship by the Bridgewater Kinsmen Club, Bridgewater Transit bus service will be FREE to all riders on Saturday, February 6, 13, 20, and 27!
Each February, KIN Clubs across Canada are encouraged to do a good deed for their community. This year, Bridgewater Kinsmen Club is sponsoring FREE transit on Saturdays as one of its good deeds!
Subject to change, Bridgewater Transit runs each Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
To track the bus online, visit www.bridgewater.ca/bus or download the FREE Town of Bridgewater iBridgewater app for your smartphone at www.bridgewater.ca/ibridgewater.
Bridgewater Police Service -- Controlled Drugs and Substances arrests update
File # 2021-22635 – Controlled Drugs and Substances
Following an integrated operation between Bridgewater Police Service (BPS) and RCMP, a targeted traffic stop was conducted Wednesday, January 20th, 2021, by the Street Crime Enforcement Unit, General Investigation Sections from RCMP & BPS, Criminal Intelligence Services Nova Scotia, and BPS Patrol.
Police also executed a CDSA warrant at a residence on High Street and the motor vehicle being driven. Police seized cocaine, methamphetamine, illicit marihuana, cash, cutting agents, a prohibited weapon, and a number of different types of pills yet to be determined.
As a result of the operation, police arrested four (4) adults, two (2) males and two (2) females.
Three of the four parties arrested now faces charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, Cannabis Act, and Criminal Code of Canada.
One adult male is facing charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine, failing to comply with a court order, and possession of a weapon dangerous to the public.
One adult female is facing charges for possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine, possession for the purpose of trafficking methamphetamine, possession of illicit cannabis, and possession of a weapon dangerous to public peace.
The second male has been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine.
All have been released on conditions to appear April 14th, 2021, at the Bridgewater Courthouse for plea. The investigation is continuing.
Both the Street Crime Enforcement Unit and Crime Intelligence Services Nova Scotia are comprised of RCMP and BPS members.
Anyone who may have witnessed the event or anyone with information is asked to contact Bridgewater Police Service at (902) 543-2464.
Update on King Street motor vehicle collision
Per our colleagues at Bridgewater Police Service >>>
On Monday January 18th, 2021, at approximately 11:58 a.m., Bridgewater Police Service responded to a 911 call to the King Street area north of Victoria Road in Bridgewater for a two (2) vehicle head-on collision with entrapment.
Multiple units from Bridgewater Police Service, Bridgewater Fire Department, and EHS attended the scene locating 2 vehicles with heavy damage to their front ends. Bridgewater Fire Department used the Jaws of Life to extricate both drivers.
Two (2) young males and one (1) adult female were transported by EHS to South Shore Regional Hospital. Two (2) of the parties sustained serious injuries as a result of the collision. One the vehicles crossed the centre line and the investigation into the cause is continuing.
Anyone who may have witnessed the event or anyone with information is asked to contact Bridgewater Police Service at (902) 543-2464.
COVID-19 pop-up testing site Saturday and Sunday
Shared on behalf of our colleagues at NS Health and REMO >>>
NS Health is planning a local COVID-19 pop-up site in Bridgewater this weekend.
Where: CINEPLEX Theatre, 349 LaHave Street, Bridgewater
When:
- Saturday January 16, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. AND
- Sunday January 17, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
The pop-up site:
- is to test asymptomatic individuals (16+)
- is not open for individuals with symptoms
- is not for people who visited at a potential exposure site identified by public health
- is not for a close contact of a person with COVID-19
- is not for someone who have left the Atlantic Bubble in the last 14 days
No appointment is necessary. Just pop in to get tested.
There are still a few volunteer shifts available. If you are willing to assist with the pop-up site, please email
Nominations open for 2021 outstanding voluntees
? WE NEED YOUR HELP!
Each year, the Town of Bridgewater hosts a Volunteer Recognition Ceremony during Provincial Volunteer Week to officially thank volunteers for making our community a better place!
As part of our celebration, the Town seeks nominations for a volunteer to represent our community at the Provincial Volunteer Awards Ceremony held in Halifax. The Town also receives nominations for the Volunteer Family Award and Corporate Volunteer Award.
This is where YOU come in! Do you know an outstanding volunteer who deserves recognition? If so, we want to hear from you SOON!
If you would like to nominate an outstanding volunteer to represent the Town of Bridgewater or nominate a family or business for consideration, please visit www.bridgewater.ca/volunteer and download a nomination form.
Submission details are located in each downloadable form and the deadline to submit is Friday, February 5.
Join us in celebrating the people who make Bridgewater an amazing place to live, play, and thrive!
Survey taking place
If you’re a resident of Bridgewater, you may get a call from Nova Insights and Vision Research over the next few weeks — they are conducting a survey in several communities across Nova Scotia, including Bridgewater, in cooperation with the Province of Nova Scotia and, locally, the Town’s Community Development Department. In order to avoid respondent bias, the exact subject of the survey is not being disclosed at this time.
If you receive a call, your participation in the survey is voluntary and you need only answer the questions that you are comfortable answering. All responses collected will be kept strictly confidential and will only be reported as a group, not by individual.
NS Health puts out call for pop-up testing site volunteers
NS Health is planning a local COVID-19 pop-up testing site in the coming days. The exact date and location will be announced.
They are specifically seeking volunteers to assist with greeting, reception, managing flow, etc. for a few hours. Each shift is ideally 4 to 5 hours and they are looking for 2 complete shifts and require 10 to 14 volunteers per shift. All PPE and training will be provided before the shift.
The pop-up site:
- is to test asymptomatic individuals (16+)
- is not open for individuals with symptoms
- is not for people who visited at a potential exposure site identified by public health
- is not for a close contact of a person with COVID-19
- is not for someone who have left the Atlantic Bubble in the last 14 days.
If you are willing to assist with the pop-up site, please e-mail your interest with your name, phone number, and availability to
We invite you to share this message.
SEASONAL REMINDERS FOR WHEN SNOW FLIES
With the first noteworthy snowfall event of the season in the forecast for Thursday, it's a good time to remind folks about what to expect before and after a storm here in Bridgewater.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
-- Roads are generally salted before a storm to deter the formation of a layer of ice on asphalt below snow cover.
-- Plowing typically begins when there is about 7 to 10 cm of snow down, with priority being given to primary routes within the first 12 hours after a storm. Supervisors are in communication with emergency officials during a storm to coordinate response to emergency calls as needed.
-- There are 70 kms of streets and 35 kms of sidewalks in Bridgewater, so cleaning up after a storm takes time. Be patient and, if possible, stay off the roads until snow clearing has taken place.
-- From 12 to 24 hours after a storm, focus areas generally include school zones, the downtown, secondary streets, then sidewalk maintenance.
-- During a storm, under Section 139 of the Motor Vehicle Act, no person is permitted to park on a street that could obstruct winter maintenance. Your vehicle could be towed, so please be prepared to find off-street parking.
-- Plow It Forward: if you can help a neighbour or volunteer to clear a fire hydrant, it helps your community!
-- Regarding waste, all solid waste to be collected by the Town should be accessible to the collection contractor within 3 metres (approximately 10 feet) of the curb or travel‐way, placed in such a manner as to not interfere with pedestrian traffic and snow removal. There have been compost carts placed on the sidewalks in that past and they prohibit snow removal and the Town will not be responsible for broken carts if they happen to get hit by the sidewalk plow.
- BRIDGEWATER OFFICIALLY WELCOMES NEW BUSES
- Brushing up on Halloween in the time of COVID-19
- Municipal Joint Services Board hires new Chief Operating Officer
- Christmas on the LaHave 2020 -- Public Update
- REMINDER: Voter Information Letters
- PAVEMENT RENEWAL -- SCHEDULE UPDATE
- Bridgewater candidate roster for 2020 municipal elections
- Hockey Canada cancels 2020 Canadian Tire Para Hockey Cup
- Bridgewater Police Service -- Public update re: Phoenix Street incident
- UPCOMING STREET/INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
- Bridgewater Police Service -- Re: Pleasant Street altercation
- PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT -- 2020 PROJECTS
Subcategories
STORM CENTRE
We're no strangers to severe weather events here in Atlantic Canada. Hurricane season, which runs from June through the end of November annually, and the nor'easter weather bombs of the winter months often make life challenging.Here you can find information that can be especially helpful for you leading up to, during, and after the storm. We've included quick links to the latest Environment Canada forecast and warnings for the Bridgewater area, the Nova Scotia Power outage map, and some additional helpful links from the Nova Scotia Emergency Management Office on how to prepare to weather the storm for 72 hours (or more).