Grand opening of Pijinuiskaq Park

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JUNE 27, 2017

The Town of Bridgewater will host the grand opening of Pijinuiskaq Park on King Street in Downtown Bridgewater on Friday, June 30, beginning at 4 p.m.

The official opening of Pijinuiskaq Park marks the effective conclusion of the Take Back The Riverbank, a $5 million infrastructure project in the heart of the community.

The project included the installation of new water, storm water and waste-water lines, the revitalization of the streetscape in a two-block stretch of Downtown Bridgewater, and the reclamation of a vibrant public gathering space along the west bank of the LaHave River – a space which had been obscured by a steel and concrete parkade for almost half a century.

“This is a proud day for Bridgewater and surrounding communities,” said Bernadette Jordan, Member of Parliament for South Shore-St. Margarets. “The Government of Canada supports your vision for a revitalized downtown that is dynamic and attractive to local businesses, residents and tourists. This open, public space, accessible to all, will be enjoyed for years to come.”

The Government of Canada contributed a total of $2,124,611 to this project through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Innovative Communities Fund and the New Building Canada Fund's Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component—Small Communities Fund.

Pijinuiskaq (pronounced BE-JN-OO-IS-GAH) is the traditional Mi’kmaq name for the LaHave River, meaning “river of long joints/river branches.” (Source: Pjila’si Mi’kma’ki: Mi’kmaw Place Names Digital Atlas.)

The name was one of more than 50 submitted for consideration during a public naming competition in 2016. Pijinuiskaq Park is believed to be the only street, facility or public space in Bridgewater to bear a Mi’kmaq name, giving special meaning to the riverside public space at a time of truth and reconciliation.

“The Town envisions this park as a place where everyone is welcome,” said Bridgewater’s Mayor David Mitchell. “All cultures, all people.”

The grand opening of Pijinuiskaq Park will commence with a Mi’kmaq Smudging Ceremony and include speeches by dignitaries and live music.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Patrick Hirtle
Communications Coordinator
Town of Bridgewater
Phone: 902-541-9417
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Alex Smith
Director of Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Phone: 902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.