Wolfville Coun. Hugh Simpson, who once chaired the Kings Regional Development Authority, said he was both amazed and shocked by the turn of events.
“Virtually nothing has happened,” since the REN was started, Simpson said. “It’s too big, too unwieldy.”
After looking at factors like strategic planning, council’s economic plans and the provincial context, Wolfville staff recommended a notice to withdraw in 2017 and council supported the move.
Chief administrative officer Erin Beaudin suggested that there is value in continuing to work with the Valley REN to evaluate its progress. The one-year notification period will allow time for reflection and for the REN to demonstrate results.
Wolfville currently contributes $22,765 to the REN, which is based on a formula related to uniform assessment.
On the economic front, the town has recently hired Ericka Wicks in an economic development position.Wicks previously worked for the Colchester Regional Development Authority. Her main priorities will be to get a “business retention and expansion program” up and running and working with the Wolfville Business Development Corporation (WBDC).
Hopefully within the next year, they'll have the opportunity to change their minds,” Kentville’s Mayor Dave Corkum said March 29, saying he feels the Valley REN "is moving forward, and seems to have a solid business plan. We're impressed with the past and present board members they have been able to attract.
"We're all looking for results," Corkum said, "but sometimes, results take time. If you want to put a foundation down right, you need to be patient.
"It's an advantage to be all in this together as partners. I would hope that, over the next 12 months, Wolfville will see the advantages of staying."
What’s the REN?
The Annapolis Valley formed the province's first regional enterprise network two years ago. Nine municipalities and the Glooscap First Nation signed an inter-municipal agreement marking its formal establishment.
Its mandate is to develop a regional economic development strategy, co-ordinate economic development efforts within the region, and focus on helping businesses in the region grow.
The seven-member board of directors included: Sir Graham Day, Susan Hayes, Joseph Lord, Robert Maher, Peter Muttart, Jason Peters and Perry Wallace.
