Bridgewater
A vibrant and growing community along Nova Scotia’s south shore, the Town of Bridgewater is close to some of Atlantic Canada’s most prominent tourism destinations. It is only one hour southwest of the capital city, Halifax, 1 ½ hours from the Halifax International Airport and 2 hours from the ferry in Yarmouth.
A retirement destination, Bridgewater is one of the fastest growing communities in the province. Residents of Halifax view it as a remote suburb and many chose to live there and commute to the city. Europeans have also discovered the area and its rich history. As a result, Bridgewater has attracted new business, is experiencing a building boom and the town is currently undertaking a master plan.
Bridgewater Master Plan
The Town of Bridgewater's Downtown & Waterfront Master Plan envisions a bold new direction for Bridgewater's core. The Master Plan sets out a road map to direct the town toward greater economic stability, livability and sustainability.
The first phase of this plan to rejuvenate Bridgewater's downtown began in the fall of 2015, with the kickoff of the Take Back The Riverbank project. In the earliest phase, the South Parkade was closed and, on November 2, crews began preparing the parkade for removal as the first step in a major above-and-below-ground renovation for the section of King Street from Old Bridge to Dufferin Hill. In the spring, summer, and fall of 2016, work will continue, with below-grade improvements to water, sewer and stormwater lines, the restructuring of on-street parking, and the completion of a green and inviting promenade along the LaHave River.
For complete information on the “Take Back The Riverbank” project, please click here.
Amenities
Healthcare
Bridgewater is the medical hub of the South Shore. Since 1920 It has provided excellent healthcare to families ensuring every person has access to a family doctor. Plans are underway to extend the local healthcare service with one-stop clinics for Doctors, Nurse Practitioners, Physical and Complementary Healthcare Professionals.
South Shore Regional Hospital (SSRH) is an 84-bed acute care health facility, which serves a population base of approximately 60,000. It is located on the East Side of the LaHave River in a park-like setting and is within a stone's throw of the Medical Arts Building, which houses a number of physicians' private practices.
Tertiary care services not offered at SSRH are available in Halifax, a one-hour drive from Bridgewater.
Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre (LCLC)
A new 36 million-recreation center, the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre opened in October 2014. The center includes a NHL size arena, an aquatic centre, and a public library.
Education
Bridgewater has some of the best schools in the province including Park View Education Centre, a Grade 10-12 International Baccalaureate school with excellent athletic and fine arts programs and Centre Scolaire de la Rive-Sud offering a complete academic program in French for children four years of age and older. On the outskirts of Bridgewater, the South Shore Waldorf School is an accessible independent school with a far-reaching reputation and draws young families into the area year after year.
Shopping
Bridgewater is known as the "Mainstreet of the South Shore" and has always been the shopping centre of Lunenburg and Queens Counties. The King Street area of downtown was the traditional shopping district of the town well into the mid-20th century. The Bridgewater Mall, first developed in the 1970s, continues to be the commercial heart of the town. The addition of the adjacent Eastside Plaza in the late 1980s only solidified this claim. The mall is anchored by Sobeys, while several bank branches, a movie theatre, The Atlantic Superstore and Home Hardware are all located nearby. The King Street area, anchored by two banks, is mostly home to local business. The Bridgewater Plaza, located near the Nova Scotia Community College, continues to thrive. It is now anchored by discount grocery chain No Frills and Giant tiger, both of which opened in 2010.
In nearby Cookville, there is a Walmart Supercentre and a number of adjacent stores, including Canadian Tire.
*Information sourced from the Town of Bridgewater and the Bridgewater Development Association