Town News
Chamberlain Street Closed May 1, 2026
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Chamberlain Street is closed between Newton Avenue and the train tracks for water main repair today - Friday, May 1, 2026.
Area closed to all traffic - plan alternate route.
It is estimated that this work will be completed by 2 p.m. today - please watch for a status update here.
Questions about this work? Contact Town Hall at 902-667-3352 or
Mayor Small Proclaims May, 2026 As Gaelic Nova Scotia Month
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WHEREAS 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of Gaelic Nova Scotia Month, which is a time to embrace, honour, celebrate, and raise awareness of the language, culture, history, contributions, and achievements of Gaels across the province; and,
WHEREAS Gaelic language and culture are integral components of the identity of Nova Scotia, and that Gaels represent one of the earliest non-Indigenous cultural groups to settle in Mi’kma’ki; and,
WHEREAS new generations of language learners and cultural champions continue to build upon the legacy of Gaelic Nova Scotia’s tradition bearers; and,
WHEREAS government commits to collaborating with Gaelic communities to support the growth of Gaelic Nova Scotia through opportunities for language acquisition, cultural awareness and capacity building within communities to ensure Gaelic language and culture remain vibrant elements of the living linguistic and cultural landscape of Nova Scotia.
BE IT RESOLVED, THEREFORE, that I, Robert Small, Mayor of Amherst, proclaim May, 2026 as Gaelic Nova Scotia Month in the town of Amherst.
Step Into Amherst’s Story This Friday With Jane’s Walk
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Looking for something different to do this Friday? Take a walk through Amherst’s past and present with Jane’s Walk – a free, community-led event happening May 1 - Rain or shine!
Residents and visitors are invited to join a guided walking tour through downtown Amherst, where local history, architecture, and storytelling come together in a relaxed, social setting. It’s a chance to see familiar streets in a new way, share stories, and connect with neighbours.
Jane’s Walk is part of a global movement inspired by Jane Jacobs, whose work reshaped how we think about cities, neighbourhoods, and public spaces. These walks are led by community members and focus on local knowledge, lived experience, and conversation.
Event Details:
- Date: Friday, May 1 - Rain or Shine!
- Time: 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Meeting Location: First Baptist Church (arrive just before 1:00 p.m.)
- Cost: Free
April 27, 2026 Amherst Town Council Highlights
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Amherst Town Council held its regular April meeting on Monday night to address items including:
Community Support Grants
Council approved the following grants, totalling more than $150,000: $15,000 to Amherst Little League; $5,000 to Lillian Allbon Animal Shelter; $5,000 the 50+ Club; $7,000 to Esther Fest (Great Amherst Cultural Society); $2,500 to Fibre Arts Festival; $1,000 to Relay for Life; $1,500 to Amherst Minor Basketball Association; $5,000 to All Saints Parish Truth and Reconciliation (contingent on the group receiving other funding); $3,770 to Fundy Winds Marsh; $10,000 to After the School Bell Program; $15,000 to Amherst Food Assistance Network; $2,000 to Amherst Pre-School Association; $6,000 to Cumberland African Nova Scotian Association; $10,000 to Cumberland County Transition House Association; $5,000 to Society of St. Vincent de Paul; $4,000 to Autism Nova Scotia; $15,000 to NSCC; $750 to Cumberland Hospice and Palliative Care Society; $5,000 to the Cumberland County Minor Baseball Association; $10,000 to the Bordertown Biker Bash; $1,500 to the Bridge Adult Service Centre; and, $20,000 to the Amherst Downtown Business Association (contingent on signing of a Memorandum of Understanding).
Capital Budget Carry Overs
There were a number of capital projects in the 2025/26 capital budget which were not completed within the past fiscal year. In order to continue these projects, Council amended the current capital budget to “carry over” these projects into the current fiscal year. These projects total $5,064,800.
2025/26 Capital Budget Amendment – Laplanche Pumping Station
The remote monitoring system for the Laplanche River Pumping Station failed on March 11, 2026, which necessitated emergency replacement. Council approved an amendment to the 2025/26 general capital budget to include $18,000 covering the replacement of the display and programmable logic controller for the Laplanche River pumping station SCADA system, to be funded from the Operating Reserve – Sewer Reserve.
2026/27 Capital Budget Amendment – Town Hall Generator Replacement
After mechanical and operational issues with the 12-year-old Town Hall backup generator over the past year, a recommendation was made to have it replaced. Council approved an amendment to the 2026/27 general capital budget to include $50,000 from the Capital Reserve – Unrestricted, for the costs of replacing this emergency backup generator.
2026/27 Capital Budget Amendment – Victoria Street Paving
The Town received approval through the Province of Nova Scotia's cost-shared program for Municipal Trunks and Routes Paving, to cold mill and pave Victoria Street from Station Street to Acadia Street, with the Province covering 50% of eligible costs. Council approved an amendment to the 2026/27 general capital budget in the amount of $270,000 for this project – to be funded with $135,000 from the Municipal Trunks and Routes Paving Program, $100,000 from the Canada Community Building Fund (formerly the Gas Tax), and $35,000 from the Capital Reserve Unrestricted.
Asphalt Patching Tender
The recently approved operating budget for 2026/27 includes $535,000 for contracted asphalt patching services. A tender for the asphalt patching program was issued, and two bids were received (excluding applicable taxes): $611,611.00 from Miller Group; and $519,600.00 from Dexter Construction. Council awarded the Asphalt Patching Tender to the lowest compliant bidder – Dexter Construction – at their unit price (based on estimated quantities) plus HST.
Cumberland Regional Emergency Management Organization Emergency Plan
Following a review conducted by the Cumberland Regional Emergency Management Organization, it was determined that an updated emergency management plan was required to effectively support all municipal units that are parties to the Inter-Municipal Emergency Services Agreement (Amherst, Oxford and Cumberland).
This new Emergency Management Plan – now approved by Council – will modernize and update the existing operational framework to ensure it aligns with current risks, responsibilities, and operational requirements.
Amherst to Host 2027 Nova Scotia 55+ Games
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The Town of Amherst is proud to announce that it will host the Nova Scotia 55+ Games in the fall of 2027, welcoming participants from across the province for a celebration of active living, recreation, and community.
Representatives from the Nova Scotia 55+ Games Society were in Amherst last week meeting with Town staff and local committee members as planning begins for the event. The Games are expected to bring hundreds of athletes, coaches, volunteers, and spectators to the community.
“We’re proud to welcome the 55+ Games to Amherst,” said Mayor Rob Small. “This is an exciting opportunity to showcase our community while promoting active, healthy lifestyles. We look forward to working with organizers and volunteers to deliver a memorable experience for participants and visitors alike.”
The Nova Scotia 55+ Games feature a wide range of recreational and competitive events, offering opportunities for adults aged 55 and older to stay active, connect with others, and compete in a fun and inclusive environment.
“Amherst is an ideal host community for the 55+ Games,” said Maurice Poirier, President of the Board, Nova Scotia 55+ Games. “The town’s strong sense of community, dedicated volunteers, and excellent facilities make it a great fit for this event. We’re excited to work together toward 2027.”
Third Suspect in Homicide Arrested
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Amherst Police Department
A third suspect in the April 13th fatal shooting in Amherst Nova Scotia has been arrested and is in Police custody.
Michael James Ryan, Aged 34 of Springhill, NS was arrested this afternoon in Moncton New Brunswick by J Div RCMP Major Crime with the assistance of the RCMP Emergency Response Team and Codiac RCMP.
On the morning of April 16th 2026, warrants were issued for the arrest of 3 suspects believed to be responsible for the death of Chris Leggett. Later that afternoon, 2 suspects, Sean Eugene Patriquin, aged 56 and Natasha Deborah Austin, aged 42, were arrested by Codiac RCMP in Moncton NB.
Patriquin and Austin were remanded into custody and are scheduled to appear on May 6th, 2026.
It is expected that Ryan will appear in court on April 24th, 2026.
At approximately 6:51pm on April 13th 2026, Amherst Police received a call concerning a loud bang heard on Prince Arthur Street and that a male was on the ground and appeared to be injured at that location. Police attended and located an adult male who appeared to be seriously wounded from a single gunshot wound to the lower back. Police in attendance attempted life-saving measures and the male was transported to the hospital and shortly thereafter, was pronounced deceased. The male was 41 years old.
Those responsible fled the scene in a vehicle described as a dark-coloured Subaru SUV after the incident. This vehicle has also been seized by Codiac RCMP and was turned over to the Amherst Police Investigators. The plate affixed at the time had been reported as stolen earlier this month from the Moncton area.
As a result of the incident, APD activated their Combined Municipal Police Major Crime Unit Agreement and have been working with members of the Truro Police Service Criminal Investigation Division, as well as The Cumberland Integrated Street Crime Unit, the RCMP Forensic Identification Unit, Cumberland RCMP, J Division RCMP and the Nova Scotia Medical Examiners Office. The investigation is continuing.
