Kentville’s tourist bureau moving downtown

BY JENNIFER HOEGG

Kings County Advertiser

Kentville is teaming up with Kings County and Destinations Southwest Nova to bring the visitor information centre (VIC) from the town’s outskirts to the downtown core.

As of November 1, the town, county and tourism group will lease the former Fred’s Shoes location, on the corner of Cornwallis and Aberdeen, for a year-round VIC.

At its October 26 meeting, Kentville council voted to create the regional centre, provided $11,000 in startup costs. Next year’s expenses will be budgeted for, chief administrative officer Keith Robicheau said. “The amount we will contribute for the 2010-2011 will be pretty much consistent with operating the other VIC.”

Parking?

The decision did not pass without debate. Several councillors are concerned about parking availability. “I don’t think it’s appropriate to ask people to park behind the municipal building,” Councillor Nola Folker-Hill said. “Who I see coming and going (at the VIC) are older people, and that could be too far to walk.”

Councillor Tony Bentley echoed those concerns. “I don’t think it’s the best location. My concern is people who come in with campers: where are they going to park?”

DSWNA general manager Madonna Spinazola told council she didn’t think parking would be a huge problem. “Not a terrific amount (of campers) would come at one time.”

Councillor Mark Pearl suggested parking problems may be minor compared to the benefits of the new location. “Are there obstacles with regards with parking? Probably, (but) the travelling public would be well served if we could accommodate them 12 months a year.”

Mayor David Corkum agreed the parking question was solveable. “Personally, I’m a believer in that corner location. It will be quite a loss if we can’t get together on this. We’ve got all kinds of businesses in Kentville and people mention parking is a concern, but if you really want to come into Kentville, you’re going to be able to find a parking spot.”

Cooperation on a year-round, regional VIC will make Kentville “a trendsetter” Corkum noted.

How visitors driving in on Highway 1 will navigate the town’s network of one-way streets approaching the VIC was not discussed.

DSWNA ready

Spinazola is keen on debuting the year-round, regional VIC idea in Kentville. “It’s going to be a win-win-win for everyone, but I think the biggest winner could be the town of Kentville. “I’m not advocating saying you ‘gotta do this,’ I’m coming to you with an opportunity I thought was there: to liven up the town.”

When asked if other downtown locations were considered, Spinazola said the idea came about when this particular storefront became available. “I’m not looking for a spot. Kentville seems quite barren when you come into town, and when I see that building all empty, I think ‘wow, it could be so much more. “It lends itself to a really nice welcoming centre; it’s quite large. We could really showcase the county, we could showcase the town, we could showcase the other two regions.”

She pointed out the town retains ownership of the Park Street VIC, so the decision is reversible.