On Monday night a motion was approved to amend the 2025/26 general capital budget, and the 2025/26 water utility capital budget, to include the engineering design to reconstruct West Victoria Street from the CNR tracks to Hickman Street. This engineering design work is estimated at $67,000 inclusive of applicable taxes.
Several more financially-focused motions were approved Monday night, including the request from Maggie’s Place for a $2,000 community support grant to purchase back-to-school supplies for children in Amherst and Cumberland County.
Council approved the transfer of small amounts from Solid Waste and Sewer Operating Reserves to General Operating, to fund respective department deficits. And, funding changes were approved allowing the increase of Water Operating Capital from revenue from $40,000 to $134,000.
A motion was approved for $75,000 to replace the Fire Chief’s command vehicle.
Council accepted the recommendation of the Audit Committee, approving the Town of Amherst Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended March 31, 2025, which have been audited by the firm McIsaac Darragh Inc. Council also re-appointed that same firm as the municipal auditor for auditing services for the 2025/26 fiscal year.
Town of Amherst Policies and Bylaws
Motions were passed on Monday night affecting several Policies and Bylaws. First, the Workplace Violence and Harassment Policy was amended to enhance the Town’s commitment to a safe and respectful workplace, and align with recent legislative changes made to the Stronger Workplaces of Nova Scotia Act.
A new Asset Management Policy was approved by Council, as a step towards development of a comprehensive Asset Management Program. And, the existing Surplus Fill Policy was repealed in order to approve the new Surplus Fill Policy.
As part of Council’s periodic review of Town policies and bylaws, several minor recommended amendments were approved for the Dangerous and Unsightly Premises Policy.
During a review of the Fires and Burning of Materials Bylaw, it was identified that additional clarification was needed regarding the use of recreational outdoor appliances fueled by propane or natural gas, so on Monday night, Council gave first reading of the Bylaw to Amend the Fires and Burning of Materials Bylaw.
Amherst Youth Town Council
Council approved an amendment to the Amherst Youth Town Council Policy that reflects the formation of the new Accessibility, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Committee. And, four new members were appointed to the AYTC: Levi Allen, Rhaya MacDonald, Ava Tooley, and Kawthar Alchehade.
Development-Related Decisions
In January 2023 the Town entered into a Street Construction and Financing Agreement with developers of property on Russell Street. This agreement included four phases, of which only the first phase has been commenced – with four houses constructed and a permit for a fifth recently issued. Due to recent provincially-updated floodway information, and because the second phase of the development has not been triggered within 18 months of the commencement of the first phase, the Town has decided not to move forward with the next phase of the Street Construction and Financing Agreement.
Shaw Rural Housing, the River Philip Foundation, the United Way, the Province of Nova Scotia, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, and the Town of Amherst have partnered in an affordable housing development at the top of Church Street, known as Hillsdale.
The Town’s financial contribution included paying for the street, water, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, and pedestrian infrastructure on Vista Way, valued at over $450,000, with the understanding that the new development would pay property tax.
A recent request from The United Way for complete or partial relief from property tax obligation for their rental units was denied by Council on Monday night.
Direct enquiries to:
Sean Payne
Marketing & Communications Officer
902-694-6265
Please find full details of the September 22, 2025 regular meeting of Amherst Town Council here.
pdf A PDF version of this media release is available for download here(212 KB) .
