Media Releases
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.
Amherst Police Arrest Two in Stabbing Incident
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Amherst Police Department
Two people have been arrested, charged and are in custody in relation to a stabbing that occurred during the afternoon of Wednesday April 15th, 2026 in Amherst Nova Scotia.
At approximately 4:00pm, on April 15th 2026, Amherst Police received a call concerning an individual who arrived at a downtown establishment suffering from stab wounds. Police attended a location on West Victoria Street in Amherst before locating the suspects at a nearby third location. Both subjects were quickly and safely arrested and taken into custody. A male victim, aged 39 years, was transported to Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre.
Matthew Hunsley, aged 41 years of East Leicester Nova Scotia & Craig Pike, aged 42 years of Moncton New Brunswick have been charged with:
- Attempted Murder – Section 239(b) Criminal Code
- Aggravated Assault – Section 268(2) Criminal Code
- Conspiracy – Section 465(1)(c) Criminal Code
- Assault – Section 266 Criminal Code
Both were held overnight and made a brief appearance in Amherst Provincial Court on the 16th of April, 2026. They have been remanded into custody and are scheduled to appear again on April 28th, 2026.
The victim in this matter is expected to recover from his injuries.
Warrants Issued for Suspects in Fatal Shooting – Two Arrested
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Amherst Police Department
Two people are in custody in relation to the fatal shooting that occurred on April 13th, 2026 in Amherst Nova Scotia. A third suspect remains at large.
Amherst Police lay criminal charges on the morning of April 16th 2026 and warrants were issued for 3 subjects believed to be responsible for the death of Chris Leggett. Shortly afterwards, 2 suspects were arrested by Codiac RCMP in Moncton NB.
Charges had been laid and warrants were issued for Sean Eugene Patriquin, aged 56, of Moncton NB, Natasha Deborah Austin, aged 42, of Moncton NB and Michael James Ryan, aged 34 of Springhill, NS. All three have been charged with 1st Degree Murder as a result of the incident. Patriquin and Austin have been arrested by Codiac RCMP and are currently in custody.
Police are seeking the assistance of the public in locating Michael Ryan. Police have reason to believe that he is actively evading police.
Ryan is described as having brown hair, blue eyes and is 178cm tall and approximately 86kg in weight.
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.
The Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre, in line with policies regarding these types of incidents, took safety precautions and measures as a result of the incident.
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. The plate affixed at the time had been reported as stolen earlier this month from the Moncton area.
Prior to the shooting, there was an altercation between the suspects and the victim near the intersection of Prince Arthur Street and Church Street. The victim fled but came back around onto Prince Arthur Street and the suspect vehicle pulled up beside him. The victim ran as an occupant of the vehicle got out and had what appeared to be a long-gun and shot the victim. The suspects then fled in the SUV towards Maple Avenue.
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.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the victim at this tragic time.
If spotted, or if you know the whereabouts of Michael Ryan, do not approach him.
Two Adults Charged with Drugs/Weapons Offenses following Traffic Check
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Amherst Police Department
A 40-year-old male and a 43-year-old female, both of Amherst, Nova Scotia are facing several charges following a complaint of a suspicious vehicle during the early morning hours of April 13th, 2026.
At approximately 2:00am on the 13th of April 2026, Amherst Police responded to a complaint of a suspicious vehicle in the area of Anson Avenue. Police located the vehicle and two occupants who appeared to be asleep. Police noted what appeared to be a handgun in the vehicle. As a result, both parties were arrested and as a result of a search incident to arrest, Police also located an assortment of suspected controlled substances and other weapons.
Vincent Mallory, aged 40 of Amherst NS is facing several charges that include:
- Possession of a Weapon – Section 88(1) CC x 2
- Possession of Weapon/Ammunition in Vehicle – 94(1) CC
- Possession of Methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking – Section 5(2) CDSA
- Possession of Controlled Substance - Section 4(1) CDSA x 3
- Fail to Comply with Release Order – Section 145(5)(a) CC x 5
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime – Section 354(1)(a) CC
Barbara VanSnick, aged 43 of Amherst NS is facing charges that include:
- Possession of a Weapon – Section 88(1) CC
- Possession of Methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking – Section 5(2) CDSA
- Possession of Controlled Substance - Section 4(1) CDSA x 3
Several tickets were also issued under the Motor Vehicle Act.
