Amherst marks Emancipation Day 2026
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As communities across Canada prepare to mark Emancipation Day on August 1, the Cumberland African Nova Scotian Association (CANSA) is inviting residents of all ages and backgrounds to gather in Dickey Park for a day of learning, celebration and community.
Emancipation Day commemorates August 1, 1834, when the Slavery Abolition Act came into effect across the British Empire, legally ending slavery for approximately 800,000 enslaved people, including those in what is now Canada. While Canada officially recognized Emancipation Day in 2021, the day has long been observed by African Nova Scotian and Black communities as an opportunity to remember history, honour resilience and continue building a more inclusive future.
Victoria Vance, Executive Director of CANSA, says recognizing Emancipation Day helps ensure this important chapter of history is never forgotten.
"We have to remember our past if we want to build a better future," said Vance. "Education is how we move forward together."
Community members gathered to raise the Pan-African flag in recocnition of Emancipation Day in 2025.
Canadian Choice Windows & Doors welcomed to downtown Amherst
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The Town of Amherst recently recognized Canadian Choice Windows & Doors with a new business certificate, celebrating the company's investment in Amherst and its continued growth in the community.
Councillors Hal Davidson and Dwayne Ripley presented the certificate to Amherst branch manager Brian Porter and sales representative Shawee Tooley at the company's downtown showroom.
Canadian Choice Windows & Doors is one of Canada's leading window and door manufacturers and installers, with locations serving communities across the country. The Amherst showroom, which opened in 2024, provides custom windows and doors to homeowners and businesses throughout Cumberland County and surrounding areas.
For Porter, the business is more than just another location on the map – it's home.
A lifelong Amherst resident with nearly three decades of experience in the window and door industry, Porter said operating a business in his hometown has been especially rewarding.
"Being from Amherst and having a business right in my own backyard is something I really appreciate," he said. "I enjoy working with people I've known for years and being part of the community."
Nova Scotia Highlanders Regimental Museum preparing for exciting new chapter in downtown Amherst
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The Nova Scotia Highlanders Regimental Museum will soon relocate to a new home at 55 Victoria Street East, bringing improved accessibility, expanded exhibit space and new opportunities to share Cumberland County's rich military history with residents and visitors.
Museum Committee volunteers and the Nova Scotia Highlanders Community Council have been working behind the scenes for more than a year to prepare for the move, with an official opening currently planned for October 17, 2026.
The North Nova Scotia Highlanders Mural was dedicated on August 20, 2005. Proudly displayed on Town Hall, the mural is just a short distance from what will be the new location of the Nova Scotia Highlanders Regimental Museum at 55 Victoria Street East.
Property Valuation Services Corporation Assessors
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Property Valuation Services Corporation Assessors are especially busy this time of year, conducting property inspections across Nova Scotia. They are reviewing building permit progress and gathering up-to-date information as part of their annual property assessment process.
For your safety and peace of mind, Assessors are easy to identify with PVSC-marked vehicles, PVSC-issued ID, and high-visibility vests.
You don’t need to be home for these visits. The Assessor will leave contact information and next steps if a follow-up is needed.
To learn more about property inspections, watch their short video or visit pvsc.ca.
Town Celebrates Curly’s Expansion With Business Appreciation Certificate
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The Town of Amherst recently presented a Business Appreciation Certificate to Curly's in recognition of the business's continued growth and its recent move to a new location in Amherst, at 81 South Albion Street.
Members of Town Council visited the business to congratulate owner and Amherst Town Councillor Dwayne Ripley and staff member Thomas McCrossin on this latest milestone and to recognize the business's ongoing investment in Amherst's economy. The presentation is part of the Town's Business Appreciation Program, which celebrates local entrepreneurs whose success contributes to a vibrant business community and strengthens Amherst as a place to live, work and invest.
Councillor Kathy Wells and members of Amherst Town Council present a Business Appreciation Certificate to Curly's. Staff member Thomas McCrossin accepted the certificate on behalf of owner Dwayne Ripley and the Curly's team.
Access Awareness Week Proclaimed in Amherst
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Access Awareness Week – May 31-June 6, 2026
Mayor Small has officially proclaimed this week as Access Awareness Week in Amherst.
Town of Amherst Proclaims May 18–23 as VON Week
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Mayor Small has officially proclaimed this week - May 18-23, 2026 - as VON Week in Amherst.
The Victorian Order of Nurses (VON) is a charitable, community-based healthcare organization that has been supporting the health and well-being of Canadians for 129 years. In Amherst, VON nurses, home support workers, coordinators, and volunteers deliver critical care to residents.
