Media Releases

Amherst Town Council September 25, 2023, Meeting Highlights

Three separate development agreements were addressed by Council on Monday night. The first involved changing a property’s use from a dance studio to a clay studio; the development agreement for 106 Church Street was given second reading – including terms and conditions intended to address concerns raised during May’s public participation opportunity – which will allow the property’s change in use from the art of dance to the art of clay creation.

Next, second reading was given for a development agreement on an Electric Street property, at the corner of Maple Street. This development agreement will allow the construction of a three-storey, 24-unit apartment building where approximately half of the units will be offered as affordable housing units. Another development agreement was given second reading, permitting construction on a Prince Arthur Street lot of a three-storey, 24-unit apartment building. The Prince Arthur Street building will also dedicate approximately half of its units as affordable housing. Both of these new apartment buildings will conform to the Municipal Planning Strategy and take steps towards addressing the current housing shortage by providing much needed affordable housing within the downtown core. These two projects represent infill development that makes efficient use of vacant land without the requirement for extension of municipal services.

Audited Financial Statements Approved by Council

On Monday night, Council accepted this motion and approved the Town of Amherst’s Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended March 31, 2023, which were audited by McIsaac Darragh Inc.

Amherst Youth Town Council Policy Amended for Growth

Amherst Youth Town Council serves as a way to involve young people in the community, empowering participants and adding value to their personal development through positive community engagement, while also providing Council with a younger perspective on issues in town. On Monday night, Council approved amendments to the Amherst Youth Town Council Policy that will increase the number of members from 12 to 15, due to this year’s number of applications exceeding available spots on the Council. As an immediate result of increasing the number of members permitted, Amherst Council appointed brothers Peter and Tomas Sigtryggsson as new members to the Amherst Youth Town Council.

Amendments Approved to Salary Administration Policy

Effective October 1, 2023, minimum wage in Nova Scotia will increase to $15.00 per hour. Following previous minimum wage increases, the Town has increased hourly rates of pay for certain hourly positions by the percentage that the existing hourly rate is above the existing minimum wage. Council approved amendments to the Salary Administration Policy as presented.

Funding Approved for Two Community Support Grants

During Monday night’s meeting, Council approved funding in the amount of $3,000 for the Downtown Business Association to support activities taking place during Esther Fest – specifically, the Monster Ball, street market give-aways, and a Graveyard Walk. This support allows for the addition of events to Esther Fest, and will ultimately help grow the volunteer base to hold activities. An additional funding request was approved for the Cumberland County Museum for $4,000, which will allow the construction of additional exhibit space in the form of modular display walls, providing a better viewing experience for museum visitors.