By Terry Lavender, Treehouse Village community member

The Town of Bridgewater, home to Treehouse Village Ecohousing, has been recognized with a prestigious Sustainable Communities Award for its groundbreaking Energize Bridgewater program. This award from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) highlights Bridgewater’s leadership in addressing energy poverty and climate change through innovative, community-driven solutions.  

Energize Bridgewater is a transformative initiative designed to tackle one of the most pressing issues facing our community: energy poverty. For many residents, the cost of heating and powering their homes consumes an unsustainable portion of their income. The program addresses this challenge head-on by offering free or affordable home energy retrofits, transitioning households from costly oil heating to energy-efficient heat pumps, and providing wraparound support for those in crisis.  

Leon de Vreede, a Treehouse Village resident and Energize Bridgewater’s senior policy and program planner, shared his insights on the program’s impact: “We make significant home upgrades for energy retrofits available to community members either for free or through an extremely affordable financing arrangement,” he explained. “The philosophy is there should be no or almost no barriers to people having a more energy-efficient home.”  

The program’s success is undeniable. Initially aiming to retrofit 350 homes and support 350 households, Energize Bridgewater has already assisted more than 700 families in need. The program’s success underscores the urgent need for coordinated local efforts to address energy poverty and improve housing conditions, Leon said.  

One of the program’s most innovative features is its “made in Bridgewater” home energy management technology. The pilot technology allows residents to monitor their energy use and indoor air quality through a user-friendly dashboard. By addressing both energy efficiency and home health, the technology empowers residents to make informed decisions that improve their quality of life.  

The Sustainable Communities Award is a testament to Bridgewater’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. As Leon said, “It’s a fantastic recognition for our program and comes at a very opportune time, as we’re now looking for sources of funding to continue the program.”

Bridgewater’s journey toward sustainability has been a community effort, driven by collaboration and a shared vision for a greener, more equitable future. From local businesses to government leaders, the town has embraced sustainability as a core part of its identity. This award not only celebrates Energize Bridgewater but also highlights the town’s role as a model. Indeed, municipalities from Nova Scotia and elsewhere in Canada have contacted Bridgewater to learn more about the program.

At Treehouse Village Ecohousing, we are proud to be part of a community that prioritizes sustainability and social equity. Bridgewater’s success with Energize Bridgewater is an inspiring reminder of what can be achieved when we work together to create positive change.  

Congratulations to the Town of Bridgewater, and all the partners and residents who have made this program a success. Together, we are building a brighter, more sustainable future for Bridgewater and beyond.  

To learn more about Energize Bridgewater and its impact, visit https://www.energizebridgewater.ca. To learn more about our sustainability efforts at Treehouse Village Ecohousing, visit https://treehousevillage.ca/sustainability