Bridgewater Town Council is considering an update to local rules that could make it easier for naturopathic doctors to set up offices across the community. A public meeting is planned for April 22, 2026, to discuss changing town bylaws to include naturopaths in the official definition of health practitioners allowed to operate office-based practices.
If approved, this change would allow these health professionals to open offices in any area where commercial, institutional, or residential office space is currently permitted. The Bridgewater Town Council is holding this meeting at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall, located at 60 Pleasant St. Residents who wish to participate must register by April 21, 2026.
The proposed adjustment aligns with broader provincial changes for the profession. While naturopathic doctors in Nova Scotia are currently governed by the Naturopathic Doctors Act, which provides title protection, they are in the process of transitioning to become the 22nd regulated health profession in the province under the Regulated Health Professions Act. This modernization is expected to be finalized between 2025 and 2026.
This update may interest residents who use these services, as well as property owners with office space looking for a broader range of potential tenants. Patients can already claim naturopathic visits as medical expenses on their income tax returns, according to the Canada Revenue Agency.
For more information on the proposed changes, residents can contact town planning staff, including Planner II Sarah Ravlic at 902-521-8417 or [email protected], or the Planning and Building department at 902-541-4371 or [email protected]. Further details are also available on the town website.
