Department & Staff

Community Development provides the link between how land is used, where development happens and how our community responds and thrives as a result. The Community Development Department works to create active, healthy, sustainable communities through engagement with the residents of Bridgewater and progressive planning practices. There are four functional areas of the Department:

1. Land Use & Development Control
2. Recreation 
3. Sustainability

Jessica McDonald, Director of Community Development 
902-541-4368
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The Director of Community Development is responsible for the overall management of the Town's Planning, Sustainability and Recreation Services  which includes strategic and long-term community and land use  planning, project management, development review and control, sustainability, recreation programming, special projects  and GIS services. The position is responsible to ensure the Department is aligned with Council and Organizational Priorities, developmental and capacity building of departmental staff, and financial management of the department budgets and plans.  If you have any questions regarding planning and development, recreation or sustainability in Bridgewater, please do not hesitate to contact the Director.

Nick Brown, Manager of Planning & Development Services / Development Officer
902-541-4369
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The Development Officer is responsible for administering the Town's Land Use By-Law, Subdivision By-Law, Sidewalk Cafe By-law, Vending By-law and Land Leased Community By-Law, and issues Development Permits.  The Development Officer is the first stop for anyone thinking of developing within Bridgewater. For any questions regarding zoning / permitted uses, subdivision of land, small-scale business uses or signage, please contact the Development Officer directly. 

Sarah Ravlic, Planner II 
902-521-8417
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The Planner II is responsible for administering the Town's Municipal Planning Strategy and Active Transportation Plan, and provides technical assistance and planning support for many long-term strategic initiatives such as public transit and downtown revitalization. For any questions related to planning applications for development agreements or rezonings, please contact the Planner II directly. 

Connor MacQuarrie, Planner/Development Officer
902-521-2582
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The Planner/Development Officer provides subject matter expertise to planning services, leads and manages planning assignments or departmental projects based on Town Council's strategic priorities. The Planner/Development Officer is also responsible for implementing and administering the Town's policies and regulations, respecting land use and development, including the Municipal Planning Strategy, Land Use By-law, Subdivision By-law, and Heritage By-law. For any questions related to this position, please contact the Planner/Development officer directly.

Sana Karami, Planner I
902-541-4384
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Evan Ferguson, Planner I
902-530-4081
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The Planner I is responsible for administering the Town's Municipal Planning Strategy and Open Space Plan and provides technical assistance and planning support for long-term projects such as recreation, placemaking, and the Planning Document Review Process. For any questions related to the Open Space Plan, please contact the Planner I directly.

Freya Clark, Planning Technician/GIS Specialist
902-523-0894
email

Kara Highfield, Recreation Program Coordinator
902-541-4367
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Recreation Program Coordinator is responsible for the ongoing planning, development, implementation and evaluation of all sport, recreation, active and healthy living and leisure programs offered by the Town for people of all ages and abilities. If you have any questions about opportunities you want to participate in or offer to the community, please reach out to our Recreation Program Coordinator directly. 

Chris Sanford, Community Gardens Coordinator
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The Community Garden Coordinator oversees Bridgewater Community Garden projects i.e. Hodge Podge Community Garden, Incredible Edible Bridgewater, Edible Trees Bridgewater and The Bee's Needs Pollinator Garden. Any questions about how to get involved, please reach out directly.

Rosemary Erb, Administrative Coordinator - Recreation
902-543-2274
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The Administrative Coordinator provides frontline service to customers and members of the public and administrative support services for the Recreation team. This includes public enquiries, reception, recreation bookings, committee and communication support, PROKids and Brookside Cemetery enquiries. If you have a general question about recreation services, contact our front desk.

Sondra Brehaut, Administrative Assistant - Planning & Building
902-541-4371
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The Administrative Assistant provides frontline service to customers and members of the public and administration support services for the Community Development Department. This includes public enquiries, reception, permit and application tracking, committee and communication support. If you have a general question about the Community Development Department, contact our front desk.