Hey Kentville, we want to hear from YOU!
Join us at a public meeting on March 30 from 6-8pm at 325 Main Street, at the Main Street Station Ballroom.
Do you have ideas to bring more public art to the Town? Do you want to see more accessibility features? Do you have ideas about improving bus stations? Do you have a vision for Kentville being the best town in the province? We want to hear from you at this meeting!
Please register to attend, as seating is limited. We highly encourage pre-registration and appreciate your cooperation. While it's not necessarily a requirement, it does help staff provide a better experience for all attendees. Please email jwest@kentville.ca or call 902-679-2503 to RSVP.
Here is more information about this event, and some FAQ's:
"Do I have to pre-register to attend this meeting?"
People are highly encouraged to pre-register or RSVP so that staff can properly prepare. Pre-registering allows meeting staff to be more efficient during sign-in and seating, and will help us move the meeting forward on time. While we won't turn you away for not being pre-registered, you may be asked to wait while we seat folks who did register. Pre-registered people will be given priority on seating. While we do not wish to turn anyone away, the number of people we can allow is dictated by the room capacity. So, it helps everyone, including you, to tell us you are coming! You can do that by emailing jwest@kentville.ca
"Where is the closest parking?"
The Main Street Station (formerly called the Cornwallis Inn) has parking next to the building accessed from Main Street. It also has parking at the back of the building, accessed from Webster Court. There is also parking across the street (Main Street) in the large Town Hall and Recreation Centre parking lot.
"I have mobility issues, is this space accessible?"
Yes! The building has parking on the main floor, and an elevator to the second floor where the event takes place. The meeting room is very close to the elevator and to the accessible washrooms.
"I am deaf, will there be sign language interpreters at the meeting?"
Yes! We are proud to have two interpreters from ASL Interpreter Services attending the meeting to sign. A video of the meeting will be available with closed captioning.
"How will the meeting run? I've never been to a public meeting!"
The room will be set up with seven members of Town Council seated at the front of the room, split into two tables. The audience will be facing front in "theatre style" seating (everyone in rows, facing front). There will be two staff signing people in as they enter. You will be asked your name and area of residence, and whether or not you are already registered. People who have pre-registered will be sent immediately inside to select their seating. Others may be asked to wait temporarily while the folks who pre-registered get settled. Staff will do everything possible to fit everyone in, that is why it helps for us to know ahead of time that you are planning to come!
If you want to make a comment or share an idea, you will need to leave your name with staff during sign in. During the meeting, when your name is called you will go to the front where the host (Max) will be at a table. Max will have a microphone for you to share your comment. While you are speaking, Council will be taking notes on your ideas and comments, and the interpreter will be translating into American Sign Language for the attendees in the room. Council will not be responding to comments during the meeting. They are there to observe and listen. We hope to be able to call on everyone who wants to speak- and priority will be given to Kentville residents and landowners.
"I don't feel comfortable standing up to speak, is there another way I can participate?"
Staff will also be handing out comment cards to guests on site. If you prefer not to speak at the microphone, you can write your ideas and comments on a card (or cards) and give it to staff. If there is time, these submissions may be read at the meeting. If there is not time, these will be given to council in a summary report.
"I don't have comments/feedback, I want to ask questions"
The purpose of this specific forum is to hear feedback from the public. Council members will be present and listening, but they will not have an opportunity to address the room or be responding to individual questions.
"What happens to our comments after the meeting?"
All comments will be recorded in a summary report that will be submitted to Council for their information.
