Proposed Funding Cut 2026

CONTEXT:

Town Council has approved a major change to how Downtown Kentville is funded.

​

For years, our work has been supported through a town-wide Economic Development Levy.

If you're a resident, your entire household likely paid less than $8 for the entire year, which was historically passed on to us (check your tax statement: it’s listed as “Economic Development Levy”).
 

Of KBC's total operating budget:

​

• Residential funded ~4%

• Commercial funded ~76%

• Industrial funded ~20%

​

Council has voted to stop funding us this way, and instead move to an AREA RATE paid only by downtown businesses.

​

At first glance, that may not seem like it affects you.

​

But it does.

Healthy downtowns affect us all.

A strong Downtown supports local jobs and small businesses, strengthens property values, shapes how Kentville is seen by visitors and investors, and contributes to overall public safety by keeping our core active and well-maintained.

When downtowns decline, the impact reaches far beyond empty storefronts. Local jobs disappear. Property values can soften. Municipal tax revenue declines, which affects the services we all rely on.

Less activity in the core can also affect how safe and welcoming our town feels — for residents and visitors alike.

​

Under the new funding model, our annual funding would be reduced by nearly 68%.

​

Read the full report above, or watch our public Presentation to Council (from Monday, February 23).

Next steps are unclear. 

All we know right now is that if they go ahead with the plan they have proposed in their letter to us on January 8, we will be forced to close our doors on March 31, 2026. 

In the meantime, we’ll keep you in the loop on socials and on this page.

Thank you to those who have expressed support!

We will continue to fight for a thriving Downtown core for all of us to enjoy for years to come.