2025 Bridgwater Forest Fountain Update

Bridgwater Fountain Update: A Difficult but Necessary Decision

Getting the Bridgwater Forest Fountain working has been one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced since being elected. In short, the fountain was constructed improperly—and unfortunately, those problems didn’t come to light until many years after the warranty had expired.

Since then, the City’s staff have made annual attempts to repair it. (See Fountain history )But because the fountain wasn’t built on piles, it gradually shifted and caused the underground pipes to leak. That leaking not only damaged the system—it also led to major safety hazards. The water caused the surrounding paving stones to shift and lift, creating dangerous tripping hazards. I’ve personally felt the impact (literally), and I know many others have too.

We’ve reviewed both the original construction history and the recent Bridgwater Forest Rehabilitation Study, which proposed several repair options. I was able to secure funding to move forward with Option #4: complete CIPP sleeving of the existing pipes. Unfortunately, when we put this work out to tender, we received no bids. It seems contractors viewed this as too risky and declined to take it on. In the meantime, the fountain continued to deteriorate from both weather and vandalism.

I know many residents would like to see the fountain completely replaced. And while I understand the sentiment, a full rebuild would cost upwards of $1.5 million. Given its secluded location—less visible and less used than places like the Bridgwater Lakes or Trails fountains—I simply couldn’t justify that level of investment. It’s not well-suited for large gatherings and has proven vulnerable to repeated vandalism.

So what now?

Today, you’ll notice significant construction work underway. I’ve directed the public service to rehabilitate all the paving stones and pathways, ensuring the area is once again safe and welcoming. As for the fountain itself—it’s being converted into a spectacular public planter. While this may not be what everyone hoped for, it will allow us to make the space beautiful, safe, and sustainable without the ongoing fountain maintenance, repair challenges and costs.

I know this won’t be a popular decision with everyone—but I encourage you to review the fountain’s history and the many good-faith efforts we’ve made to restore it. Thank you for your understanding, and I remain committed to improving Bridgwater Forest for all residents.