Media Releases

Several development agreements given first and/or second reading by Amherst town council

Several development agreements came before the Amherst town council when it met on Monday, March 27, 2023.

Council gave second and final reading to a development agreement for 3,4,5,7 Robie St. that will allow the existing community hall to be expanded and converted to a commercial office space.

In giving second reading, council noted the change met the intent of the town’s municipal planning strategy and was the subject of both a public participation opportunity and a public hearing. No significant concerns from the public were raised at either session.

They also noted the town’s Planning Advisory Committee was recommending the approval of the development agreement.

Council also gave second reading to a development agreement for 264 Church Street that would allow for the construction of a 96-bed, long-term care facility that would replace a current care facility that plays an important role in the community.

Approval of the project was recommended by the town’s Planning Advisory Committee following a public participation session. It was also the subject of a public hearing at which no major concerns were raised by the public. Staff indicated the proposed project meets the intent of the town’s municipal planning strategy.

In addition, the town council gave first readings to three development agreements that would: enable the construction of a garden suite at 52 Hickman Street, allow the conversion of an existing six-unit apartment building at 9 North Adelaide St. to an eight-unit apartment building and permit the rezoning of properties at 36 and 38 Beacon St. to an open space zone from general residential zone.

All three proposed development agreements were the subject of a public participation session and were recommended for approval by the town’s Planning Advisory Committee. Staff have indicated the three projects meet the intent of the town’s municipal planning strategy.

All three proposals given first reading during the March 27 council meeting must now be the subject of a public hearing and be given a second reading before they receive final approval from council. The public hearing for each proposed development agreement will take place on April 12, 2023, in the council chambers at 98 Victoria St. E., beginning at noon.