Business owners, workers, patrons, homeowners, and residents of Kentville stand together in opposition to the transformation of our downtown core and nearby neighbourhoods.

We strongly oppose the actions and decisions being undertaken by MLA John Lohr and the Province of Nova Scotia, the Open Arms Resource Centre with its multiple downtown locations, and the Town of Kentville. We are deeply concerned about the direction in which our downtown is being taken and the lack of meaningful leadership, accountability, and community engagement in addressing these changes.

Over the past several years, the community has expressed increasing concerns about documented incidents occurring in and around the downtown area, including violence, weapon use, theft, public drug use and intoxication, loitering, public sexual acts, property damage, arson, hazardous debris, and other behaviours that undermine the safety, security, and well-being of our community. These are not merely matters of perception or inconvenience; they have created legitimate and growing concerns among us all who spend time in downtown Kentville.

This downtown transformation has resulted in many businesses having already made decisions to exit or planning to exit as soon as possible. A community must have a strong downtown commercial core to be successful. The people who live, work, own businesses, invest in, and visit downtown Kentville deserve to have their voices heard. We believe the ongoing changes are having a significant impact on the character, safety, security, economic vitality, and overall quality of life in our downtown.

We would welcome consideration of alternative locations, including locations within Kentville outside our commercial downtown, if appropriate, or other locations within the county that may provide a better environment for delivering these services safely and effectively.

We are calling on the Province of Nova Scotia, MLA John Lohr, Open Arms Resource Centre, and the Town of Kentville to listen to the concerns of the community, respect existing municipal planning policies, land-use regulations, bylaws and work collaboratively with downtown businesses, residents, property owners, and the broader community to protect and strengthen the future of downtown Kentville.

Sincerely;