MIT REAP Focus Nova Scotia program underway
SUMMARY
A recently launched one-year program with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Regional Enterprise Acceleration Global Program (REAP) is giving teams from Nova Scotia the chance to explore in depth how best to grow our local economies and strengthen innovation and entrepreneurship.
DETAILS
Teams representing five regions in Nova Scotia are participating in a one-year program with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Based on the well-respected two-year international MIT Regional Entrepreneurship Acceleration Global Program (MIT REAP Global), MIT REAP Focus Nova Scotia is tailor-made for our province. The program aims to help regions grow their local economies through evidence-based and practical approaches to strengthening innovation and entrepreneurship.
In 2019, NSCC President Don Bureaux was tasked with leading the province through the second half of the One Nova Scotia (Ivany) Report. Forming a team that initially consisted of Yarmouth Mayor Pam Mood, Bridgewater Mayor David Mitchell, Port Hawkesbury Mayor Brenda Chisholm-Beaton, former Wolfville Mayor Jeff Cantwell, and Deputy Minister Bernard Miller, it was determined that participating in the MIT program was a priority.
The program officially began on January 26, 2021, with a virtual kickoff event. Each of the five participating regions – South Shore, Cape Breton, Pictou, Valley, and Western – are represented by a 10-member team with representation from entrepreneurship, corporate, risk capital, government, and academic sectors. The program costs are covered by the federal and provincial governments, with contributions from organizations and the individuals from the five participating regions.
Previously, in 2016, the MIT Global program provided the space for Nova Scotia’s leaders to understand the drivers of a successful innovation ecosystem, identify our province’s comparative advantages, and collectively accomplish their “Must Win Battle” – winning the Ocean Super Cluster – which is expected to generate $14 billion in GDP and create 3,000 jobs over 10 years. ONSIDE continues to share disruptive ideas such as those advanced by MIT REAP and to use the collective impact approach to accelerate growth in Nova Scotia.
Team South Shore is working alongside the leading global minds at MIT to overcome our core challenges while determining the comparative advantage for our region.
“MIT REAP faculty collaborate with key regional stakeholders to develop solutions that are compatible with the region’s history, culture, and key regional drivers of innovation and entrepreneurship,” said Fiona Murray, MIT Faculty Co-Director, William Porter Professor of Entrepreneurship, and MIT Sloan Associate Dean for Innovation and Inclusion.
“We are excited to offer a more bespoke, local vision of MIT REAP’s mission to Nova Scotia and future Focus team regions. I’m delighted that MIT colleagues Professor Scott Stern and Dr. Phil Budden, will be leading our work along with me, as well as the MIT staff, with support from ONSIDE.”
Team South Shore Champion, John Swain, noted, “The importance of the One Nova Scotia report cannot be understated, and there has not been a better time to capitalize on the strengths Nova Scotia and, specifically, the South Shore bring to the global table. As we work to grow and diversify our economy, it is vital that we leverage our comparative advantage and fully understanding what that is through the MIT program will ensure our success.”
The program will wrap up in December 2021 but, along the way over the coming months, the team will provide regular updates to the community on the work being carried out.
CONTACTS
For questions or additional comments, please contact South Shore Team Champion John Swain at
TEAM MEMBERS
John Swain; Team Champion
President, Swain Chartered Professional Accountants Inc.
Jason Huskilson
Manager, ABCO Industries
Mark S. Winfield
Partner, BDO (retired)
Rachel Browne
Area Account Manager, ACOA
Craig Collins
Principal, Nova Scotia Community College
Brianna Higgins
VP & CFO, Stelia Aerospace
Jessica McDonald
Director of Community Development, Town of Bridgewater
David Mitchell
Mayor, Town of Bridgewater
Larry Rosborough
President, SSI Consulting Solutions
Thomas Sullivan
Community Manager, RBC
Sharon Haughn (non-core member); Team Project Manager
Public Notice Re: Canadian Navigable Waters Act
Canadian Navigable Waters Act
The Town of Bridgewater hereby gives notice that an application has been made to the Minister of Transport, pursuant to the Canadian Navigable Waters Act for approval of the work described herein and its site and plans.
Pursuant to paragraph 7(2) of the said Act, the Town of Bridgewater has deposited with the Minister of Transport, on the on-line Common Project Search Registry (http://cps.canada.ca/) and under the NPP File Number 2020-203474 a description of the following work, its site and plans:
Geotechnical testing across the LaHave River at Shipyard’s Landing Park – Bridgewater NS, between Shipyard’s Landing Park and Mariner’s Landing Park.
Comments regarding the effect of this work on marine navigation can be sent through the Common Project Search site mentioned above under the Comment section (search by the above referenced number) or if you do not have access to the internet, by sending your comments directly to:
95 Foundry Street, 6th Floor
P.O. Box 42
Moncton NB
E1C 8K6
However, comments will be considered only if they are in writing (electronic means preferable) and are received not later than 7 days after the publication of the last notice. Although all comments conforming to the above will be considered, no individual response will be sent.
Posted at Bridgewater, NS this 17th day of May, 2021
Town of Bridgewater, NS
Reminder: Compost giveaway postponed
Per our friends at the Lunenburg Regional Community Recycling Centre, the compost giveaway originally scheduled for May 11 to 15 has been postponed because of current COVID-19 restrictions.
A fall giveaway date will be announced in the future.
Compost will also be available for purchase when the site re-opens to the public, while supplies last.
Information about future site re-opening will be posted online and at www.communityrecycling.ca.
Pop-up rapid COVID-19 testing site returning May 10-14
Pop-up rapid COVID-19 testing will be back in Bridgewater for the entire week, from Monday, May 10, through to Friday, May 14, at Cineplex.
The site, located at 349 LaHave Street, will be open to the public daily from 2 to 7 p.m. This is a great opportunity for all residents of Lunenburg County over the age of 16 and without symptoms to come and to get tested -- even if you've been tested during the last round of pop-up testing, come again to make sure you're still free of COVID-19.
VOLUNTEERS
Once again, organizers are looking for volunteers to help staff the pop-up rapid testing site. If you're interested in lending your time please call 902-930-1085 or e-mail
St. Phillips Street Playground -- Temporary closure May 3-5
The St. Phillips Street Playground will be temporarily closed to the public from Monday, May 3, through Wednesday, May 5, to allow contractors to complete landscaping work on site near the intersection of St. Phillips Street and North Park Street.
The Town of Bridgewater thanks you for your patience and understanding and we regret any inconvenience caused by this necessary work.
Pop-up COVID testing site this weekend in Bridgewater
? POP-UP COVID TESTING SITE THIS WEEKEND IN BRIDGEWATER
Nova Scotia Public Health has arranged a pop-up COVID-19 testing site in Bridgewater this weekend as follows:
Location >>>
Cineplex Theatres, 349 LaHave Street in Bridgewater
Friday, April 30 >>> 12 noon – 7 p.m.
Saturday, May 1 >>> 12 noon – 7 p.m.
Sunday, May 2 >>> 12 noon – 6 p.m.
No appointment is needed and testing is open to anyone 16 years of age and over.
PLEASE NOTE >>>
✅ If you have NO symptoms, please come to the pop-up testing site. This includes people with NO symptoms who were at exposure sites.
❗️ If you HAVE symptoms, please call to 811 or go online to book your test here: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/symptoms-and-testing/
❤️ WANT TO HELP?
Organizers are actively looking for volunteers. The volunteer positions include greeters, registration, traffic flow and general support, swabbers, testers, texting results, exit personnel – there is something for everyone, whether you like to talk to lots or people or not, to being detail oriented, or on the computer, we can use your help!
No formal training is necessary and protective equipment will be provided!
If you or anyone you know wants to volunteer, please click this link to register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd55PYPoEKWIpt7lEWHOBe5Y95l69A7Vn62wlKhPX6WJSQiPg/viewform.
Upon registering, you will receive an e-mail with a spreadsheet sign-up link. Open the corresponding tab for Bridgewater and the date of the site. If you need help, e-mail
As Dr. Strang says, “Wash your hands, stay in your community, and get tested – that’s how we are going to get through the third wave”.
Other communities across Nova Scotia have had more than 1,000 tests per day and Public Health is aiming for high numbers for Lunenburg County as well.
Stay Positive, Test Negative – hope to see you on the weekend for volunteering or testing.
COVID-19 UPDATES
>>> For potential COVID-19 exposure sites local to Bridgewater, please scroll down the page <<<
TOWN HALL RE-OPENING BEGINS JUNE 7
The public is advised that beginning on Monday, June 7, Town Hall will begin a limited re-opening to the public for services.
The entrances at the main lobby on the Third Floor (Finance Department) and on the First Floor (Engineering and Community Development Departments) will be unlocked and front-counter service will be accessible during regular business hours, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, Monday to Friday.
All requirements set out by Nova Scotia Public Health are to be followed at Town facilities, including wearing masks for those medically able to do so and maintaining six feet of physical distance where possible.
Meetings between staff and members of the public are to be made by appointment only and drop-ins are discouraged. Visiting members of the public will still be required to complete a COVID-19 check-in form for the purposes of contact tracing. In ongoing support of public health measures, we strongly encourage virtual contact (by e-mail, phone or by virtual meetings) when possible and practical in lieu of in-person meetings.
Town Council and Committees of Council may move to in-person meetings following Phase 2 (June 16). Virtual meetings or hybrid meetings may still be held. For more information on Town Council meetings, please visit https://www.bridgewater.ca/town-council/about-town-council/meeting-schedule/cat.listevents/2021/06/22/-.
BRIDGEWATER TRANSIT
Bridgewater Transit has returned to regular hours. Effective June 7, transit will be in service 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday. To track the bus online in real time, visit www.bridgewater.ca/bus.
DESBRISAY MUSEUM & WILE CARDING MILL MUSEUM
Our museums have opened to the public as of Wednesday, June 16, in line with Phase 2 of Nova Scotia's re-opening plan..
CONTACTING US
Please call our main telephone line at 902-543-4651, visit us online at bridgewater.ca, or directly contact the department you wish to speak with by phone at the following numbers:
Engineering: 902-541-4370
Community Development: 902-543-2274
Finance: 902-543-4651
PROVINCIAL COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS >>>
For complete details on recent guidelines and restrictions introduced by the Province of Nova Scotia, please visit https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/.
LOCAL POTENTIAL COVID-19 EXPOSURE NOTICES >>>
For full details and the most recent exposure site information please visit http://www.nshealth.ca/covid-exposures.
BRIDGEWATER TOWN COUNCIL -- VIRTUAL REGULAR MEETINGS RESUME TONIGHT
With the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases in Nova Scotia, Bridgewater Town Council's regular meetings will be moving back to fully virtual meetings beginning tonight until further notice.
Members of the public who wish to speak as a delegation to Town Council in the virtual meeting may do so by registering online at www.bridgewater.ca/delegation.
As usual, the proceedings of the meeting will be live-streamed on the Town of Bridgewater Facebook page during the meeting. The video will be archived on both the Town's Facebook page and Bridgewater's YouTube channel following the meeting.
Potential water disruption notice
POTENTIAL WATER DISRUPTION NOTICE
From April 27 to 29, a contractor engaged by the Public Service Commission of Bridgewater will begin work on improvements to the water transmission mains connecting Bridgewater’s Hebb Lake low lift pump station to the water treatment plant.
This is a complex project and it is possible that the supply of water to the town could be impacted during work. In that event, residents and businesses may be asked to temporarily conserve water for essential purposes only – this means that water customers would be asked to avoid non-essential water use by not watering lawns or washing cars, limiting loads of laundry, etc.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO NOW?
Right now, you can continue using your water as usual. During the work window next week, we would encourage you to regularly check social media and listen to local radio for any updates related to this project.
In the event that there is a temporary water disruption as a result of this important service upgrade, the Public Service Commission will communicate additional information to water customers via Town of Bridgewater website, social media, local media, and the Town of Bridgewater’s iBridgewater app.
For details on how to download the Town’s app, please visit www.bridgewater.ca/ibridgewater.
COUNCIL NOTES >>> BRIDGEWATER TOWN COUNCIL APPROVES 2021-2022 BUDGET
✒ COUNCIL NOTES >>> BRIDGEWATER TOWN COUNCIL APPROVES 2021-2022 BUDGET
On April 12, Bridgewater Town Council formally concluded its 2021-2022 budget planning process by unanimously approving both the capital and operating budgets for the coming fiscal year. This budget is the first to be approved by the new Town Council that was elected in October of 2020.
The Town’s budgeted gross operating costs this year will amount to about $22.5 million. On the capital side of the ledger, Bridgewater’s gross capital expenditures are budgeted to total $14.2 million, making it the single largest one-year capital investment in the history of our community.
As part of budget approval, Council also endorsed its first residential tax rate increase in almost a decade. Council authorized a 10-cent residential tax rate increase, meaning the residential rate will move from $1.65 per $100 of assessment to $1.75 per $100 of assessment. The commercial tax rate will remain at $3.97 per $100 of assessment.
? WATCH APPROVAL OF THE 2021-2022 BUDGET HERE: https://business.facebook.com/BridgewaterNS/videos/907821783371807/?t=4401
“The budget process is seldom easy, and our Council had to make some tough choices this year – including a tax rate increase for the first time in nine years,” said Mayor David Mitchell.
“What’s really important for our residents to remember is that we’re putting this money to work for them – it’s being used to improve our community, to position Bridgewater to grow over the next decade, and to continue providing a high level of service to our residents in everything we do, from parks to culture and recreation programs to transit.”
BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS
-- Residential tax rate increase of 10 cents per $100 of assessment to $1.75.
-- No commercial tax rate increase – rate remains at $3.97 per $100 of assessment.
-- The commitment of more than $14 million in capital projects this year includes:
- $5.6 million in wastewater infrastructure upgrades to modernize our collection and treatment system
- $4.7 million total in road upgrades and infrastructure related projects, including more than $700,000 in pavement renewal projects throughout Bridgewater
- $3.2 million in new infrastructure for Exit 12A and the Bridgewater Business Park expansion
- $200,000 for sidewalk improvements
-- The Town’s commitment to core services and strategic priorities remains strong, including allocations for Fire Protection ($1.4 million), Bridgewater Police Service ($3.9 million net), REMO ($24,345) and other core services, such as Bridgewater Transit and Energize Bridgewater’s emerging program to reduce energy poverty in our community.
-- Council will also be investing in a land sales and marketing strategy for Town-owned land in the Bridgewater Business Park; an allotment of $115,000 has been earmarked for needed repairs to the roof and walls at the former Bridgewater Memorial Arena, while completing Transit/Parks staff space on site; and more than $129,000 has been earmarked to support local non-profit organizations through grants and tax exempt status.
“Our tax rate is still among the average rates for Nova Scotian towns of our size, but it’s never a joy when you have to broach the idea of an increase,” Mayor Mitchell said. “But, after holding the line for so many years, Council was unanimous in its agreement that the time has come for us to earnestly begin investing in the future and ensuring that our community can continue to thrive and prosper.”
The 2021-2022 budget, he noted, is fundamentally focused investing in growth and paving the way for sustainable economic development over the next decade.
“At the same time, we’re committing significant capital resources to our wastewater system and taking real, meaningful steps along the path toward having a clean LaHave River. It’s a long-term project – it’s going to take time to get to where we all want the river to be. It’s important to understand that modernizing our wastewater system isn’t solely about helping the environment,” he added.
“That work also has a long-term positive economic impact, as it will accommodate future housing and development and ensure our community can meet our growth needs as Bridgewater continues to blossom.”
? MORE FROM THE MAYOR ON BUDGET 2021-22 HERE: https://www.facebook.com/mayordavidmitchell
Town of Bridgewater -- Budget 2021-2022
REMINDER >>> BUDGET PRESENTATIONS AND INVITATION FOR PUBLIC INPUT
The Town of Bridgewater is beginning the final phase of budget planning for the 2021-22 year.
Budget meetings are currently scheduled for:
Monday, March 29 -- 6 p.m.
Tuesday, April 6 -- 6 p.m.
Monday, April 12 -- 6 p.m. (Council meeting and budget meeting, with budget discussion scheduled for 7 p.m.)
If additional meetings are required, they will be advertised accordingly.
Just as we do with regular meetings of Council, each of these budget meetings will be livestreamed via the Town's Facebook page (@BridgewaterNS) and made available as an archived recording following the meeting through the Facebook page and the Town's YouTube channel.
For interested members of the public, the Town of Bridgewater’s 2021-22 Proposed Budget is available at the front desk of the Town Office, 60 Pleasant Street in printed form.
The public is invited to provide comments and suggestions to the Director of Finance via the contact info below, by visiting www.bridgewater.ca/input, or by way of in-person appearance at any Town Council meeting prior to budget approval or visit us on Facebook. Respecting COVID-19 protocols, for information on attending a Town Council meeting at this time, please phone 902-543-4651.
Contact: Kim Hopkins, Director of Finance, at (902)541-4362 or by e-mail at
Emergency Assistance Fund for Community Organizations
TOWN OF BRIDGEWATER EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FUND FOR COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
GRANT CRITERIA
The Town of Bridgewater recognizes that, due to the COVID-19 restrictions, local groups and organizations have not been able to provide the community conventional programs and activities and that the inability to maintain these opportunities has resulted in significant financial hardship.
The Emergency Assistance Fund will help organizations impacted by cancelled events and activities, altered program delivery, increased costs related to equipment, leadership, coaches, facilities, and cleaning supplies, which has resulted in financial adversity.
APPLICATION GUIDELINES
An applicant must complete and submit the application form, which can be downloaded by clicking here. The application form is a fillable PDF, so you can complete it on your computer or print it off and complete it by hand.
The application deadline is 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 31, 2021. All applications must be received at the Town Office before the application deadline. Late applications will not be considered.
The application period would include programs and activities that were planned during the period of September 1, 2020, to March 31, 2021, but had to be cancelled or altered because of the COVID-19 restrictions. Local groups and organizations that receive emergency assistance through this program are still eligible to apply for regular municipal grants in the 2021-2022 fiscal year.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
To be eligible for the Emergency Assistance Fund for Community Organizations, the applicant must demonstrate the following:
- The applicant must be a non-profit (or not-for-profit) community, charitable, fraternal, educational, recreational, religious, cultural, or sporting organization.
- The applicant must demonstrate that it has experienced a negative financial impact resulting from its inability to provide program opportunities, organize events and activities and/or has encountered general hardship due to COVID-19 restrictions.
- Council and staff will restrict grants to groups and organizations that are providing a service to the Town and its residents.
- Only one application per organization may be submitted.
- Must clearly demonstrate the need for support.
- Funding request cannot exceed the maximum total funding available ($1,000).
- Approved projects must show recognition of the Town of Bridgewater on promotional material and/or other acknowledgements of the project.
RESTRICTIONS
Businesses are not eligible to apply for this emergency funding.
An applicant shall not request funding in excess of the estimated funds lost as a direct result of the cancellation of the planned programs or activities because of COVID-19 restrictions.
The decision on eligibility and the amount of funding awarded, if any, rests solely with the Council of the Town of Bridgewater. In addition, Town Council reserves the right to modify or reject any application and to approve funding amounts lower than the amount requested by the applicant.
FUNDING AMOUNTS
The maximum total funding available to an applicant is $1,000.
Applicants who own or operate a community facility or community hall located in the Town of Bridgewater are eligible to receive up to the maximum total amount ($1,000).
- Sewer cleaning scheduled March 8 to 12
- Sewer cleaning scheduled this week in parts of Bridgewater
- Talk Bridgewater at South Shore Centre -- Friday, February 26
- Sanitary sewer work upcoming on Churchill Street
- Bridgewater hires new Economic Development Officer
- Free Saturday transit in February thanks to Bridgewater Kinsmen
- Bridgewater Police Service -- Controlled Drugs and Substances arrests update
- Update on King Street motor vehicle collision
- COVID-19 pop-up testing site Saturday and Sunday
- Nominations open for 2021 outstanding voluntees
- Survey taking place
- NS Health puts out call for pop-up testing site volunteers
Subcategories
STORM CENTRE
We're no strangers to severe weather events here in Atlantic Canada. Hurricane season, which runs from June through the end of November annually, and the nor'easter weather bombs of the winter months often make life challenging.Here you can find information that can be especially helpful for you leading up to, during, and after the storm. We've included quick links to the latest Environment Canada forecast and warnings for the Bridgewater area, the Nova Scotia Power outage map, and some additional helpful links from the Nova Scotia Emergency Management Office on how to prepare to weather the storm for 72 hours (or more).