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
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❄️ 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.

PARKING METER NOTICE

Bridgewater's parking meters are being upgraded and, effective Thursday, August 4, 2022, meters will no longer accept 5-cent and 10-cent coins for parking.

Please note that parking rates have NOT changed. Parking meters will continue to accept 25-cent, $1 and $2 coins. You can also still pay for parking from your smartphone using the HotSpot app. For more info, please visit https://www.htsp.ca/. Decals on meters will be updated in the coming days to reflect the changeover.

To learn more about parking in Bridgewater, please visit www.bridgewater.ca/parking.

Residents and businesses that have their waste regularly collected on Mondays are advised that collection will not take place in the Town of Bridgewater on August 1, 2022. Collection will instead take place on Saturday, July 30.

The Community Recycling Centre will be closed August 1st. Questions? Call (902) 543-2991.

? BRIDGEWATER PARKING STUDY
>>> Public Engagement Session #2 this Thursday evening

Work continues on the Town of Bridgewater's 2022 Parking Study and you're invited to attend the second public engagement session to share your thoughts on the present and future parking needs of the downtown.

The study will ultimately help guide Bridgewater Town Council in planning the Town's long-term capital investments, ensuring that the implementation and phasing of parking infrastructure improvements is efficient and done with the needs of our growing and vibrant community in mind.

➡ SECOND PUBLIC SESSION ON JULY 21, 2022
Consultation with business owners and the public is a key element of the study. An initial Public Information Centre (PIC) was held on May 31, 2022, to introduce the study.

Members of the public are invited to attend the second PIC on Thursday, July 21, 2022, starting at 6:30 p.m. in-person at the Bridgewater Fire Hall, located at 81 Dominion Street.

The purpose of the second PIC is to share the study findings to date, discuss preliminary recommendations, and to obtain further input from business owners and the public. The study team will deliver a presentation and there will be an opportunity at the end of the presentation to ask any questions or submit comments.

If you are unable to attend the PIC and would like to provide input, or if you have any questions or comments, please contact the study team Project Manager:

Michael MacDonald, P.Eng.
Consultant Project Manager
Harbourside Transportation Consultants

902-405-4696 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CLICK HERE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ONLINE MUNICIPAL BOUNDARY REVIEW/COUNCIL SIZE SURVEY

In 2022, the Town of Bridgewater and every municipality in Nova Scotia is required to conduct a Municipal Boundary Review. In Bridgewater's case, where Town Council members are elected at large, community members have the opportunity to offer their input on the size of Bridgewater Town Council and if they believe that the number of elected officials serves the needs of the community and offers appropriate representation for its citizens or if they believe a change to the existing system should be made.

BACKGROUND
The population of Bridgewater during the 2021 Census was 8,790. Bridgewater Town Council consists of an elected Mayor and six at-large elected Town Council members. "At large" means that Council members represent the entire community and not any specific district or ward within Bridgewater.

How does Bridgewater stack up to other towns of similar size in Nova Scotia? The Town of Kentville (pop. 6,630) has a mayor and six at-large councillors. The Town of Truro (pop. 12,954) has a mayor and six councillors - Truro has three wards with two councillors per ward. Yarmouth (pop. 6,829) has a mayor and six at-large councillors. In Amherst (pop. 9,404), there is also a mayor and six at-large councillors.

Town Council members in Bridgewater are paid a taxed salary of $25,000 per year for their service. The Deputy Mayor (elected by Town Council) receives a taxed salary of $36,700 per year. The Mayor receives a taxed salary of $62,300 per year. In addition to twice-monthly Town Council meetings, there are approximately 25 committees and commissions which require Town Council representation, with each Town Councillor generally serving on at least seven committees.

HOW YOU CAN PROVIDE YOUR INPUT
As part of the public engagement process around the Municipal Boundary Review, you will be invited to participate in an online survey that is available by clicking here.

You may submit written comments by regular mail to the Town of Bridgewater by regular mail or drop off at Town Hall, located at 60 Pleasant Street in Bridgewater (please include "Municipal Boundary Review" in writing in the title of your submission.

You may also participate by attending the regular meeting of Bridgewater Town Council on Monday, August 8, or Monday, September 12, and providing verbal remarks at the start of the meeting during the time specifically allotted for members of the public to provide feedback on the Municipal Boundary Review (at approximately 6 p.m.)

Finally, there will be an open-house event at DesBrisay Museum, located at 130 Jubilee Road in Bridgewater, on Tuesday, August 9, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. All are welcome and staff will be on site to receive comments and answer questions related to the Municipal Boundary Review.