Town News
Town of Amherst and Municipality of the County of Cumberland Announce New Economic Development Model
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- Category: Media Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 29, 2026
Town of Amherst and Municipality of the County of Cumberland Announce New Economic Development Model
The Town of Amherst and the Municipality of the County of Cumberland are announcing a new approach to delivering economic development services that will strengthen collaboration, improve efficiency, and enhance accountability while continuing to support local businesses and entrepreneurs.
With the recent expiry of the operating agreement between the Cumberland Business Connector, the Town of Amherst, and the Municipality of the County of Cumberland, both municipal councils undertook a review of how economic development services could best be delivered to meet the region's evolving needs.
Following that review, both municipalities have concluded that economic development services will be most effective when delivered directly through municipal staff. This approach provides a direct reporting relationship to each municipality, resulting in greater accountability, more responsive decision-making, and improved alignment with each municipality's strategic priorities.
The new model will also create administrative efficiencies by integrating economic development functions into existing municipal operations. Administrative responsibilities such as payroll, human resources, information technology, budgeting, financial reporting, and governance can be supported through existing municipal systems, allowing economic development staff to dedicate more of their time to supporting businesses, attracting investment, and fostering economic growth.
The decision reflects a commitment to delivering the best possible service for the region.
“The Cumberland Business Connector has made many valuable contributions to our business community over the past decade, and we sincerely thank the Board, staff, volunteers, and business leaders who have helped advance economic development in our region," said Amherst Mayor Rob Small.
"As we looked to the future, Council felt the best way to build on that success was to integrate economic development directly into our municipal operations. This approach will allow us to make decisions more efficiently, strengthen accountability, and ensure our resources are focused where they can have the greatest impact—supporting businesses, creating opportunities, and growing our local economy."
Although services will now be delivered through the municipalities, collaboration will remain a priority. Staff from both municipal units will continue to work together on regional initiatives, including tourism promotion, youth entrepreneurship, business education, and other opportunities that benefit the Cumberland region.
Mayor Rod Gilroy of the Municipality of the County of Cumberland said the new model reflects the strong working relationship between the two municipalities.
"Economic development is most successful when our communities work together," said Mayor Gilroy. “This new model will ensure the work remains focused on municipal economic development priorities. In many cases, these priorities will align with the Town of Amherst, and when they do, we will continue to work together to advance them.”
The Town and County recognize the importance of maintaining a strong connection with the local business community. Municipal staff will work with business leaders to develop an effective and meaningful process for ongoing consultation, ensuring that the experience and perspectives of the business community continue to inform economic development priorities and initiatives.
This new approach reflects a shared commitment by both municipalities to delivering efficient, responsive, and collaborative economic development services that support business success and contribute to the long-term prosperity of Cumberland County.
Media inquiries:
Darrell Cole, Corporate Communications Officer
902-297-1333
Garden Court Closed June 28, 2026
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- Category: Public Notices
This Sunday, Garden Court - located off of Abbey Road - will be closed for a private event. During this time only local traffic will be allowed.
Barricades will be in place from 2:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. approximately on June 28, 2026.
Traffic Restrictions on Beacon Street June 26-28
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The Amherst Little League All Star Tournament takes place this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (June 26, 27, and 28) at the Beacon Street ball fields.
Street access will be limited to local traffic only on Beacon Street, with barricades at Beacon/East Pleasant, and Beacon/Croft.
Traffic Restriction Timing:
- Friday, June 26 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Saturday June 27 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Sunday June 28 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Drivers are advised to plan ahead and select an alternate route.
Church Street Tennis Courts Closed June 25
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- Category: Public Notices
On Thursday, June 25, the Church Street tennis courts will be closed for the entire day. Work will take place to upgrade paved surfaces in the area of the tennis courts.
During this closure, the courts at Lions Park on Hickman Street will be available as an alternative location.
These paving activities may require some traffic disruption on Church Street - drivers, please plan accordingly.
Questions about this work? Please contact Town Hall at 902-667-3352 or
June 22, 2026 Amherst Town Council Highlights
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Amherst Town Council held its regular June meeting on Monday night to address items including:
1 Albion Street Development Agreement
Council give First Reading of the development agreement for 1 Albion Street to permit the construction of a 36-unit residential development and scheduled a public hearing for July 8, 2026 at 5 p.m. This residential construction project is an initiative of the YMCA of Cumberland.
The development agreement contains terms and conditions intended to address the relevant policies of the Municipal Planning Strategy. This infill development addresses the high demand for affordable housing and would be located in a central location in the downtown core area.
Community Support Grants
Maggie’s Place will receive $2,500 to support their annual program of filling 350 good-quality backpacks with school supplies for students in Amherst and the wider Cumberland area.
The Amherst Black Education Committee will receive $1,500 (in-kind) for an outdoor water line installation to support their community garden.
Nova Scotia Highlanders Regimental Museum will receive $15,000 to assist with the museum’s relocation to 55 Victoria Street – a more updated and accessible space.
Accessibility, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity (AIDE) Committee Motions
At the May 13, 2026 Accessibility, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Committee meeting, the Committee passed two motions to be forwarded to council in consideration of accessibility
improvements at the Community Credit Union Business Centre. Council directed staff to carry out the accessibility improvements at the Community Credit Union Business Innovation Centre as recommended by the AIDE Committee that can be financially and operationally accommodated in the current fiscal year and provide a recommendation / plan for the remainder of the improvements in the 2027/28 operating and capital budget process.
Smart Traffic Signal Upgrade Coming to Amherst's Busiest Intersection
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- Category: Public Notices
Motorists can expect temporary traffic delays on Wednesday, June 24, as the Town of Amherst installs a new smart traffic signal system at the intersection of Robert Angus Drive and South Albion Street.
Work is scheduled to take place between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., with traffic control personnel on site to help manage vehicle flow while equipment is installed. Drivers are encouraged to allow extra travel time and use caution when travelling through the area.
