That sudden move, which occurred without consultation, prompted about 35 owners and operators to turn out on April 8. They wanted to talk.
There are close to 150 businesses in Wolfville, according to the town’s website, but many were not represented that evening.
Initially, Wolfville Mayor Jeff Cantwell read five responses to questions posed by the town’s business community, then turned the assembly over to facilitator Kent Williams to outline a visioning workshop scenario.
“This is a great idea, but you’re either six months too late or six months too early,” said business owner David Cavanagh. “Before you can heal, you’ve got to get it out there.”
Landlord Lance Harris called for open dialogue between town council members and the people who turned out about the cut to WBDC funding on April 8. Business owners were given the opportunity to provide feedback to council.
“If you make a decision like this, you need to talk to us first,” retailer Jake Rideout told council.
He pointed to the road rebuilding on Main Street last year as another project that was not discussed ahead of time.
“All of us felt the pinch,” Rideout said, adding that the long summer of roadwork impacted the bottom line for Pete’s Fine Foods and led to that store’s closure announcement recently.
Rideout’s partner, Miranda Collins, who is vice-chairwoman of the WBDC, said that the optics of the council decision in February to change the funding mechanism for the WBDC looked like it all happened behind closed doors.
Chief administrative officer Erin Beaudin explained that the decision was made in-camera because it was a discussion about a long-term contract, but she allowed that the communication could have been handled better.
The town is going to hire an economic development staff member instead of funding the WBDC at current levels. David Hovell has been executive director of the WBDC since 2011.
Long-time business owner Iain Porter chastised the town, while Peer Herbin reminded councillors that the WBDC could manage projects, like the wharf and work on Front Street, on a far shorter timeline than the town.
Bruce Beaton, who spoke on behalf of his wife who moved her store to the town, said Wolfville ought to recognize it’s got something good going.
“You only have to look at Kentville to know when it’s gone, it’s gone,” he said.
That sudden move, which occurred without consultation, prompted about 35 owners and operators to turn out on April 8. They wanted to talk.
There are close to 150 businesses in Wolfville, according to the town’s website, but many were not represented that evening.
Initially, Wolfville Mayor Jeff Cantwell read five responses to questions posed by the town’s business community, then turned the assembly over to facilitator Kent Williams to outline a visioning workshop scenario.
“This is a great idea, but you’re either six months too late or six months too early,” said business owner David Cavanagh. “Before you can heal, you’ve got to get it out there.”
Landlord Lance Harris called for open dialogue between town council members and the people who turned out about the cut to WBDC funding on April 8. Business owners were given the opportunity to provide feedback to council.
“If you make a decision like this, you need to talk to us first,” retailer Jake Rideout told council.
He pointed to the road rebuilding on Main Street last year as another project that was not discussed ahead of time.
“All of us felt the pinch,” Rideout said, adding that the long summer of roadwork impacted the bottom line for Pete’s Fine Foods and led to that store’s closure announcement recently.
Rideout’s partner, Miranda Collins, who is vice-chairwoman of the WBDC, said that the optics of the council decision in February to change the funding mechanism for the WBDC looked like it all happened behind closed doors.
Chief administrative officer Erin Beaudin explained that the decision was made in-camera because it was a discussion about a long-term contract, but she allowed that the communication could have been handled better.
The town is going to hire an economic development staff member instead of funding the WBDC at current levels. David Hovell has been executive director of the WBDC since 2011.
Long-time business owner Iain Porter chastised the town, while Peer Herbin reminded councillors that the WBDC could manage projects, like the wharf and work on Front Street, on a far shorter timeline than the town.
Bruce Beaton, who spoke on behalf of his wife who moved her store to the town, said Wolfville ought to recognize it’s got something good going.
“You only have to look at Kentville to know when it’s gone, it’s gone,” he said.