Bridgewater is one of five finalists in the five million dollar Smart Cities Challenge.
The finalists each receive $250,000 to help make their bid to win the grand prize.
The town is in the running for their Energize Bridgewater initiative.
Energize Bridgewater provides an energy audit to show homeowners where they can save money by making their home more energy efficient.
The town will lend residents up to $15,000 to make those efficiencies.
The money saved is more than it costs to repay the loan.
I am really grateful for the opportunity to showcase @TownBridgewater in the #SmartCitiesChallenge. A lot of staff and community participated in our Challenge Statement submission. Innovation in the Public Service is important. #publicservicematters pic.twitter.com/g8SFVppCfd
— Richard MacLellan (@RichMacLellan) June 1, 2018
Mayor David Mitchell says the program’s success is the result of years of work by many people.
“I think the town as a whole deserves a lot of credit for saying, we can’t do status quo when it comes to climate change. We can’t do status quo when it comes to energy. We like where you’re going and we support you.”
Mitchell says the work being done in Bridgewater is getting noticed.
“To have an external group that has no connection to the town of Bridgewater say you know what, you’re right. Your plan is that awesome, it is that amazing. It lifts the whole town up, I think.”
Mitchell says the town will make their final submission by December.
The five million dollar winner is expected to be announced in March.
I am so proud of our community. This is a team effort. Staff, residents, local business, everyone! We know our plan will have a transformative impact on people’s lives well beyond the borders of our town & I can’t wait to see what’s next! #SmartCitiesCanada #FCM2018CA https://t.co/Lr5liSXuHG
— David Mitchell (@MayorMitchellNS) June 1, 2018
Reported by Ed Halverson
Twitter: @edwardhalverson
E-mail: halverson.ed@radioabl.ca
