Bridgetown's financial struggles result in dissolution

After 117 years, the Town of Bridgetown will officially dissolve April 1, 2015.

Nova Scotia's Utility and Review Board says dissolution is in the best interests of Bridgetown's 949 residents.

"The case for dissolution is, in essence, based upon the unsustainable financial situation in which the town presently finds itself," the board wrote in an dissolution order issued Thursday.

Residents were facing large tax hikes. The small town in the Annapolis Valley is folding into Annapolis County.

Bridgetown mayor Horace Hurlburt will sit on Annapolis County Council until municipal elections in 2016.

Town staff will be retained by the county.

The province of Nova Scotia is contributing $2.5-million towards the amalgamation.

The Utility and Review Boardsays there is a consensus in Bridgetown that dissolving is the right thing to do.

"That there is a consensus, however, does not mean that there is not a strong sense of apprehension, of regret, and even of grief, over the loss of town status," the board wrote.

Bridgetown has existed as a community since 1820, long before it was ever incorporated.

"There is no reason to believe that its existence as a community will not continue," the board wrote.

The UARB is still considering far more contentious applications for dissolution from the towns of Springhill and Hantsport.