Media Releases
Mayor Rob Small Commends Premier’s Leadership on Chignecto Isthmus Project and Urges Continued Federal Partnership
- Details
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
- Details
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
- Details
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
- Details
The Amherst Police Department proudly recognizes Sgt. Aaron Graham, Cpl. Mark McNair, and Cst. Michelle Harrison for receiving their 15-Year Long Service Awards.
May 26, 2025 Amherst Town Council – Meeting Highlights
- Details
Four new requests under the Community Support Grants Policy were approved by Council at Monday night’s meeting, totalling $33,320.
Funding in the amount of $15,000 was approved for the Westcumb Amateur Radio Club, to help financially support the purchase of a mobile radio communications trailer. The trailer is self contained and can be deployed where needed, providing valuable communication links as required for the club to support Regional Emergency Management Operations (REMO) in remote areas during an emergency. The Municipality of the County of Cumberland has also agreed to fund their portion of the cost.
Council approved funding in the amount of $1,600 to the Bridge Adult Service Centre for transportation costs to attend a tournament in Summerside.
A second funding request from the Bridge Adult Service Centre was approved in the amount of $14,720 to build a walking track around their facility. This new concrete walking track will be fully accessible and provide the clients with opportunities for increasing their daily physical activities in a safe and controlled area.
The fourth funding request approved by Council on Monday night was in the amount of $2,000 for Spring Street Academy Home and School Association for the upcoming Spring Fling event.
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 first reading to the proposed Building Bylaw amendments, 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 first reading of the Bylaw to Repeal the Town of Amherst Vacant Building Bylaw.
Town of Amherst Proclaims May 18–24 as VON Week
- Details
On the morning of May 20, the Town of Amherst held a special flag-raising ceremony to recognize the invaluable contributions of VON Cumberland. During the event, Mayor Robert Small officially proclaimed May 18–24, 2025 as VON Week in Amherst, honoring the dedicated staff and volunteers who provide essential health and social services in our community.
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 128 years. In Amherst, VON nurses, home support workers, coordinators, and volunteers deliver critical care to residents.
