We are going to #ActivateBridgewater!

At the end of summer 2021, we engaged the community to ask what small tactical changes you’d like to see at Pijinuiskaq Park and the vacant lots across from the park on King Street. We installed some chalkboards with questions, and we launched a survey (and got over 100 responses!).

We received input about more seating, artwork, games to play, shade to sit under, lighting for the evenings, more greenery, and many other great ideas!

In spring 2022, we started to implement some of your ideas. From this came The Lots on King Street. Take a look at the photos below to see what we’ve been up to.

We still have some work to do at Pijinuiskaq Park and Shipyard’s Landing, and we are planning to activate the lots for the next few years too. We created a short, three-minute survey about The Lots on King Street and would love to hear some feedback from you. You can participate in the survey by clicking here.

WHAT IS PLACEMAKING?
Placemaking is a process centered on people and their needs, aspirations, and visions, and it relies strongly on community participation.

WHAT IS A TACTICAL CHANGE?
A tactical change to the urban environment is not a major project -- instead, it's a low-cost and possibly temporary change to the built environment that is designed to improve local neighbourhoods and gathering places.

ABOUT THIS INITIATIVE
The Nova Scotia Business and Economic Labour Coalition has launched a community-led placemaking program that will help 20 communities across Nova Scotia improve their public spaces and the attractiveness and livability of their community through quick-hit, tactical plans.

Bridgewater has been identified as one of the first 10 communities and the goal is to achieve tangible results by the end of September. Develop Nova Scotia will be providing guidance and resources to help us move our project forward and funding for the project is being provided through the Nova Scotia COVID Response Council at Dalhousie.