Four new requests under the Community Support Grants Policy were approved by Council at Monday night’s meeting, totalling $33,320.
Funding in the amount of $15,000 was approved for the Westcumb Amateur Radio Club, to help financially support the purchase of a mobile radio communications trailer. The trailer is self contained and can be deployed where needed, providing valuable communication links as required for the club to support Regional Emergency Management Operations (REMO) in remote areas during an emergency. The Municipality of the County of Cumberland has also agreed to fund their portion of the cost.
Council approved funding in the amount of $1,600 to the Bridge Adult Service Centre for transportation costs to attend a tournament in Summerside.
A second funding request from the Bridge Adult Service Centre was approved in the amount of $14,720 to build a walking track around their facility. This new concrete walking track will be fully accessible and provide the clients with opportunities for increasing their daily physical activities in a safe and controlled area.
The fourth funding request approved by Council on Monday night was in the amount of $2,000 for Spring Street Academy Home and School Association for the upcoming Spring Fling event.
Amendment of Building Bylaw and Repeal of Vacant Building Bylaw
On April 1st, 2025, Nova Scotia adopted the latest edition of the National Building Code of Canada and new Building Code Regulations. Due to changes in the new regulations, the Town of Amherst's current Building Bylaw is no longer aligned with the updated codes. Council gave first reading to the proposed Building Bylaw amendments, mostly housekeeping in nature, to update definitions to align with the National Building Code and corresponding regulations.
The Town of Amherst Vacant Building Bylaw, adopted in 2011, sets out requirements and standards for vacant buildings. The Bylaw includes maintenance standards and provisions for boarding up vacant buildings that are already provided for by the Dangerous or Unsightly Premises provisions of the Municipal Government Act. As such, the Vacant Building Bylaw does not serve a useful purpose at this time. At Monday night’s meeting, Council give first reading of the Bylaw to Repeal the Town of Amherst Vacant Building Bylaw.
112 West Victoria Street Development Agreement
Council give Second Reading of the development agreement for 112 West Victoria Street to permit the construction of two 16-unit and three 8-unit apartment buildings. This is the final step in the six-step development agreement process. Notice of Council’s decision to enter into this development agreement will be advertised, providing the right to appeal to the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board.
Capital Budget Amendment – Paving
At Monday night’s meeting, Council approved an amendment to the 2025/26 general capital budget in the amount of $463,700 including applicable taxes for the paving of: Queen Street from Croft Street to Albion Street – $64,000; Park Street from West Pleasant Street to Mission Street – $125,000; and, South Albion Street from Robert Angus Drive to the Town Boundary – $275,000 – including a $137,350 Provincial Contribution.
Asphalt Patching Tender Award
The recently approved 2025/26 operating budget includes an amount of $490,050 for contracted patching services. The work performed under this contract includes asphalt spreader patching of streets and the restoration of service cuts. Two bids were received and Council voted to accept the bid from Dexter Construction for $ 449,350.00.
Extended Producer Responsibility
Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging, paper products, and packaging like products regulates industry responsibility for both the operational and financial management of select recyclable products, commonly found in the blue bag system.
The Town of Amherst will enter into an agreement with Circular Materials to provide the services (collection, education & customer service) with the Town of Amherst receiving financial compensation for providing the services.
Special Constable Appointment
Council approved the appointment of Emily Wainwright as a special constable to enforce Part 15 of the Municipal Government Act concerning Dangerous or Unsightly Property, the Solid Waste Bylaw (D-20) and the Minimum Standards for Residential Occupancies Bylaw (P-4). There is no cost to the appointment of a Special Constable.
Direct enquiries to:
Sean Payne
Marketing & Communications Officer
902-694-6265
