Media Releases
June 23, 2025 Amherst Town Council – Meeting Highlights
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Change to the Municipal Boundary
In the fall of 2024, the Town of Amherst and the Municipality of the County of Cumberland signed an intermunicipal agreement that will result in a change to the municipal boundary on the south end of town, on lands of the former Dolan soccer complex.
The municipal boundary is being changed in order to facilitate development of up to 600 homes on the property that only partially lays within Amherst boundaries at present.
In exchange for this boundary change, the Town has agreed to provide access to our sanitary sewer system for up to 400 homes in the area of the County in proximity to the town of Amherst.
Several motions were passed by Council on Monday night to facilitate this undertaking.
First, Council approved the application to the Nova Scotia Energy and Regulatory Boards Tribunal for a change of boundary to the town of Amherst, by taking into the town the 47-hectare lot owned by Shaw Rural Housing Limited, which is the site of this current and future housing development.
Second, Council approved First Reading of the bylaw to Amend the Discharge into Public Sewers.
And third, Council approved amendments to the User Fee Policy, the Building Service Connections Policy, the Sanitary Sewer Service Connection to County Residents Policy, the Standard Specifications for Municipal Services Policy, and further, approved a new Sewer Connection Policy.
Amendment of Building Bylaw and Repeal of Vacant Building Bylaw
On April 1st, 2025, Nova Scotia adopted the latest edition of the National Building Code of Canada and new Building Code Regulations. Due to changes in the new regulations, the Town of Amherst's current Building Bylaw is no longer aligned with the updated codes. Council gave second reading to the proposed Building Bylaw amendments on Monday night, mostly housekeeping in nature, to update definitions to align with the National Building Code and corresponding regulations.
The Town of Amherst Vacant Building Bylaw, adopted in 2011, sets out requirements and standards for vacant buildings. The Bylaw includes maintenance standards and provisions for boarding up vacant buildings that are already provided for by the Dangerous or Unsightly Premises provisions of the Municipal Government Act. As such, the Vacant Building Bylaw does not serve a useful purpose at this time. At Monday night’s meeting, Council give second reading of the Bylaw to Repeal the Town of Amherst Vacant Building Bylaw.
Two arrested and charged with multiple offenses
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Amherst Police Department
Two people have been arrested and charged following a traffic check in a parking lot on Robert Angus Drive on the morning of June 20th, 2025.
Shawn EMBREE aged 31 of Cumberland County, Nova Scotia has been charged with:
- Sec 86(1) Criminal Code – Carry a Firearm in a careless manner
- Sec 86(1) Criminal Code – Carry Ammunition in a careless manner
- Sec 90(1) Criminal Code – Carry a concealed weapon (a firearm)
- Sec 91(1) Criminal Code – Possess a firearm without a license
- Sec 92(1) Criminal Code – Illegal possession of a firearm
- Sec 94(1) Criminal Code – Occupant of a Motor Vehicle with a firearm
- Sec 117.01(1) Criminal Code – Possession of a firearm when under a firearm prohibition
- Sec 117.01(1) Criminal Code – Possession of ammunition when under a firearm prohibition
- Sec 88(1) Criminal Code – Possession of a Firearm dangerous to public peace
- Sec 88(1) Criminal Code – Possession of a weapon dangerous to public peace
- Sec 88(1) Criminal Code – Possession of ammunition dangerous to public peace
- Sec 5(2) Controlled Drugs and Substances Act - Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking (Hydromorphone)
- Sec 5(2) Controlled Drugs and Substances Act - Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking (Methamphetamine)
Samantha Landry, aged 26 of Cumberland County Nova Scotia has been charged with:
- Sec 5(2) Controlled Drugs and Substances Act - Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking (Hydromorphone)
Mayor Rob Small Commends Premier’s Leadership on Chignecto Isthmus Project and Urges Continued Federal Partnership
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In response to the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal decision regarding financial responsibility for the Chignecto Isthmus upgrades, Mayor Rob Small of Amherst is voicing his support for the Province’s approach and calling for continued collaboration among all levels of government.
“I believe the Premier did the right thing in seeking the court’s opinion on who holds financial responsibility for this critical infrastructure project,” said Mayor Small. “It was a responsible and necessary step on behalf of all Nova Scotians.”
Mayor Small also praised the Premier’s decision to move forward with the project in principle, even while awaiting legal clarity.
Amherst Police Investigating Early Morning Fatal Accident
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Amherst Police Department
A 32-year-old Cumberland County man has tragically died as a result of a single-vehicle accident that occurred in the early morning hours of June 17th, 2025.
Shortly after 4:00am, Amherst Police, Amherst Fire Department and EHS were advised of a single vehicle roll-over accident on West Victoria Street near the intersection with Hickman Street. Several bystanders and witnesses were on scene attempting to render aid and provide assistance.
Shortly after First Responders arrived, the lone occupant and driver of the vehicle died as a result of his injuries. The name of the victim and other details are not being released at this time.
With the assistance of Amherst Public Works, local streets in the area were closed and an RCMP Collision Reconstructionist attended the scene. The investigation is ongoing.
Amherst approves new Live Burn Training Facility
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The Town of Amherst and the Amherst Fire Fighters Association have partnered on a major new project to design and construct a new Live Burn Training Facility for Amherst.
At a Special Council meeting held June 4th, Council amended the Capital Budget and approved an expenditure of $175,000 towards the new facility. The Amherst Fire Fighters Association will contribute the remaining roughly $1.8 million to the project.
This new facility will provide realistic fire suppression training to our Department which provides a local solution to our needs. The projected annual operating cost of this facility at peak use is estimated at $20,000 annually, which will cover the cost for propane and ongoing maintenance. There will be a corresponding savings in off site firefighting training.
Honouring 15 Years of Service
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The Amherst Police Department proudly recognizes Sgt. Aaron Graham, Cpl. Mark McNair, and Cst. Michelle Harrison for receiving their 15-Year Long Service Awards.
