FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 3, 2025
Town of Kentville Calls for Collaboration and Transparency on Provincial Housing and Support Initiatives
Kentville, Nova Scotia - Town of Kentville is calling on the Province of Nova Scotia to work collaboratively with municipalities before funding or establishing new support housing or service sites within town boundaries.
Recent provincial funding decisions have allowed support organizations to purchase properties in Kentville without any consultation with Town Council or local authorities. The Town has not been informed of the intended use of several of these properties, leaving Council and residents uncertain about their impact on the community.
Mayor Andrew Zebian emphasizes that this is not about opposing housing or services for people experiencing homelessness, addiction, or mental illness.
“We are 100% in favor of helping and supporting people who are struggling,” said Mayor Zebian. “But the way the province is rolling this out, without communication, without resources, and without coordination is creating more strain on the Town that is already stretched thin.”
The Mayor notes that local supports and infrastructure are insufficient to meet the growing and complex needs associated with mental illness and addictions. Kentville’s police department is increasingly burdened with calls related to mental health and social crises, diverting resources from their regular policing duties.
“Our officers are doing everything they can, but they’re not mental health professionals,” said Mayor Zebian. “If more officers are needed to respond to these situations, will the province help cover that cost? When public property is damaged or vandalized, will the province help us pay for the cleanup and repairs? These are fair questions that deserve clear answers.”
The Town is also expressing deep concern for the lack of visible provincial support for individuals facing homelessness and addiction in Kentville.
“We see the same people suffering year after year because the system isn’t working,” said Mayor Zebian, “We need to bring the province, municipalities, and those with lived experience to the same table to ask: what support do you actually need to succeed?”
At the same time, Kentville’s business community is feeling the impact, with residents and visitors reporting that they no longer feel safe downtown.
“We worked for years to rebuild downtown Kentville and to take the paper off the windows and bring life back to our downtown streets,” the Mayor said. “We can’t let it slip backward because the right supports aren’t in place.”
The Mayor stressed that discarded needles and public drug use have become visible safety concerns in public spaces, affecting families, visitors, and businesses alike.
“This is not sustainable for anyone. Not for those who are struggling, and not for the Town trying to support them. Town of Kentville is ready to work with the province, but we need transparency, planning, and real support.”
Town of Kentville is calling on the Province of Nova Scotia to:
- Engage with the Town of Kentville before approving or funding new housing or support sites; and
- Provide appropriate health, addiction, and mental health supports alongside housing initiatives; and
- Ensure local police, first responders, and community receive resources to handle the increased demand; and
- Work with those with lived experience to create long-term, compassionate, and effective solutions.
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Media contact:
Mayor Andrew Zebian
Town of Kentville
azebian@kentville.ca
902-599-7326