The Bridgewater Fire Department is opening its doors for a Built Heritage Day event on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia. Residents can visit the station at 81 Dominion Street from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM to see equipment demonstrations and learn about the history of the town. This event is open to all community members and visitors.
Fire Chief Michael Nauss and a team of about 50 volunteers will be available to lead tours and answer questions about fire prevention. The open house is part of a year-long celebration marking the department’s 150th anniversary. It was originally established on May 29, 1876, by a local lawyer who served as the first fire chief.
The Heritage Advisory Committee will provide information on how historical buildings are preserved in the community. The Town of Bridgewater has a deep connection to fire history, as the downtown was devastated by a major fire in 1899. This event led the community to officially become an incorporated town just one month later.
Residents can also explore the Built Heritage Index to learn about registered properties on local streets like Dominion, King, and Jubilee. Other nearby heritage sites include the DesBrisay Museum, which holds one of the oldest history collections in Canada. Volunteers will be on hand throughout the afternoon to discuss both modern safety and the past.