Chris McNeill

The Council meeting agenda covered several items, including presentations from the Downtown Kentville Business Community (KBC) and Skateboard Kentville. Key recommendations involved considering housekeeping amendments for large-scale housing, a rezoning application for 160 Main Street (First Reading), awarding the Mitchell Brook Culvert Replacement contract, and decisions regarding Policy 110 (Targeted Income Property Tax Exemption), recommended tax write-offs, and Bylaw 204 (Partial Tax Exemption, First Reading). Department reports included updates on the hiring of a Climate Action Coordinator and IDEA Coordinator, progress on the Water Meter Replacement Program, pending regional sewer budget revisions, and the high volume of downtown police calls for service. The council also approved repealing anti-idling and smoke-free policies, approved Policy 107 (Traffic Authority) and Policy 101 (Council Remuneration), approved Policy 108 (Fire Services), approved Policy 109 (Community Investment Program), approved the award for Town Hall Accessibility Renovations, gave First Reading to bylaws amending Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use Bylaw for concurrent construction, and approved committee appointments. Finally, second reading was given to redesignate and rezone 153 Belcher Street.

The Council Advisory Committee meeting addressed several agenda items, including department reports from Finance, Planning and Development, Parks and Recreation, and Engineering and Public Works. New business focused on advancing proposed amendments for Large Scale Housing Housekeeping (First Reading), seeking approval for the rezone of 160 Main Street (First Reading), and recommending the award for the Mitchell Brook Culvert Replacement project. The committee also reviewed items concerning a Targeted Income Property Tax Exemption and Bylaw 204 regarding Partial Tax Exemption. The Engineering and Public Works staff report provided an update on the Nova Scotia Regulatory and Appeals Board public hearing scheduled for April 7th regarding water rates and regulations, and noted progress on regional sewer budget discussions. Discussions also covered the need for an early approval on the Mitchell Brook Culvert Replacement tender award to meet regulatory timelines. The Planning and Development department presented detailed recommendations for the Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law amendments to create a clear framework for reviewing complex residential developments, including introducing definitions for Large-Scale Housing and Community Development. The committee also received staff reports detailing January operations for Parks and Recreation and Engineering and Public Works.

This Strategic Priorities Plan 2025-2029 outlines the Town of Kentville's roadmap for addressing rapid growth and ensuring a sustainable future. It is structured around five key strategic priorities: Investing in Infrastructure, Investing in People and Accountability, Investing in Growth and Development, Investing in Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA), and Investing in Communication and Partnerships. The plan aims to foster sustainable development, manage aging infrastructure, promote community well-being, encourage inclusive growth, and enhance communication and collaboration with stakeholders, all while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

The Council Meeting agenda included an information report from Valley REN regarding Destination Management and Marketing Organizations (DMMO) funding models, which involved discussions about a potential marketing levy. Key recommendations involved repealing several policies (G41, G23) and bylaws (Idling Control, Smoke-Free Public Place), approving Policy 107 (Traffic Authority), Policy 101 (Council Remuneration), Policy 108 (Fire Services), Policy 109 (Community Investment Program), and Policy 104, 105, and 106 concerning Public Consultation, Expenses/Hospitality, and Proclamations, respectively. Council gave second reading to Bylaws 202 (Reduced Taxation) and 203 (Sewers). Approvals were granted for up to $400,000 for a replacement salt truck and for continuing/adding Constable positions in future operating budgets. The Committee also recommended the heritage designation of six properties and gave first reading to amendments regarding Housing Diversity in the C1 Zone and to redesignate/rezone 153 Belcher Street to Commercial. Furthermore, appointments for various committees and commissions, including the Police Commission, were approved for 2026-2027. The final recommendation approved a 5-year lease agreement for the former Kentville Railway Station.

This toolkit provides guidance to municipalities in Nova Scotia on establishing Accessibility Advisory Committees and developing municipal accessibility plans. It outlines key steps including understanding accessibility, forming committees, ongoing learning, and developing, implementing, and maintaining plans in alignment with Nova Scotia's Accessibility Act. The overarching goal is to assist municipalities in contributing to an accessible province by 2030.