Bridgewater Mayor David Mitchell is inviting Prime Minister Mark Carney and Leader of the Official Opposition Pierre Poilievre to the town this summer for national discussions on housing and infrastructure. The proposed summit aims to address the ongoing housing shortage in Bridgewater, where vacancy rates remain near zero despite steady population growth.
Mayor Mitchell, who was elected President of the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities in November 2025, has highlighted the need for federal attention as the town struggles to keep up with development demands. With the town population projected to reach 10,000 people by 2036, local resources are being tested. Non-profit groups like the South Shore Open Doors Association and Souls Harbour Rescue Mission have reported significant increases in the demand for housing and meal support compared to previous years.
The town has already taken steps to address these challenges, including an agreement signed in March 2025 with the Government of Canada to receive over $3.3 million through the Housing Accelerator Fund. This funding is intended to help speed up the construction of 100 homes over three years, with a goal of spurring 365 homes over the next decade. Additionally, the town council approved a budget last year that includes $11.1 million for wastewater infrastructure as part of a long-term plan to support community growth.
These discussions arrive during a period of provincial fiscal caution. Nova Scotia is currently projecting a deficit of more than $1.4 billion for the 2025-2026 period, leading to concerns about spending limits across municipalities. Mayor Mitchell met with Premier Tim Houston in January 2026 to discuss how the town and province can work together during these tight financial times, describing the conversation as constructive.
