Energize Bridgewater is hiring a Communications and Engagement Specialist!
We are seeking an experienced, creative, insights-driven, hands-on senior engagement and communications professional. You will be part of the Town of Bridgewater’s small but mighty Energize Bridgewater team. Reporting to the Energize Bridgewater Project Manager, the Energize Bridgewater Engagement and Communications Officer designs, delivers, and evaluates internal and external engagement and communications strategies and initiatives.
Over a number of days in November, Nelson Nolan, a Junior Planner with the Town of Bridgewater’s Energize Bridgewater project and Patricia Watson, a champion of Bridgewater’s Anti-Racism Task Force, interviewed Bridgewater residents and business owners impacted by energy poverty. Equipped with cellphones and a desire to better understand the root cause of energy poverty, they captured the footage that has now become a short-form documentary film called, Energy and Equity. Our team would like to extend our appreciation for all those that participated.
What Kind of Renewable Energy Energizes You?
The Town of Bridgewater wants to know what kind of renewable energy excites you! We completed a study to determine what kind of renewable energy such as solar, wind, hydro, or bioenergy would make the lowest cost and most reliable energy for Bridgewater. Check out the community presentations below to learn more about the process of how Bridgewater is building community energy.
Presentation #1 - September 29, 2020
Presentation #2 - November 17, 2020
Bridgewater Receives $950,000 through the ACOA Innovation Communities Fund
The funding is going towards building an Energy Management Information System as part of the smart cities project. The Energy Management Information System will allow homes, rental housing, and municipal facilities to plan for energy upgrades that save money. Read more about the funding announcement here: bridgewater.ca/news-events/latest-news
Mayor David Mtichell speaks at the ACOA funding announcement.
Bridgewater Completes Local Energy Financing Systems Study
Bridgewater has completed a study on innovative capitalization strategies to bring millions of dollars into the community to upgrade community energy infrastructure, and improve housing stock. The work was led by Energy and Finance Development Coordinator Greg Goubko and provides a pathway forward for financing clean, affordable, secure, and efficient energy systems in Bridgewater. Click here to read the study.
Read the March Edition of the Energize Bridgewater Zine!
The March Edition introduces Energize Bridgewater's Project Manager Colleen O'Neill, provides updates on several exciting new progress tracking tools, and provides information on the Energize Bridgewater Advisory Commitree. Click here to read.
Bridgewater is the Winner of Infrastructure Canada's $5 million Smart Cities Challenge
On May 14, 2019, Bridgewater was declared the winner of the competition in the $5 million prize category, beating out 49 other communities. Bridgewater’s winning idea aims to reduce energy poverty in our community. Living in energy poverty means not being able to afford enough energy to heat and power one’s home, or fuel for transportation. It is a serious problem that affects about 2 out of every 5 residents in Bridgewater. The jury felt that Bridgewater’s idea would make a big difference in people’s lives and reduce poverty in the community. It could also be copied by other communities that want to follow in Bridgewater’s footsteps.
Challenge Statement: Our community will lift its residents out of energy poverty, starting by reducing the energy poverty rate 20% by 2025.
What is Bridgewater planning on doing with its $5 million prize?
The prize will allow Bridgewater to lift many of its residents out of energy poverty. It will do this by:
Making homes more energy efficient: we will hire a team of experts who will help residents and property owners to make your homes highly energy efficient and to install renewable energy systems, for example by adding insulation, smart thermostats, heat pumps, and solar panels. They will help residents and property owners find grant funding or loans to pay for these upgrades. The team will also take care of getting the work done by hiring good contractors and making sure that the work is done well. They will pay particular attention to older homes and apartment buildings, and as well as the needs of lower-income residents.
Helping you own and sell your own renewable energy: rooftop solar and ‘solar farms’ within which residents will be able to own solar panels that will provide you with income.
Setting up an “energy management information system”: to help home owners and businesses across the community plan energy upgrades, and make sure that you actually save energy and money as promised.
Making transportation cheaper and more accessible for everyone: improving Bridgewater’s bus service, and making streets and trails safer and more walkable for everyone.
Setting up a local energy investment program: so residents and businesses can make financial investments in the community’s energy projects and earn income from those investments.
Improving community services: better connecting residents who experience energy poverty with the community services (health, education, social services, etc.).
When can I start using the program?
If you own your home and would like to explore affordable energy upgrades today, our Clean Energy Financing program can already help with that! www.CleanEnergyFinancing.ca / (844) 727-7818 (toll free). Efficiency Nova Scotia also offers programs and rebates for homes, apartment buildings, and businesses. www.efficiencyns.ca / (877) 999-6035 (toll free).
The full Energy Poverty Reduction Program will take more time to set up properly – we will likely start taking applications in 2020 or 2021. That’s a long wait for people who need this help today. But help is already available – in the form of community support, emergency fuel funds, free home energy upgrades, and other solutions. The Town is already working with community partners to better connect residents to these existing services. More information will be available later in 2019.
Bridgewater's Smart Cities Challenge Video Playlist
Energize Bridgewater Monthly Zine
Read about the latest in sustainability in Bridgewater including the Smart Cities Challenge, Bridgewater transit, and more. Click on a cover page to read:
December 2019 Edition
August 2019 Edition
March 2019 Edition
What is Energy Poverty?
Energize Bridgewater Team
Jessica McDonald, Director of Community Development
Bridgewater Transit
Energize Bridgewater
eServices Account Login and eBilling 
Downtown & Waterfront Master Plan 
Bridgewater Active Transportation 
Community Organizations Directory 
Discover Bridgewater's Built Heritage 
DesBrisay Museum 
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