An ariel view looking east above the new Highway 103 12A interchange in Bridgewater with the Michelin facility in the background. (Communications Nova Scotia)
The Town of Bridgewater is entering the next phase of planning for development near the recently opened Exit 12A interchange—and it wants residents to help guide the process.
One of the primary reasons for the new exit was to help service the Michelin plant located in town, which employs over 1,000 people; however, the plan has always been to develop the relatively untouched land to the Northwest of Exit 12A.
A public participation meeting is set for Wednesday, May 7, at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers at Town Hall. Residents are invited to share feedback on proposed zoning changes that will determine how more than 125 acres of Town-owned land surrounding the interchange could be used.
The Town is proposing two key zoning categories for the area:
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Highway Commercial (C9), intended for retail, service-based, and travel-oriented businesses
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Light Industrial (M2), designated for business and industrial uses
Updating the Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law is a required step before development can proceed. Officials say this is a chance for the community to help shape what kinds of businesses and industries take root in Bridgewater’s newest business park.
