Safety First – Presenting Significant Updates to the Building Code
- Details
Ensuring safer, more accessible buildings starts with staying informed.
Last night, the Town of Amherst hosted the Nova Scotia Building Officials Association along with our co-sponsor, the Municipality of the County of Cumberland. This was the second of three events set for northern Nova Scotia builders and contractors to learn about significant updates to the 2020 National Building Code and the 2025 Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations.
About 50 were in attendance, representing a variety of roles within the construction industry.
The National Building Code recently received more than 400 updates, and the most important and applicable information was selected to share during the session. The majority of these changes are reflected in the Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations, which is modelled on the National Building Code and adjusted as required.
Greco New Business Certificate
- Details
Greco New Business Certificate
To celebrate the opening of the new Greco & Captain Sub location in Amherst, Mayor Small and Councillor McManaman presented owners Theresa Hawkes and Rod Creaser with a New Business Certificate on behalf of the Town of Amherst.
From the moment they welcomed their first customers, Theresa and Rod never expected the overwhelming response they would receive. What began as a “retirement gig” has quickly turned into a community success story that has far exceeded even their own expectations.
Their once small team has already grown to more than double its original size, keeping pace with steady demand. “It’s not just us; it’s our staff as well. Our staff are amazing,” they said, recognizing the dedicated team that has helped make the Amherst location thrive. The pride is clear: from gratitude to the excitement of seeing continued growth, the owners are still humbled by the community’s support.
Greco’s head office anticipated sales might slow after the opening weeks, but Amherst proved them wrong. Instead of slowing down, business has only grown stronger, pushing this location into the top tier of Greco stores across the region.
Customers are encouraged to gather, share a meal, and celebrate special occasions. “If it was up to me, I would never work, I would just socialize with people,” one owner joked, reflecting on how much joy comes from connecting with the community. Adding to the experience, Amherst is home to the only Greco location with a drive-thru, making it even easier for customers on the go.
For Theresa and Rod, it all comes back to gratitude — for their staff, their customers, and our community. The Town of Amherst is proud to welcome Greco & Captain Sub to our growing business community.
For more information follow Greco Amherst
2025 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
- Details
A number of events are taking place in Amherst leading up to #NDTR on September 30.
𝗧𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆: Students from Spring Street Academy and Cumberland North Academy came to Curry Park this afternoon for a special tribute. Each student painted a stone in a way that was meaningful to them, and each stone was placed around one of the park's trees.
Mrs. Henry shared: "Art is much more than visual expression - it's a living testament to the world's oldest surviving cultures. Through symbols, and storytelling, Indigenous people pass down spiritual beliefs, ancestral knowledge, and deep connections to the land."
Raising a Glass to New Beginnings at Smitty’s Fine Wine
- Details
Smitty’s Fine Wine Ltd. is entering an exciting new chapter under the ownership of Greg Smith, blending tradition with fresh energy in one of Amherst’s favourite wine destinations. Formerly known as The Good Guys Brew Shoppe, the business continues to offer the same trusted service with a fresh vision for the future.
Agreement Signed for Live Fire Training Facility in Amherst
- Details
At a special meeting of Amherst Town Council in June of this year, a motion was passed approving $2 million for a live fire training facility in Amherst – with $175,000 in funding from the Town’s capital reserve, and $1,825,000 in funding in the form of a grant from the Amherst Firefighters Association.
We are pleased to announce that the official agreement has just been signed that will see this project move forward, providing realistic fire suppression training to meet the local needs of our fire department well into the future.
YourFitness Opens in Amherst – Offers Personalized, Private Workouts
- Details
A new fitness business in Amherst is helping people feel better – physically and mentally – one workout at a time. YourFitness, a private, home-based gym, has officially opened its doors at 60 Prince Arthur Street (side door to the left), offering clients a comfortable and personalized alternative to traditional fitness centres.
Deputy Mayor Davidson and Councillor McManaman stopped in recently to say hello and present the owner Jay Johanneson with a new business certificate.
YourFitness was born out of personal experience. After suffering a serious back injury on the job, Jay was determined to regain his strength and mobility. “At one point, I couldn’t even load the dishwasher,” he says. “But I started small – walking, stretching, light exercises. Over time, I felt stronger and in less pain. That’s when it clicked: if I can do this, maybe I can help others too.”
Located in a quiet residential neighbourhood, YourFitness is designed for people who want to get fit without the pressure or distractions of a public gym. Sessions are one-on-one, and clients have the option to train alone in complete privacy. “Wear your pajamas if you want,” Jay laughs. “This space is all about you – your pace, your comfort, and your goals.”
South Albion Street to Receive Fresh Asphalt This Fall
- Details
Drivers in Amherst can look forward to a smoother ride on South Albion Street later this year.
As part of the Town’s 2025/26 capital improvement program, South Albion Street – from Robert Angus Drive to the town boundary – will be cold milled and repaved with a fresh layer of asphalt this fall.
Thanks to the Province of Nova Scotia’s Cost-Shared Program for Municipally Owned Trunks and Routes Paving, the Town will pay 50% of the project cost of $275,000, with the Province paying the other 50%.
This project is part of a larger paving season for the Town valued at approximately $1,500,000 which is part of the $9,000,000 capital budget for the year.
“Re-paving Amherst streets is a key component of our annual infrastructure strategy,” said Mayor Robert Small. “We are grateful for the province’s partnership in making this important upgrade possible for residents and visitors alike.”
