Bridgewater

Located at the furthest navigable inland point of the LaHave River, settlement of the Bridgewater area occurred throughout the 19^th century with incorporation as a town in 1899. The local economy originally depended upon lumber mill products and the railway head for the South Shore region. After the decline of that economic base in the mid 20^th century Bridgewater experienced an economic revival with the addition of Michelin Tire in 1971.

Whereas neighbouring Lunenburg and Mahone Bay are tourist driven communities, Bridgewater, with a population of around 8,000, is currently the commercial, industrial and governmental centre of the South Shore. With a viable commercial base, government offices, health care services  and also marketing itself as a retirement community, Bridgewater has succeeded in avoiding the economic and demographic decline of other provincial communities and has experienced a building boom in recent years that still continues.

Currently approved projects include 224 mixed residential condominium units on 19.5 acres, 96 senior assisted living units on 9 acres (Drumlin Hills), 52 senior assisted living units on 21.5 acres (Ridgewood Bridgewater), 28 townhouse units for senior retirement on 15 acres, 24 semi-detached units and 64 townhouse units, a seniors retirement campus, medical clinic and townhouse development and 18 acres devoted to public parkland to include a field house facility for soccer and track and field.

Scheduled for completion in early 2010, the town has crafted a two year Integrated Community Sustainability Plan to act as the basis and guide for its sustained growth and development based upon environmental, social, cultural and economic criteria. Along with neighbouring Lunenburg and Chester Bridgewater is among the first provincial municipalities to institute such a plan.

(Photos courtesey of Jerry Conrad)