The Cedar Place drop-in centre in downtown Bridgewater officially ended its walk-in services on March 27, 2026, following a decision by the provincial government to close the facility due to ongoing community safety concerns. While the John Howard Society of Nova Scotia will continue to operate supportive housing units at the location and provide community outreach services, the daily programs that offered showers, laundry, and meals have ceased.
The facility, located at the corner of King and Dominion Streets, first opened in February 2024 to support individuals facing homelessness, addictions, and mental health challenges. However, the Department of Opportunities and Social Development, which provided funding for the centre, ultimately decided to close the drop-in operations following consultations with the Town of Bridgewater.
The closure follows significant pressure from local officials and business owners who raised concerns about public safety. According to the Bridgewater Police Service, the area saw a 400 percent increase in arrests involving time in police cells since the centre opened, with officials attributing nearly all of that rise to clients of the society. The Town of Bridgewater estimates that taxpayers spent over $400,000 in less than two years to address related issues, including police response, public works, town staff time, and repairs to town-owned infrastructure.
Local businesses in the downtown area reported a 50 percent drop in sales, citing instances of theft, vandalism, trespassing, and drug use that discouraged customers from visiting the neighbourhood. Mayor David Mitchell noted that the vast majority of repeat offenders documented in the area were not from the town, highlighting the challenges of the facility serving as a regional hub.
Provincial officials are now directing individuals who previously relied on the centre to other community resources, including the Souls Harbour Rescue Mission and the South Shore Open Doors Association. While the province is currently exploring options for a 24/7 emergency shelter at a different site, no decision has been made to fund a standalone drop-in model at this time.
