International Restorative Justice Week, 2025
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Beginning in 1996, Canada has recognized the third week of November as Restorative Justice Week.
The Government of Canada defines restorative justice as "... an approach to justice that focuses on addressing the harm caused by crime and meeting the needs of those involved."
Among other benefits, this week provides an opportunity to raise awareness of restorative justice, and its associated values and principles. This year's theme is "Celebrating progress. Shaping the future."
Mayor Rob Small has proclaimed November 16-23, 2025 as International Restorative Justice Week in the town of Amherst.
Please find more information on restorative week justice here.
Proclamation
International Restorative Justice Week
November 16-23, 2025
WHEREAS in the face of crime or conflict, restorative justice offers a philosophy and approach that views these matters principally as harm done to people and relationships; and,
WHEREAS restorative justice is a non-adversarial, non-retributive approach to justice that emphasizes healing in victims, accountability of offenders, and the involvement of citizens in creating healthier, safer communities; and,
WHEREAS this year's theme for Restorative Justice Week is "Celebrating progress. Shaping the future", it is an opportunity to learn about restorative justice, educate and celebrate along with other communities across the country during the week.
BE IT RESOLVED, THEREFORE, that I, Robert Small, Mayor of Amherst, proclaim November 16-23, 2025 as International Restorative Justice Week in the town of Amherst.
Amherst Firefighters Annual Banquet and Awards 2025
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Members of The Amherst Fire Department and Amherst Firefighters' Association held their annual banquet this past weekend. Every year, members attend on the first Saturday in November to gather and celebrate acheivements'.
All active members of the Amherst Fire Department gathered for a photo on the department's apparatus floor before the annual banquet got underway on Saturday night.
25 Years of Service
Fire Chief Greg Jones - 25 Years of Service
L-R: Chief Greg Jones and Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin MLA – Cumberland North
Deputy Chief Mark Goodwin - 25 Years of Service
L-R: Deputy Chief Mark Goodwin and Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin MLA – Cumberland North
Captain Andrew Wallis - 25 Years of Service
20 Years of Service
Adam White - 20 Years of Service
L-R: Firefighter Adam White and Assistant Deputy Chief Bob Sperry
10 Years of Service
Shawn Lepage - 10 Years of Service
L-R: Firefighters Shawn Lepage and Deputy Chief Mark Goodwin
Donald Downey - 10 Years of Service
L-R: Firefighter Donald Downey and Assistant Deputy Chief Bob Sperry
Roger Gouchie Jr. - 10 Years of Service
L-R: Assistant Deputy Chief Bob Sperry and Firefighters Roger Gouchie
5 Years of Service
James Brundage - 5 Years of Service
L-R: Firefighters James Brundage and Deputy Chief Mark Goodwin
Stephen Chapman - 5 Years of Service
L-R: Firefighters Stephen Chapman and Assistant Deputy Chief Stephen Landry
Recruit of the Year
This award foes to a recruit firefighter who has completed the required in-house training and has shown commitment and dedication to the organization
This award goes to Firefighters Stephen Alder.
L-R: Chief Greg Jones, Deputy Chief Mark Goodwin, Firefighters Stephen Alder, Assistant Deputy Chief Bob Sperry, Assistant Deputy Chief Stephen Landry
Best Attendance
This award goes to the person who attened the highest number of volunteer fire fighter functions for the fire department during the year year.
This year's award goes to Assistant Deputy Chief Bob Sperry
L-R: Chief Greg Jones, Deputy Chief Mark Goodwin, Assistant Deputy Chief Bob Sperry, Assistant Deputy Chief Stephen Landry
Amherst Firefighters' Association Volunteer of the Year Award
The Amherst Fire Fighters Association volunteer of the year award is presented annualy by the Amherst Fre Fighters Association. The recipient of this award has been chosen by the members of the Amherst Fire Fighters Association by means of a vote.
This year's award was presented to Lieutenant Raymond MacDonald.
L-R: Lieutenant Raymond MacDonald and AFFA President Michel Poirier
President's Award
This award is presented to Michel Poirier by the Chief of the Amherst Fire Department to the President of the Amherst Fire Fighters Association to acknowledge his leadership and commitment as President throughout the operational calendar year.
L-R: AFFA President Michel Poirier and Chief Greg Jones
Presentation of Basic Firefighter Program Certificates
Certificates for the successful completion of the Basic Firefighter Program were formally presented to individuals who have completed the in-house training curriculum. This achievement marks a significant milestone in their professional development. The next phase for these firefighters will involve preparing for Level I Firefighter Certification, further advancing their skills and qualifications within the fire service.
L-R: Firefighters Bob Kemp, Roger Gouchie, Grant Hurley, Jason Turrell, Nick Shaw
Veterans' Week Proclaimed in Amherst
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Earlier this morning, Deputy Mayor Charlie Chambers was joined by Royal Canadian Legion Branch 10 Amherst Sergeant-at-Arms Justin McKay to proclaim Veterans’ Week in Amherst. Members of Council were in attendance, as well as Chief Jones, Chief Pike, community members and Town staff.
Canada has a long history of providing military assistance in order to secure peace around the world. Peace and Freedom are not just words, but values and beliefs worthy of sacrifice yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
Every year, Veterans’ Week leads up to Remembrance Day. This year’s Remembrance Day ceremonies will take place on Tuesday, November 11, in Victoria Square. Attendees are asked to be in place by 10:45 a.m.
The 2025 Poppy Campaign Has Officially Launched
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Mayor Small met this morning with Justin McKay - Sergeant-at-Arms for the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 10, Amherst - to receive this year's first poppy.
Poppies are now available at a number of convenient locations around town.
Remembrance Day is Tuesday, November 11. More details will be shared soon about this year's ceremonies.
Recognizing Inspector Tom Wood
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At last night’s meeting of the Amherst Board of Police Commissioners, we took a moment to recognize the recent promotion of one of our Amherst Police Department members – Inspector Tom Wood.
Dreams Come True at Signpost Commercial Consulting
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Chad Smith is the owner of Signpost Commercial Consulting; a new business located downtown at 26 Laplanche Street. He’s from Amherst, and he’s had a few different careers in related industries over the years, in a few different places.
Mayor Small and members of council recently attended Chad's open house event and took a moment to present him and his staff with a new business certificate, officially welcoming Signpost Commercial Consulting to the community.
Mayor Small was joined by members of council to present Chad Smith and his staff with a new business certificate, welcoming Signpost Commercial Consulting to downtown Amherst.
“Out of all the careers I’ve had over the years, this is the one that really stuck with me,” said Chad. “I wish I had known about this 30 years ago!”
Safety First – Presenting Significant Updates to the Building Code
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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.
