A future that’s clean and affordable
Bridgewater project tackles climate change, energy poverty
What does a sustainable energy future look like?
For people who live and work in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, it’s one where energy is more affordable, and emissions are lower.
To get there, the Town of Bridgewater has developed a plan to reduce energy poverty by 20 per cent by 2025.
Today, 38 per cent of residents in the South Shore town live in energy poverty. That means they spend more than 10 per cent of their income on energy for their home and their means of transportation.
“The greatest impact on the mental well being of people living in energy poverty is always having to struggle and be concerned about where their money is going, and what they’re going to be able to have to eat — to eat well — to have a place over their head, ” says Nancy Green of South Shore Housing Coalition. “That can have an impact on their health.”
Communities across Nova Scotia like Bridgewater are leading projects that will help fight climate change by reducing emissions. This year, 11 projects are receiving about $700,000 in support from the province under the Low Carbon Communities Program.
“Nova Scotia is a national leader in fighting climate change and projects like these will build on our success,” said Energy and Mines Minister Derek Mombourquette. “Communities will be able to develop and study innovative ways to choose where their energy comes from while creating job opportunities.”
Low Carbon Communities helps eligible groups jump-start projects by funding feasibility studies and plans, engagement activities and building capacity. Projects also promote efficiency, solar energy, clean transportation and other programs that help communities save money on their energy costs.
The program supports Mi’kmaw communities, registered non-profit or charitable organizations and municipalities in Nova Scotia.
The Bridgewater strategy to reduce energy poverty is part of a longer-term plan to reduce emissions by 80 per cent by 2050 while also creating a clean energy economy.
This year, the town is getting $75,000 from the province to research and develop financing and ownership structures under its Community Energy Investment Plan. The new financial tools could be used to fund infrastructure and programs, including community-scale energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.
The financial tools, and other work being done by Bridgewater, will be shared with communities in Nova Scotia and beyond.
“This is an idea that can change not only this community but other communities across Canada as well,” says Leon de Vreede, the town’s sustainability planner.
The town is working with many partners, local and regional, on its energy plans and winning awards for the work. Most recently, Bridgewater received $5 million from Infrastructure Canada through the Smart Cities Challenge for the plan to reduce energy poverty.
The Bridgewater project, and other emission-reduction plans, show that communities across Nova Scotia are already showing leadership in fighting climate. This work is also part of efforts to make our communities stronger and healthier.
