Bridgewater Town Council has updated its rules for outdoor restaurant and cafe seating, aiming to make temporary sidewalk setups safer and more accessible for everyone. The changes to Chapter 212 – Sidewalk Café By-law were passed on May 25, 2026, and take effect as the summer patio season begins.
According to the Town of Bridgewater, the amendments bring local rules in line with Nova Scotia’s Built Environment Accessibility Standard Regulations, which came into effect on April 1, 2026. The province has Canada’s highest disability rate, with 37.9 percent of residents aged 15 and older reporting one or more disabilities.
Under the updated by-law, temporary sidewalks used for outdoor dining must now meet several new requirements. Traffic barriers, such as planters, need to be at least 81 cm tall, up from the previous 60 cm, and must include reflective elements facing traffic. Decking surfaces must be slip-resistant, with Wolmanized wood or an equivalent slip-resistant material preferred, subject to Development Officer approval. Any gaps in the decking should run perpendicular to the walking direction to make it easier for wheelchairs and walkers to pass. A wording correction was also made to clarify the need for a cane-detectable barrier to help people with sight loss.
The changes were drafted by planner Connor MacQuarrie and submitted by Jessica McDonald, the town’s director of community development. Staff spoke with the owners of King Street Beer and La Casetta, two businesses that have previously set up sidewalk patios. Neither plans to apply for a sidewalk cafe this season, so the immediate impact on local restaurants is limited.
Residents and business owners can review the full by-law on the town’s website or request a copy by email. The public notice was issued by Municipal Clerk Amanda Shupe on June 3, 2026.
