Town News
Town facilities closed for Victoria Day long weekend
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Town Hall will be closed, along with the Amherst Stadium, the public works garage, and the Community Credit Union Business Innovation Centre on Monday, May 18, 2026, for the Victoria Day long weekend.
If emergency service is required of the public works garage, please call Amherst Police dispatch at 902-667-8600. Amherst Police and Fire services will operate as normal over the holiday weekend.
Safe Approach and Rescue Vehicle Officially Handed Over
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Yesterday at Dickey Park in Amherst, the Amherst Police Department and first responders from near and far came together for the community’s annual Police Week Celebration Day, including a special handover ceremony.
The event featured games, tasty treats, and first responder vehicles of many kinds for kids and adults alike to explore. One such vehicle was the Amherst Police Department’s Safe Approach and Rescue Vehicle, also known as the SARV.
Pictured beside APD’s new Safe Approach and Rescue Vehicle are APD Chief Dwayne Pike, Mayor Rob Small, APD Sergeant Aaron Graham, and Darrell Coffin of GardaWorld.
NOTICE OF INTENT – To Adopt a By-Law To Amend the Companion Animal By-Law, C-4
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Notice is hereby given that Amherst Town Council intends to consider the adoption of a By-law to Amend the Companion Animal By-Law, C-4.
The proposed amendments include deleting any reference to the licensing of dogs and registering of cats, adding definitions for “enclosed fenced yard” and “tether”, adding a new section that deals with the issue of the ability to keep animals under effective restraint, including while on privately-owned property, and changes in regard to the disposing of animal feces by including the option of utilizing public waste receptacles.
NOTICE OF INTENT - To Adopt a By-law to Repeal the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Program By-law, P-2
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Notice is hereby given that Amherst Town Council intends to consider the adoption of a By-law to Repeal the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Program By-law, P-2.
The Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Program financed owner-occupied, home energy retrofits and renewable energy adoption through the property tax account and was administered for the Town by the Clean Foundation. The uptake in the program has been minimal from the start. When this program was used, it was mostly used for heat pumps; however, the heat pump market has addressed the financing part of this directly through contractors or other loans available.
The Town of Amherst had a service agreement with Clean Foundation that expired on March 31, 2026, and was not renewed. Clean Foundation has recently announced that it will no longer be administering the program after October 31, 2026. Considering this and the low uptake in the program it was recommended that this By-law be repealed.
Key Budget Investments Build On Year of Progress in Amherst
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The Town of Amherst continues to make steady progress on Mayor and Council’s 2024–2028 Strategic Plan, with pdf this year’s budget investments(1.33 MB) focused on supporting growth, strengthening infrastructure, and enhancing quality of life for residents.
Advancing Council’s Strategic Priorities
Amherst’s Strategic Plan is centered on two priorities: economic prosperity and a vibrant community. Over the past year, a number of initiatives have moved forward in support of these goals.
A new town-wide beautification strategy, developed with input from residents and staff, is designed to help foster community pride and encourage shared responsibility for public spaces.
Efforts to attract healthcare professionals are also delivering results. Through a jointly funded Community Navigator position, 19 physicians have been recruited to Cumberland County, along with 45 new nurses in Amherst, improving access to care across the region.
To support housing development, Council has adopted an updated pdf Municipal Planning Strategy(9.84 MB) and pdf Land Use Bylaw(12.71 MB) . The changes allow for more flexible residential development, including increased density and fewer barriers for builders. Since 2025, 149 new housing units have been approved in Amherst, contributing toward the Town’s goal of 400 new units by 2028.
The Town is also taking a closer look at its parks and green spaces to ensure they meet the needs of a growing community. With nearly four times the national average of parks per capita, the focus is on enhancing flexibility, accessibility, and long-term sustainability.
Additional progress includes the development of a new live fire training facility, which will improve firefighter training and safety
A transit feasibility study was completed that involved input from public, Town staff, and community organizations. At this time, Council has chosen not to pursue a transit system, instead prioritizing other high-impact infrastructure and service investments.
Responsible Budget with Targeted Investments
The Town’s 2026–2027 budget reflects a balanced approach to maintaining services while planning for the future.
Overall residential and commercial tax rates remain unchanged. While sewer rates have increased slightly – about $20 per year for the average household – this is more than offset by a $28 annual reduction in solid waste charges.
Changes to the deed transfer tax will bring Amherst in line with other municipalities across Nova Scotia, with an increase to 1.5% (from 1.25%) set to take effect July 1 this year.
Support for residents remains a priority. The income threshold for the Town’s Tax Reduction Policy has been raised to $32,000, allowing more households to qualify for financial relief.
The budget also includes increased funding for marketing and communications initiatives, which will help promote Amherst and support economic development efforts.
Investments in core services include new equipment for fire, police, and public works departments, ensuring frontline staff have the tools needed to continue delivering reliable services.
May Proclaimed Lyme Disease Awareness Month in Amherst
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Did you know that Lyme Disease is a serious illness caused by the bite of a blacklegged tick infected with the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi? Blacklegged ticks carrying a variety of diseases or illnesses can now be found in all parts of Nova Scotia.
May has been proclaimed as Lyme Disease Awareness Month in Amherst and everyone is encouraged to learn about the dangers posed by ticks and how to take preventative measures.
Let's all enjoy being outside in our beautiful province, now and through the seasons ahead, while also being mindful of these risks.
