Strategic Location
Transportation Infrastructure
Due to the extensive web of transportation links surrounding Bridgewater, the town is often referred to as 'the Hub' of the South Shore. Access, both into and out of the community is what makes Bridgewater ideally situated for business, industrial development, and living.
Where In the World
The Province of Nova Scotia is located on Canada's East Coast and covers an area of 55,500 sq. km. The mainland is connected to the Province of New Brunswick and the remainder of Canada by the 28 km isthmus of Chignecto. The Canso Causeway joins Cape Breton Island to the mainland of Nova Scotia. Bridgewater, Lunenburg County is the largest centre on Nova Scotia’s South Shore (land area of 13.35 square km). Situated on the LaHave River, Bridgewater is 15 miles from the Atlantic Ocean and strategically located 100 km south west of Nova Scotia’s capital city, Halifax.
Workforce
Successful business leaders often state that their employees are their most valued asset. Bridgewater and the companies that establish here are fortunate to draw upon a labour force where dedication, pride of workmanship, and strong work ethic are long held traditions. A talented, skilled, and resourceful labour force with a high capacity to learn and adapt to changing market demands.
Many attribute these ethics to the spirit of the early settlers made up of culturally diverse peoples of German, Swiss, and French origin. Whatever the case, Lunenburg County is well known for producing world-class employees and business leaders.
Customized Education/Training Programs Available for Employers
The rapid pace of technological change and the globalization of today's economy require a well-trained and flexible workforce. One example of support resources available to accomplish this is Nova Scotia Community College's customized training which meets specific needs of organizations by partnering with them in the development of programs. Customized Training can be offered on campus, at the workplace, at an independent location, or through the Campus' modern teleconferencing facilities. Contact NSCC 902-543-4608 or visit their web site: www.nscc.ns.ca.
Additional information on education and training resources can be found in the Education/Training page of the 'Bright Futures' section.
Labour Force Overview
Bridgewater also has a young, relatively well-educated population which is attractive to employers.
| Bridgewater Population | 7620 |
| Population 25-54 | 3180 |
| Average Age | 41 |
| Unemployment Rate | 9.6 % |
| Average hourly wage | $7.50 |
| Average family income | $45,695 |
| Average NS family income | $43,109 |
| Participation Rate | 59.3% |
| Lunenburg County Population | 47,591 |
| County population 15 and over | 40,026 |
Regional Labour Force
The region has a labour force of approximately 36,000 61%) and an unemployment rate of 9.6%. The labour force within and adjacent to the area is mobile and therefore offers access to total labour force for Bridgewater employers.
| Within 30 minutes | 36,000 |
| Within 60 minutes | 61,000 (excluding Halifax) |
| Within 90 minutes | 112,000 |
| Total Halifax & Area | 191,000 |
Lunenburg County Population
| Bridgewater | 7620 |
| Lunenburg | 2568 |
| Mahone Bay | 991 |
| Municipality of Chester | 10,781 |
| Municipality of Lunenburg County | 25,570 |
Technology
Bridgewater is wired!
Today, 100% of Nova Scotia is serviced by digital technology. Nova Scotia has the most widely deployed province-wide broadband network in Atlantic Canada. It delivers high speed, high bandwidth and low cost on a fibre based network. Telecommunications is a key component of information technology and a crucial factor in attracting technology industries to Nova Scotia.
Aliant's’s fibre optic network expands to nearly 4,800 kilometres when measured out. Plus, Aliant has created an ATM broadband-switching network that is virtually province wide. Aliant's network has the broadest coverage of any in Atlantic Canada with nine switches installed throughout the province. The ATM Network provides faster and more reliable Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN) connections, and Internet performance.
Network statistics:
| Fibre optic rings in each region of the province | High speed ATM switching available |
| Fibre optic rings in downtown Halifax | Network became fully digital in 1998 |
| ISDN available everywhere. | Wireless cellular |
Data, voice, video and image can be sent over this high quality, secure network. This has attracted and enabled world class call centres to set up here and was certainly an important factor in the Watts Communications decision to locate their new call centre in Bridgewater. Further Information on residential and business technology solutions can be found at: www.aliant.net.
Eastlink is the 7th largest cable provider in Canada. The organization consists of a group of Maritime owned and operated companies providing a range of communication services to business and residential customers across the Maritimes. Eastlink’s primary business is the continuous development and maintenance of a broadband network or "link" which connects their customers with the world via cable television, internet and related services. EastLink is privately owned and operated with its head office in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Further Information on residential and business technology solutions can be found at: www.eastlink.ca.
