Town Departments
The Town of Amherst, in partnership with the Municipality of the County of Cumberland, has initiated a process to investigate the feasibility of a modern multi-purpose complex.
Amherst boasts great assets that accommodate community recreation and leisure needs, including the Amherst Stadium and Four Fathers Memorial Library. However, new needs and interests have been emerging as the population grows and becomes more diverse. The need for a community centre was identified in the Town’s 2016 Recreation Master Plan. It is also recognized that such a facility could serve residents throughout the broader Cumberland region.
Sierra Planning and Management is leading the study, along with DSRA Architecture.
Assessment of the feasibility of a new recreation facility serving all communities in the Cumberland region requires a clear process:
- Reviewing best practices – examples of similar facilities in comparable communities in Nova Scotia, Atlantic Canada, and nationally;
- Trends – the potential for innovations in design, programming, sustainability, and operations;
- Initial engagement – with user groups and stakeholders. Broader public consultation will occur as development concepts and options are identified;
- Understanding needs and interests – What amenities and programs are necessary to meet the desired needs and interests in the context of existing facilities and programs?
- Review by the public – once a defined plan for a new facility emerges.
The study team will initiate meetings with user groups and interviews with stakeholders to begin the process of visioning for the future to meet the needs of our strong and growing communities.
Project Contact (Sierra Planning & Management)
John Hack, Director
Sierra Planning and Management
Phone: 416-363-4443 ext. 20
Email:
Project Contact (Town of Amherst)
Andrew Fisher, Director, Planning & Strategic Initiatives Town of Amherst
Phone: 902-664-6580
Email:
Explore past, present, and future developments in the Town of Amherst on our Planning and Development Applications site.
Depending on the nature of the development, applications for approval are considered as-of-right, by site plan approval, or by development agreement. Applications for development agreements or amendments to the planning documents must follow the six-step process outlined below.
Step 1: Application & Preliminary Review
- Submission of the draft design and proposal.
- Preliminary review by staff.
- Formal application for development agreement.
Step 2: Public Participation Opportunity
- The public is informed about the proposal details and relevant policies to consider.
- The public is given the opportunity to provide input on the proposal.
Step 3: Planning Advisory Committee
- Review of the proposal, comments and feedback from the public participation.
- Make a recommendation on the development agreement to Council.
Step 4: First Reading
- Council considers First Reading of the agreement and schedules a public hearing.
Step 5: Public Hearing
- Detailed overview of the proposal.
- Present feedback from public participation opportunity, report and recommendations of the Planning Advisory Committee.
Step 6: Second Reading
- Council considers Second Reading and decides on the proposal.
- Notice of Council's decision is advertised, providing the right to appeal to Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (NSUARB).
As-of-right Development
As-of-right development complies with all the applicable Land Use Bylaw, pdf Zoning (2.38 MB) and pdf Subdivision Bylaw (529 KB) . This approval process is administered solely by the Development Officer and does not involve public engagement or further discretionary action by the Amherst Town Council.
Site Plan Approval
A site plan is a precision tool used by the Town to ensure certain site elements, including but not limited to walkways, parking areas, landscaping, exterior design, lighting and signage on a parcel of land, meet all the requirements of the Land-Use Bylaw, Zoning, Subdivision Bylaw and the Municipal Planning Strategy. Site plans approved through this process should show the exact details of how a property will be developed. Additional criteria for consideration by the Development Officer for assessing site plan approval are provided in the Land-Use Bylaw.
Development Agreement
A development agreement is a legally binding contract between a property owner and the Town that stipulates standards, design requirements, terms and conditions to which the property owner must adhere. Aspects of a development addressed in this agreement may include architectural design, parking, landscaping and drainage, among others.
The process involves public engagement, and review by the Planning Advisory Committee before a final decision by the Amherst Town Council.
Plan Amherst is a project to review and renew the Municipal Planning Strategy & Land Use Bylaw for the Town. It is an opportunity to reflect on the past, take stock of where the Town is today and dream about the possibilities of the future. How do you want to see Amherst change and grow? What do you love about living here? We want to hear from you.
Visit the project website to read the What We Heard Report - a summary of the initial phase of consultation, including the public survey results. The Report explores the themes that came out of the engagement and gives a snapshot of what we heard from residents and stakeholders.
You can also read the Issues Report, an analysis of land use challenges the Town is facing with an exploration of best practices, identification of gaps in the existing planning documents and some proposed policy directions.
Visit Plan Amherst to read the reports and learn more about this project.
- Community Centre
- Supply of Suitable and Affordable Housing
- Municipal Planning Strategy Renewal
- Mobility Strategy
Drugs and Addiction | Social Needs | Community Collaboration | Community Vibrancy | Economic Development
Vision
Our vision is to be a healthy, prosperous, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable community in which people of all ages, abilities, and cultures are engaged and proud to live, work and play. See Why We Love It!
Mission
We provide quality leadership, services, opportunities and resources for the benefit of our citizens, and in support of our growth and development in our community in a fair, equitable and transparent manner.
Guiding Principles
Respect • Integrity • Collaboration • Accountability • Inclusivity • Evidence-based Decision Making • Sustainability
