Riverfront Renaissance

Possibilities

The purpose of this page is merely to showcase ideas and concepts that pertain to the Bridgewater Riverfront. In no way are they to be construed as actual planned or proposed developments unless clearly indicated as such. Any interested individual or group are invited to submit similar concepts and ideas for consideration by the Riverfront Renaissance Action Team and possible inclusion on this page. You may email the action team with your 'possibilities'.

	Fountain The Town of Bridgewater together with the Bridgewater Renaissance Action Team is looking into the possibility of placing a water fountain in the LaHave river between the two bridges. The fountain would add a scenic focal point to the already beautiful river in the summer season.
	Murals Businesses such as the Bridgewater Mall and The River Pub have already taken action to improve the waterfront. The mall has constructed a 200 foot historical mural on the riverside of the Mall depicting what was once a common scene on the LaHave river. The River Pub also recently unveiled their new mural shown opposite. The mural depicts sights common to the LaHave River and the Nova Scotia coast. Other communities such as Chemainus in British Columbia have used murals as an effective means to revitalize their community. Links to the Chemainus murals and other mural communities can be accessed here.
	Conceptual Model A local business, Bernd's Ceramic Tile Design and Installation created a scale model of a design concept for the South Parkade. The expanded riverfront area offers a host of recreational opportunities and the arches convey a romantic, historical charm.

Committee Updates

October 2009 - Riverfront Funding Announcement Photos

(Left to Right)
Beverlee Brown – member, Riverfront Renaissance Action Team, Mayor, Carroll Publicover - Mayor, Town of Bridgewater, Ida Scott – Manager Bridgewater Development Association, Gerald Keddy – MP, South Shore – St. Margaret’s, Rob Keevill – Chair, Riverfront Renaissance Action Team, Darren Lipsett – Chair, Bridgewater Development Association Board

November 2007
We have released two communication pieces regarding the Riverfront Renaissance Initiative. We invite you to view our PowerPoint presentation and read the Concept Plan (PDF). As always, we welcome feedback from interested individuals and a convenient form is provided on the Public Input  page for that purpose.

May 2006 - Web site launch
The Riverfront Renaissance Action Team wants to continue keeping the community involved and informed. This website is where people will be able to come and find out what the committee has been up to and most importantly provide feedback using the convenient form on the Public Input page.

October 2005 - Public Meeting
A successful public meeting in October of 2005 gave the Action Team lots of energy and good ideas. The meeting proved that the community is interested in developing the riverfront to its true potential. Many of the suggestions and ideas that flowed from the public meeting are identified on the Public Input page.

A look at the LaHave River...

Over the past several years, the Town of Bridgewater has opened the viewing plane and the use of the river with the addition of parks and walking trails.

Take a look at the Riverfront Photo Gallery.  The gallery shows a variety of views of the LaHave Riverfront. A few of the Riverfront's many attractions are mentioned below:

Shipyards Landing
This park has become an attraction for families and visitors as it offers an expansive view of the LaHave River.  People use this park for picnics, playing and walking.  The park has a boat launch and day boat docking facilities.  Access to the river for canoeing, kayaking, sailing and power boating has been truly enhanced by the creation of this park.  Shipyards Landing has become the preferred location for many special events.  During 2006, the Bridgewater Fire Department will complete its project which is the construction of a bandstand in the park.

Mariners Landing
This is a pretty park, which is nestled along the LaHave River.  It can be accessed from LaHave Street.  A clear view of Shipyards Landing is possible from Mariners Landing.  Families and visitors find this a quiet park to meet friends, have a picnic or just sit and read.  An avid walker or jogger can follow the trail along the LaHave River from the Old Bridge, behind the Bridgewater Mall to LaHave Street and along LaHave Street to Mariner’s Landing.

King Street Court
This park is barely visible from King Street.  Once in the park, you can find solitude as you view the LaHave River.  A gazebo and an amphitheatre are the main focal points of this park.  Children’s programs are popular during the summertime at this park.  The park has become an attraction for wedding photos.  A quiet place to read and watch the river interspersed with shopping along King Street.

Potential for development...
Several businesses have capitalized on the fact that the LaHave River runs by their doorstep.  The River Pub has an outdoor balcony overlooking the LaHave River.  Plans are taking shape for potential development on King Street but many more opportunities abound.

Imagine your business sitting on the LaHave Riverfront.  The River is a natural location for cafes, specialty shops, condominiums and boat docking facilities.  Explore the potential of purchasing property on the riverfront.  Put your business ideas to work in Bridgewater.  Talk to the Bridgewater Development Association about your business ideas.

Introduction

The Scenic LaHave River stretches 24 km from Bridgewater to the Atlantic Ocean, with Bridgewater lying at the Navigable limit of the river. In the early 1900's the area was bustling with shipping activity from all over the world.

The Lahave River is considered by many to be Bridgewater's greatest asset. People visit and often permanently move to the area because they enjoy the quality of life here, including the scenery. Think how many more people would be attracted to the town if the riverfront area was further developed. There is definite potential to develop the Riverfront and the town of Bridgewater into an even greater "destination".

The Riverfront Renaissance Action Team's goal is to create a change or a "re-birth" in the riverfront bringing the Lahave River back to being the main focus of the town. The team is made up of local residents who are passionate about the area. Included in this group are representatives from riverfront businesses, town councillors and others. The action team encourages everyone in Bridgewater to contribute towards making the riverfront area of town something to be proud of.

This webpage will be used as a way for the action team to communicate with the local community or anyone who would like to be involved in the riverfront renaissance process. If you wish to comment on our progress or submit your personal vision for what you believe should be done with our riverfront, please feel free to do so by visiting the Public Input page.

Below is the recently completed King Street Court!