Media Releases

Amherst Town Council November 27, 2023 – Meeting Highlights

At the November 27^th meeting of Council, the development agreement with BlackBay Real Estate Group was given second reading, allowing this construction project to move forward.

The agreement with BlackBay Real Estate Group for 105 South Albion Street allows for the construction of a residential community consisting of two five-unit townhouse buildings, and two apartment buildings with 48 and 128 units.

At the October 30^th meeting of Council, first reading was given to the development agreement and Public Participation Opportunities for this were held on October 4^th and November 23^rd.

Russell Street Development

A new housing subdivision is in the works for Amherst. Under development by Tony Aalders, it is to be located along and adjacent to Russell Street, and developed in four phases. Each phase will contain between eight and 15 dwellings. Amherst’s new Housing Infrastructure Investment Policy will allow for the developer to enter into a financing agreement with the Town, to cover the costs of local infrastructure for the new neighbourhood. For each phase of development, the Town will finance up to $250,000 worth of street, water, and sewer infrastructure, which will be paid back by the developer in quarterly installments over five years. This innovative approach to development has also required amendments to the Local Improvement Bylaw. Council approved this agreement on Monday night between the Town of Amherst Mr. Aalders.

Amendments to Bylaws and Committee Policy

In order for Council’s motion to approve the Russell Street agreement between Mr. Aalders and the Town, and enact the Town’s Housing Infrastructure Investment Policy, Amherst’s Local Improvement Bylaw required amendment. On Monday night, Council gave first reading of a Bylaw to amend the Local Improvement Bylaw by adding the agreement for the Russell Street Subdivision to Schedule ‘A’ of said bylaw.

In addition, the Companion Animal Bylaw has received updates to ensure more clarity in the roles, authority, and decision-making for animal owners, animal control officers, and police officers including: a section that provides for the use of an animal for Search and Rescue, Law Enforcement Operations, Special Needs dogs, and for off-leash dog parks; additional options and authorities for the Animal Control Officer when dealing with dangerous dogs; and, a mechanism for dog owners to appeal to council when their animal has been classified as a “dangerous dog” and is subject to restrictions. This amended bylaw received second reading at Monday night’s regular session of Council, and a motion was made to accept all of the changes.

Amendments were approved on Monday night to the Amherst Youth Town Council Policy that will appoint a member from AYTC to the Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Committee, and the Accessibility Advisory Committee. The required amendments to these Committees’ Terms of Reference were also approved. A member of AYTC will also be appointed to the Poverty Reduction Advisory Committee, and the amendments necessary to do so will be undertaken during the Committee’s Terms of Reference Review at December’s Committee of the Whole meeting.

Community Support Grant Application – Amherst Community Christmas Dinner

Funding in the amount of $3,000 was approved under the Community Support Grants Policy to help cover the costs of this initiative.

Supported by community volunteers and fund raising, this project provides a free Christmas Dinner to anyone. It is estimated that approximately 500 meals will be provided free of charge this year by the committee behind the Amherst Community Christmas Dinner.

Two Changes to 2024 Meeting Dates

Council approved changing the February 2024 Committee of the Whole meeting date from Monday, February 19^th to Tuesday, February 20^th, due to the Heritage Day holiday. Council also approved changing the May 2024 Committee of the Whole meeting date from Monday, May 20^th to Tuesday, May 21^st, due to the Victoria Day holiday.

Appointment of Auditor

The Town’s Audit Committee approved a motion on November 21^st to recommend that Council appoint McIsaac Darragh as the Town’s municipal auditor for the 2023/2024 fiscal year. On Monday night, Council accepted the Audit Committee’s recommendation and appointed the firm to the role of municipal auditor for the next fiscal year. 

Safe Approach and Rescue Vehicle

The Amherst Police Department has recognized the importance of preparing and training for critical incidents. Over the past decade, they have introduced training, techniques and equipment aimed at dealing with the possibility of an increased risk to the public, Amherst Police Department members, and policing partners.

GardaWorld Cash, Canada has offered to sell a decommissioned cash transport vehicle to the Amherst Police Department for the price of $2.00 plus applicable taxes. They provide support to public and police safety by often offering decommissioned cash transport vehicles to police and first responder organizations at a discounted price. This vehicle is not armed; it is not military, and it will protect our officers and potentially citizens if or when they have to respond to a shooting incident.

On Monda night, Council approved entering into a memorandum of understanding with GardaWorld Cash, Canada for the purchase of the decommissioned cash transport vehicle, and further authorized the CAO and Mayor to sign the MOU.