Now that all funding is in place, Bridgewater can move forward with wastewater system upgrades designed to facilitate the community’s growth for years to come. The town will see a $69.4-million investment from all three levels of government, earmarked for significant infrastructure improvements.
The funding, announced this week by the federal Minister responsible for ACOA Gudie Hutchings, will be directed towards modernizing pump stations, upgrading the treatment plant, and separating stormwater from sanitary sewers.
Representatives from all three levels of government at a funding announcement for major waste water upgrades for the Town of Bridgewater. N.S. Public Works Minister Kim Masland (left), ACOA Minister Gudie Hutchings (centre-left), Bridgewater Mayor David Mitchell (centre-right), N.S. Education Minister Becky Druhan (right). Photo: Town of Bridgewater.
“This project is a significant step forward for Bridgewater,” said Hutchings. “By investing in our community’s infrastructure, we’re not only addressing current challenges but also setting the stage for future growth.”
The improvements are designed to address multiple critical needs. One of the primary goals is to reduce the risk of flooding, a concern that has become increasingly urgent in recent years. The upgrades will also support the town’s housing development plans, potentially enabling the construction of nearly 3,000 new housing units.
In addition to these benefits, the project includes measures to protect the LaHave River from contamination during storms. Untreated sewage entering the river during heavy rainfall has been a longstanding issue, and the new infrastructure is expected to significantly mitigate this problem.
“We’re not just investing in infrastructure; we’re investing in the health and safety of our community,” said N.S Public Works Minister Kim Masland. “These improvements will have a lasting impact on our environment and our ability to manage future growth.”
Some of the work on this ambitious project has already begun, but the full scope of the improvements is expected to take up to 10 years to complete. Despite the lengthy timeline, local officials are optimistic about the benefits the project will bring to the community in the long run.
“This is a long-term investment in our town’s future,” said Mayor David Mitchell. “While it will take time, the end result will be a more resilient, sustainable Bridgewater.”
Following the announcement Mitchell also posted to his social media where he explained just how important this work is to Bridgewater.
Today’s announcement allows us to begin the process of upgrading our pump stations and the pipes that feed them. You cannot have any housing if you don’t have a way to address wastewater. It is that simple and the funding from the provincial and federal governments along with $26.2 million from the Town of Bridgewater gives us a way to address that.
-Bridgewater Mayor David Mitchell
As work on the upgrades continues to ramp up it is expected there will be some disruptions to local streets, which the town will notify residents of as they approach.
