Media Releases
February 24, 2025 Amherst Town Council – Meeting Highlights
- Details
At Monday night’s regular meeting of Amherst Town Council, members voted to approve amendments to the pdf Sidewalk and Curb Construction Policy(1.90 MB) , including language updates to specify that any sidewalk construction projects moving forward will involve replacement of existing brick pavers with concrete, to improve accessibility. Language will also be added to the policy that will ensure the use of tactile warning indicator plates at crosswalks, to improve accessibility for the visually impaired.
This policy was reviewed by the Accessibility Advisory Committee who provided their recommendations for Council’s consideration.
Staff will prepare a long-range brick paver replacement plan and include brick paver replacements in future capital budgets for consideration.
Appointments of Members of Council to External Boards, Committees and Commissions Policy
Following the municipal election in October, Council completed a review of external Boards, Committees and Commissions to which they appoint members of Council. Amendments to Appendix A of the pdf Appointment of Members of Council to External Boards, Committees and Commissions Policy(5.17 MB) were approved by Council on Monday night, to reflect the following appointments:
Cumberland Public Libraries Board: 1 Member appointed; Regional Emergency Management: 2 Members appointed; Northern Region Solid Waste: 1 Member appointed; Cumberland YMCA: 1 Member appointed; LA Animal Shelter: 1 Member appointed; Senior Safety Advisory Committee: 1 Member appointed; and, GFL Community Liaison Committee: 1 Member appointed.
The GFL Community Liaison Committee is a new addition to the list of member appointments, while members were not re-appointed to the Cornerstone Board of Directors or the Municipal Alcohol Project.
Male Facing Multiple Charges After Fleeing Police
- Details
Amherst Police Department
A 45-year-old Springhill man is in custody and is facing numerous charges after a late-night incident that resulted in a vehicle roll-over in Amherst on Friday night.
On February 14th 2025 at approximately 11:46 pm, Police observed a vehicle in the Poplar Street area in Amherst that they believed was operated by a known male who was on curfew and other release conditions as a result of previous charges. When the Police vehicle emergency equipment was activated to stop the vehicle, it fled at a high rate of speed and on Poplar Street towards the 6-way stop. As Police discontinued the pursuit, they were able to see what appeared to be headlights shining up a telephone pole in the distance. Police attended and located the vehicle that had fled on its roof in a yard on East Pleasant Street, just east of the 6-way stop. The lone male driver was exiting the vehicle and fled on foot through backyards and over a fence. A member of the public also assisted in attempting to stop the fleeing male but was unsuccessful. During the foot pursuit. Police also observed the accused having some kind of interaction with a person driving a white SUV. The SUV sped off prior to police catching up to the male on Wellington Street where he was arrested and taken into custody. A firearm was also located and seized by police.
John Alan Warner, aged 45 of Springhill, Nova Scotia has been charged with multiple charges that include:
- Fail to Comply with Released Order Condition – Section 145(5)(a) Criminal Code x 3
- Flight from Police – Section 320.17 Criminal Code
- Resist/Obstruct Police Officer – Section 129(a) Criminal Code
- Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restriction weapon – Section 91(2) Criminal Code
- Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm – Section 91(1) Criminal Code
- Damage to Property – Section 430(4) Criminal Code
- Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm in a Motor Vehicle – Section 94(2) Criminal Code
- Uttering Threats – Section 264.1(1)(a) Criminal Code
Warner has pending charges in relation to an incident on January 25th, 2025 in Amherst in which he has been stopped by Police and charged with possession of Methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking and possession of Fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking. He is also facing several charges under the Motor Vehicle Act. He had been remanded into custody on these matters, but was released by the courts on January 27th, 2025 on conditions.
Warner was remanded on the latest charges and is scheduled to appear in court on February 18th 2025.
Anyone with further information related to this incident is asked to contact the Amherst Police Department at 902-667-8600 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Police are interested in speaking with the driver of the white SUV who came into contact with the accused during this incident.
APD Media Contact:
Cpl. Tom Wood – APD Major Crime Unit
e-mail:
PH: 902-667-860
Three People Charged Defrauding Vulnerable Person
- Details
Amherst Police Department
After a 13-month investigation, the Amherst Police Major Crime Unit has laid charges of fraud over $5,000 against three individuals.
In November of 2023, a female victim who suffers from Lou Gehrig’s disease, reported to Amherst Police that a large amount of money was missing from her bank account. The victim, who cannot move, requires several hours of care each day from a variety of care workers. The victim was provided with government funding to allow her to stay in her home.
Investigation into the matter revealed that three staff members assigned to provide care for the victim had removed large sums of money from the victim’s bank account, allegedly to cover hours they had worked. The investigation indicated there were discrepancies between the hours of work reported and the actual hours that had been worked.
Clara Harvey, age 29 years, Stacy Leblanc, age 41 years and Gracie Meisner, age 20 years have all been charged with fraud over $5,000.
Harvey, Leblanc and Meisner were arrested in December 2024 and appeared in court on February 3rd, 2025. All three adjourned their pleas and will next appear in Amherst Provincial Court on March 17th, 2025.
Anyone with further information related to this incident is asked to contact the Amherst Police Department at 902-667-8600 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
APD Media Contact:
Cpl. Tom Wood – APD Major Crime Unit
E-mail:
PH: 902-667-8600
January 27, 2025 Amherst Town Council - Meeting Highlights
- Details
On Monday night, Amherst Town Council voted to adopt the 2024-2028 Strategic Plan. This new tool will be used to guide Council in decision making during their term, and provide staff with direction in developing and implementing their budgets and work plans. The plan establishes Economic Prosperity and a Vibrant Community as our two main priorities, and includes outcomes and initiatives established to work towards these priorities. pdf The new plan is available on our website(8.66 MB) .
Salary Administration Policy
The new strategic plan will have a number of impacts on the distribution of work for Town staff; Council approved several recommendations to realign our resources to effectively implement the new plan, which required amendments to the Salary Administration Policy. The Procurement Coordinator position was eliminated; a new Marketing and Communications Strategist position was created; Director of Planning & Strategic Initiatives was renamed to Director of Planning & Economic Development; Business Development Officer was renamed to Economic Development Officer; Director of Communications, Procurement, and IT was reassigned to the new Deputy CAO; and, the CAO’s office was added to the Salary Administration Policy, with the following positions: Deputy CAO, Marketing and Communications Strategist, Communications Officer, Municipal Clerk, and Administrative Assistant – Clerk’s Office. While many changes have occurred, there is no net increase in staff positions.
Financial Policies
A number of financial matters were brought before Council on Monday. It is mandated under the Municipal Government Act and the Financial Reporting and Accounting Manual (FRAM) for the Province of Nova Scotia that, by January 31 following an election held under the Municipal Elections Act, the Expense Reimbursement Policy, the Hospitality Policy, and the Audit Committee Terms of Reference Policy shall all be reviewed. Council accepted recommendations to update the Expense Reimbursement Policy and the Hospitality Policy to correct minor grammatical errors, update reporting and review requirements; no updates were recommended for the Audit Committee Terms of Reference Policy.
December 16, 2024 Amherst Town Council - Meeting Highlights
- Details
During Monday night’s meeting of Amherst Town Council, a motion was passed approving funding for two initiatives, totalling $8,100 under the Community Support Grants Policy, Social Equity Fund. From the approved funding amount, a $5,000 contribution will be made to the Amherst Community Christmas Dinner, which is open to anyone, providing an inclusive environment for those experiencing food insecurity and a welcoming holiday meal. A $3,100 contribution will be made to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which provides books to more than 220 children in Amherst to inspire their quest for learning.
Audit Committee – Citizen Appointment
One of the two citizen appointees to the Town of Amherst’s Audit Committee – Rob Small – was recently elected as Mayor. Therefore, his appointment to the committee as a citizen was vacant for a period. Expressions of interest were sought through The Casket and Town of Amherst social media, resulting in receipt of three applications.
On Monday night, Council appointed Rae Burke as a citizen member of the Town of Amherst Audit Committee for a term ending on October 31, 2025.
Amherst Youth Town Council Appointments
Involving youth in the community adds value to youth development. It also empowers our young people to be active participants in their community through positive engagement, while providing Council with a youth perspective on issues pertaining to young people in Amherst.
In June of 2024, seven students expressed interest in returning to the Amherst Youth Town Council, which is capped at 15 members; since then, two new persons have been recruited. Council appointed Isla Crocker and Hanna Brunt to the Amherst Youth Town Council on Monday night, bringing the total number of members up to nine.
Police Body-Worn Cameras
The purchase of 10 body-worn cameras for the amount of $50,000 was approved in the 2024/25 Capital Budget. Since the purchase was initially considered, technology and pricing have changed considerably. Staff recommended a solution to lease the equipment instead of purchasing it.
In leasing the equipment, the provider will ensure required integrations with existing technology, data storage in the cloud, as well as required repairs and equipment replacement.
Council passed a motion to remove the purchase of 10 police body-worn cameras from the 2024/25 Capital Budget and authorized the lease of 12 police body-worn cameras at a cost of approximately $20,000 annually, to be funded from the Police Department Operating Budget.
Full details of the Council meeting are available in the agenda package, located on our website
Amherst Holding New Year’s Eve Event Featuring Fireworks Display
- Details
At a special meeting of Amherst Town Council on Tuesday afternoon, a motion was passed to move forward with including fireworks at the Amherst Stadium following the planned skating party on New Years Eve.
Staff confirmed that the supplier – Fireworks FX – can accommodate the request, and Amherst will have a fireworks show on New Year’s Eve.
Community Living staff are planning a small early afternoon event at the Amherst Stadium for December 31. This will include ice skating and hot chocolate – taking place from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
New Year’s Eve fireworks will begin right around 5:30 p.m. at the Amherst Stadium.
