The County of Kings and towns of Wolfville and Kentville have been working on a proposed regional recreational facility for about four years. Photo by CONTRIBUTEDArticle contentA decision on where to build a proposed regional recreation complex could be made public very soon, says the County of Kings’ mayor.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle content“I believe we’re that close to announcing the location of the site,” Dave Corkum, holding his thumb and index finger less than an inch apart, said during council’s July 22 meeting.Article contentArticle contentAfter the session, the mayor told the Annapolis Valley Register that the municipality has a purchase and sales agreement for an undisclosed property where the complex could be built.Article contentArticle contentThe county, along with the towns of Kentville and Wolfville have been working on the joint initiative for about four years. The county has approved proceeding with the project and is optimistic the two towns will be partners.Article contentCorkum said he was hopeful a joint announcement about the location could occur at the site in early August.Article content“I believe that a majority of the people in Kings County want this,” he said during council. “I see no reason for us to delay things any longer.”Article contentWhile the three municipalities might agree to move forward, the project still has some hurdles to clear before it receives final approval. An inter-municipal service agreement would have to be agreed upon and federal and provincial funding secured before shovels hit the ground. The county also hasn’t determined how it would fund its share of the project.Article contentArticle contentCouncil has been discussing land acquisition in private as permitted under the Municipal Government Act, but a vote on purchasing the land must occur in public session.Article contentArticle contentA 2022 feasibility study recommended a new centre include an aquatics facility, multi-use gym, walking track and community spaces in the first phase. The three-year-old report, based on one potential, undisclosed location, said the first phase was estimated to cost $58 million.Article contentArticle contentPublic inputArticle contentCoun. Bob Best withdrew a July 22 council request to hold meetings in each of the nine districts to gauge residents’ interest in the recreation complex. He was also seeking meetings with the towns and villages.Article contentHe changed his mind after council approved holding broader district meetings this fall and producing a report in early 2026 on what was heard. Similar meetings were held in 2019 and 2023.
Site announcement close for proposed Kings County, N.S., regional rec complex: Mayor
