Kentville wants to keep county in town

BY JENNIFER HOEGG

Kings County Register

Kings County may have plans to move, but Kentville wants it to stay put.

The county is looking at two options for its aging municipal building in downtown Kentville: renovate, or pursue a new tri-government complex in New Minas. The latter would include court and other government services currently located in Kentville.

Kentville Mayor David Corkum reported to his council Nov. 30 the tri-government complex idea is a big concern for the Kentville Community Development Committee. Business people on the committee want council to take a proactive role on the idea of the county relocating out of town, taking other government services with it. Instead, council should encourage the county to upgrade its current building. “We as a council should play a more active role in keeping (the county) in our town,” Corkum said, “as well as certain things like the courts and Access Nova Scotia. “I think the people of Kentville and the businesses of Kentville should well realize the benefits (council sees) of keeping these facilities in our town.”

Although the committee’s recommendation to council to voice its desire to keep the county building downtown would usually go to the Council Advisory Committee (CAC) first, Corkum said the matter is urgent. “We are the fathers of our town: we should play a larger role doing whatever we can to have them here,” Deputy Mayor Bill Boyd said, agreeing a motion now was necessary. “It is an important issue and we will have further discussion at CAC, (but) any motion has to go to council for ratification. The next time council is going to meet is January.” “We very much appreciate the County of Kings here in the county seat,” said chief adminstrative officer Keith Robicheau. “We value and want to retain the County of Kings’ presence in downtown Kentville.”

Councillor Eric Bolland suggested more dialogue should take place. “If the horse wants to leave the barn (we should) talk to the county and see what the issues are and why they want to leave.”

Councillor Mark Pearl said the issue should be on the record for this meeting, but should also be referred to CAC. “This is not the place to develop an action plan.”

Council quickly passed a unanimous motion encouraging the county to stay where it is, while referring further discussion to CAC.