BY JENNIFER HOEGG
Kings County Advertiser
Business and recreation, with a shade of green - but leave my neighborhood alone.
That’s how initial survey data suggests Kentville residents want to prioritize action items from ideas identified in the town’s Integrated Community Sustainability Plan process.
Nova Insights, a market research and consulting firm, conducted a survey of both a random sample of Kentville residents and a group of “self-selected” people who participated in other stages of the ICSP process. Paul Desbarres presented preliminary findings to council advisory committee Feb. 8, cautioning “we just processed this data, so this is an early look.”
The “early look” shows recruitment of more business is the number one priority for 48 per cent of respondents, while development through arts, culture and recreation is the first choice for 28 per cent. Another 26 per cent identify investment in green technology, at 26 per cent.
Among infrastructure priorities, the water system scored highest on the priority list, with energy conservation and active transportation close behind. Sewer system, public transportation and environmental research were also on the list of top choices.
For community priorities, top priorities included investment in trails, sidewalks and bike lanes; as well as in trails and parks and a permanent home for the farmers’ market.
When asked about economic development, 86 per cent of respondents say supporting more business in Kentville is the top priority. Support for attracting businesses to the industrial park and promoting the town as a “services centre” is also high.
Turning to neighborhood development priorities, only 57 per cent say increasing home-based business is a high priority; support for increased residential density was weaker, with only 41 per cent for infill construction and 34 per cent for more apartments in residential neighborhood.
On the environmental front, the top priority for 79 per cent of respondents is encouraging energy conservation, with similar support for alternative energy sources and research into storm water, run-off and flooding.
Concern about parking and loss of retail shopping were among citizen concerns identified in survey comments. Desbarres said a theme among comments is “Kentville doesn’t know who they are right now. “Hopefully, through the findings of this, we can find out who (residents) want Kentville to be.”
Desbarres presents the final survey report to council Feb. 22, the same week the public comment period on the final ICSP report begins. ICSP report will be presented to CAC March 8 and council March 22, before submission to the province March 31. The federal government requires all municipalities to complete an ICSP by that date to access gas tax funds.
