Funding announced for wastewater upgrades in Bridgewater

New federal funding is set to support wastewater upgrades in Bridgewater, with local officials pointing to housing growth as a key benefit.

The federal government has announced just under $950,000 for upgrades to sanitary sewers on Jubilee Road.

The work will help improve service for current residents while also allowing for future development in the area.

Mayor David Mitchell says the investment is significant for a community the size of Bridgewater.

“It’s another investment in the community… these dollars go a long way and we’ve been very fortunate to receive this support,” he said.

Mitchell says the upgrades will help address capacity issues in the town’s existing system.

“We are at capacity throughout this entire side of the river,” he said, adding the work will include increasing pipe size and modernizing aging infrastructure.

The project is expected to support future housing growth, with Mitchell estimating it could help unlock close to 1,000 new housing units in the area.

He says there is already strong interest from developers, including proposed projects near Jubilee Road and Exhibition Drive.

Federal officials say the funding is part of the new Build Communities Strong Fund, a national program aimed at supporting infrastructure tied to housing and economic growth.

Jessica Fancy says the project stood out because it is ready to move forward and involves collaboration between multiple municipalities.

“This is a generational project… what we build now will support development for years to come,” she said.

Mitchell says while the funding moves the project forward, more investment will still be needed to complete broader wastewater upgrades across the community.

He says the town is now moving into the design phase, with work expected to begin once additional funding and planning are in place.