The Municipality of the County of Kings, Town of Kentville, and Town of Wolfville have agreed to secure land for a proposed new Regional Recreation Facility.
Kings County Municipal Council recently entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement with Parsons Investments Limited to acquire a parcel of land in Coldbrook. Councils for Town of Kentville and Town of Wolfville agreed to support this purchase for the Recreation Facility.
“While this Agreement has certain closing conditions, Municipal Council thought it important to advise the public that a location has been chosen,” said Municipality of the County of Kings Mayor Dave Corkum.
A parcel located off Harrington Road was selected by a working committee with representatives from the Municipality and the Towns. The three neighbouring municipal units are excited to have reached an agreement on the location, which is an important step in building a new Regional Recreation Facility in Kings County.
“We know our community has been waiting for good news on this project,” said Wolfville Mayor Jodi Mackay. “This is an important development, and we look forward to working with our partners at Kings and Kentville to support all people in our region.”
The level of involvement and commitment from each prospective partner will be determined by decisions from respective Councils, and through agreements reached by the project partners.
“Kentville’s Town Council is eager to continue working with our partners to realize the shared goal of building a Regional Recreation Facility. We are ready and willing to continue participating in important conversations about how we come together, combine resources, and deliver meaningful results, including potentially a new Kentville arena,” said Town of Kentville Mayor Andrew Zebian.
Potential locations for the Regional Recreation Facility were evaluated based on siting criteria outlined in the Kings County Regional Recreational Centre Feasibility Study. The completed feasibility study received in November 2022 included a report recommending the construction of an aquatics facility, gymnasium and track, multi-purpose areas, and support and amenity spaces.
Project partners and Parsons Investments are excited about the new facility serving as a demand generator for the region and a driving reason to upgrade the road network in the area. All parties believe this facility will encourage increased residential and commercial development.
“Having this type of facility in our region will have a significant and positive impact on workforce recruitment and retention while improving the quality of life for everyone living in the county,” said Craig Parsons of Parsons Investments Limited.
Mayor Corkum said securing land is an important step in making a Regional Recreation Facility a reality. He stressed that there is more work to be done, and the engagement is just beginning.
“We look forward to working through the closing conditions related to the land transaction, formalizing agreements with project partners, and engaging with the community and interest groups,” said Corkum.
