‘A myriad of opportunities’

Kentville council defers decision on F.W. Robinson building land

The future use of the soonto-be vacant parcel of land that was once home to the F.W. Robinson building has yet to be determined.

Kentville’s town council briefly discussed the topic at a live- streamed council advisory meeting Feb. 12.

Community and economic development co- ordinator Lindsay Young presented a staff report to council that recommends the property, located at 374/376 Main Street, be deemed as surplus.

“At the current time, the town has not identified a use for the property,” said Young.

The 1950s- era building sat vacant in recent years, ultimately being rendered too costly to repair due to weather-related damage. The structure was recently demolished by Mid Valley Construction, and the fully serviced parcel of land within the downtown core could be used for a new commercial development if town council decides the land is surplus.

“Deeming the land surplus and adding it to the inventory of available property for de- velopment in downtown leaves a myriad of opportunities open for the redevelopment,” said Young.

Council opted to discuss this recommendation further at a time when more information is available regarding how much of the land should potentially be retained by the Town of Kentville in case there is an expansion of Church Avenue in the future.

ASHLEY THOMPSON Kentville’s town council will soon be tasked with deciding if the former F.W. Robinson building property on Main Street can be labelled surplus and eventually advertised for sale once the lot is clear and ready for development.

COLIN CHISHOLM Health and Wellness Minister Randy Delorey said the newly renovated operating room at the Hants Community Hospital is a major benefit to the local community and patients across Nova Scotia.