Welcoming Week Celebration in Amherst
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On Saturday, September 19, 2026, Amherst celebrated the many cultures, languages, and people who call our community home.
The Town of Amherst, Community Navigator and community partners Maggie’s Place, YReach, CANSA, YMCA, Anchor, Lillac Place, and Autumn House hosted the third annual Welcoming Party at the Amherst Travelodge. Information tables set up during the event gave residents an opportunity to learn more about the services and resources available in Amherst.
The celebration came alive with music, dance, and demonstrations from entertainers whose performances brought energy, colour, and joy to the gathering. Artist Nadia Skoryk transformed the celebration into a collaborative artistic experience, where every participant had the opportunity to become a co-creator of a shared community art piece by leaving a visible trace of their language, culture, memories, and hopes. Participants enjoyed delicious food free of charge provided by Social Fork, House of Birria, Mike’s One Stop, and Portlander Jamaican Cuisine.
“Events like this are so important for our community. They give neighbours a chance to meet, help newcomers feel welcome, and create opportunities to learn about one another through food, culture, and conversation” Suhas, Owner of the Social Fork Multi Cuisine Restaurant & Bar.
The Welcoming Party was a wonderful reminder that Amherst is made stronger by the diversity of the people who call it home. Together, we celebrated the cultures, stories, talents and connections that make our community a welcoming place for everyone.
The day was beautifully captured by Olena Photography, preserving many special moments from the celebration
Rail Safety Week
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It's Rail Safety Week from September 21-27 in Amherst, as proclaimed by Mayor Small. This is the time of year when there is a special focus on educating and informing everyone about the importance of rail safety.
Last year, there were 69 avoidable fatalities in Canada involving members of the public and railways. We need everyone to understand the dangers and to behave appropriately around train tracks.
Visit Operation Lifesaver to raise awareness, inspire action, and help prevent railway crossing and trespassing incidents across Canada.
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
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September has been proclaimed as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in Amherst.
This is the most common cancer risk to affect Canadian men - one in eight Canadian men will be diagnosed with the disease. Awareness and conversations about prostate cancer can lead to screening and early detection that saves lives.
Watch for Town facilities to light up blue this week in support of prostate cancer awareness.
To learn more about prostate cancer - education, early detection, and support for those affected - please visit prostatecanada.ca.
World Mitochondrial Disease Week
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Mayor Robert Small has proclaimed this week - September 14-20, 2026 - as World Mitochondrial Disease Week in Amherst.
The human body is fuelled by trillions of microscopic powerhouses called mitochondria. These tiny energy-producing structures generate the energy we need to survive. When there is a disfunction with these important structures in one or more parts of our bodies, we see Mitochondrial Diseases appear.
For more information, please visit the Mito Canada website.
September 2026 proclaimed Arthritis Awareness Month in Amherst
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It's the first day of September, and this month has been proclaimed Arthritis Awareness Month in Amherst.
More than six million people in Canada live with this serious disease that causes debilitating pain, restricts mobility, and diminishes quality of life. That's one in five people in Canada who are affected.
Arthritis Awareness Month aims to raise awareness, and mobilize and engage communities to understand the devastating impact of arthritis.
For more information, please visit the Arthritis Society of Canada.
August 31, 2026 proclaimed International Overdose Awareness Day
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August 31 has been officially proclaimed as International Overdose Awareness Day in Amherst.
This important day serves as a time to remember loved ones lost to overdose, and to work with the community to reduce the risk of drug-related deaths.
People affected by overdose are our sons and daughters, our mothers and fathers, our brothers and sisters. They are deserving of compassion and support.
New accessible playground coming to Beacon Street Park
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A major transformation is coming to Beacon Street Park. Work is expected to begin soon on a new, inclusive and accessible playground where children of all abilities can play, explore and have fun together.
The project will replace the park’s existing playground with a new play space designed to remove physical and social barriers and make play more accessible for children with a range of mobility, sensory and developmental abilities.
Site preparation and removal of the existing playground structures will be the first signs of activity, expected to get underway soon.
A playground designed for everyone
The new playground will feature a central accessible play area with rubberized surfacing, making it easier to move throughout the space using wheelchairs and other mobility aids. Accessible pathways will connect play features and other areas of the park.
Planned features include:
- an inclusive play structure and accessible spinner;
- musical, sensory and interactive play elements;
- accessible, basket and traditional swings;
- separate play opportunities for younger children;
- a sand and sensory play area;
- an accessible sloped embankment with slides and climbing features;
- benches, accessible picnic tables and shade structures;
- landscaping, trees and planting areas; and,
- pedestrian lighting.
One of the playground’s major features will be an accessible embankment rising approximately 1.8 metres. The area will incorporate climbing and sliding features along with accessible routes, handrails, and other safety features.
Rather than placing accessible equipment in a separate area, the playground is being designed so children with different abilities can play alongside one another. The layout, pathways, and play features will help provide equitable access throughout the space.
There will also be plenty of space for parents and caregivers, with seating, accessible picnic tables and shaded areas helping make the park a comfortable place for families to spend time together.
A $1-million investment
The project has an approved budget of $1 million, excluding HST. This includes the design and supply of playground equipment, removal of the existing playground, site preparation, installation, accessible safety surfacing, landscaping, furnishings, and lighting.
Construction is expected to begin during the 2026 construction season.
Concept renderings provide a look at the vision for the new playground. Final design details and individual playground features may vary from the concept images.
Please stay tuned for more updates as this exciting new project progresses.
