Information regarding Downtown Kentville Business Community and Town of Kentville expiring contract
February 26, 2026, Kentville, NS – Following several public inquiries regarding the contract between Downtown Kentville Business Community (DKBC) and Town of Kentville, we would like to share key information to support transparency and understanding.
When a Town of Kentville contract with an external organization is approaching expiry, Council notifies the organization and sometimes requests a presentation during a public Council meeting. This presentation allows the organization to outline its accomplishments, goals, and needs, and provides Council with an opportunity to ask questions. It is not the time when Council deliberates or makes decisions. Contract changes are discussed at a later meeting, in closed session, when confidential contract details are not yet public. If a new contract is approved, it becomes publicly available once it is approved by Council in public session and signed by all parties.
We acknowledge that, historically, Town of Kentville and DKBC have not followed this same process, and funding decisions were made publicly. However, on January 8, 2026, Council sent a letter to DKBC in advance of the current contract’s expiry on March 31, 2026. The letter, sent by Mayor Andrew Zebian on behalf of Town Council, explained that the existing funding model would generate only $46,044 for the 2026–2027 year. This would not be a sustainable model to continue funding DKBC at current levels. The letter also requested a presentation to Council. By requesting this presentation, Council hoped to better understand DKBC’s plans and strategy, and to explore ways to maintain a positive relationship and financial support for the business community. DKBC requested additional time to prepare their report, and Council agreed to schedule their presentation during the February 23, 2026, Council meeting.
Town Council is proud of Kentville’s vibrant business community and is committed to supporting its continued success. While no decision has yet been made regarding a future contract with DKBC or its specific terms, we remind residents and business owners that they are welcome to contact Town Council by phone, email, or in person before a decision is made in the coming weeks. Contact information is available on Town of Kentville’s website https://kentville.ca/town-hall/council-committees.
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