The town of Bridgewater, Nova Scotia is set to receive a significant boost in its fight against the impacts of climate change, thanks to a $69.4 million investment from federal, provincial, and municipal governments. The funding will be used to upgrade the town’s wastewater and stormwater systems, ensuring better protection for the community and the LaHave River.
The announcement, made by Minister Gudie Hutchings, Minister Becky Druhan, Minister Kim Masland, and Mayor David Mitchell, outlines a series of infrastructure improvements aimed at mitigating the effects of increasingly severe weather events. These upgrades include the rehabilitation of several pump stations, essential system enhancements at the wastewater treatment plant, and the replacement of outdated combined sewers with separate stormwater and sanitary sewer systems.
“Nova Scotians have seen their communities bear the brunt of more frequent and severe weather,” said Minister Gudie Hutchings, who emphasized the importance of preparing community infrastructure for future storms. “Your federal government knows this, so making sure community infrastructure is ready for when the next big storm hits will give better protection to more homes and businesses in Bridgewater, along with the LaHave River.”
The improved infrastructure is expected to significantly reduce the risk of flood damage, which has previously led to sewer backups in homes and businesses and the discharge of untreated sewage into the LaHave River. The project represents a critical step in safeguarding public health and the environment while laying the groundwork for future development in the area.
“With this investment in Bridgewater’s water and wastewater infrastructure, we are protecting public health and the environment as well as unlocking the potential to develop much-needed housing,” stated Minister Becky Druhan. “This partnership between all three levels of government will fuel growth and create a brighter future for our community.”
Mayor David Mitchell echoed the sentiment, highlighting the broader benefits of the project. “This investment by all three levels of government in the future of Bridgewater’s wastewater infrastructure is critical in so many ways – our ability to accommodate new residential and commercial developments will be substantially increased, and the health of the LaHave River watershed will be protected as outdated pump stations and wastewater mains are upgraded over the next several years to meet the standards of the 21st Century.”
The project is part of the Municipal Capital Growth Program, with the federal government contributing up to $20.4 million through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF), the Nova Scotia government providing $22.8 million, and the town of Bridgewater investing $26.2 million. These investments are a key component of Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy, which aims to build resilient communities and a strong economy in the face of climate change.
As extreme weather events become more common, the importance of infrastructure that can withstand natural disasters cannot be overstated. With the planned upgrades, Bridgewater is taking a proactive approach to climate resilience, setting a precedent for other communities across Canada.
