Town News
Amherst Firefighters Annual Banquet and Awards 2025
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Members of The Amherst Fire Department and Amherst Firefighters' Association held their annual banquet this past weekend. Every year, members attend on the first Saturday in November to gather and celebrate acheivements'.

All active members of the Amherst Fire Department gathered for a photo on the department's apparatus floor before the annual banquet got underway on Saturday night.
25 Years of Service
Fire Chief Greg Jones - 25 Years of Service

L-R: Chief Greg Jones and Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin MLA – Cumberland North
Deputy Chief Mark Goodwin - 25 Years of Service

L-R: Deputy Chief Mark Goodwin and Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin MLA – Cumberland North
Captain Andrew Wallis - 25 Years of Service
20 Years of Service
Adam White - 20 Years of Service

L-R: Firefighter Adam White and Assistant Deputy Chief Bob Sperry
10 Years of Service
Shawn Lepage - 10 Years of Service

L-R: Firefighters Shawn Lepage and Deputy Chief Mark Goodwin
Donald Downey - 10 Years of Service

L-R: Firefighter Donald Downey and Assistant Deputy Chief Bob Sperry
Roger Gouchie Jr. - 10 Years of Service

L-R: Assistant Deputy Chief Bob Sperry and Firefighters Roger Gouchie
5 Years of Service
James Brundage - 5 Years of Service

L-R: Firefighters James Brundage and Deputy Chief Mark Goodwin
Stephen Chapman - 5 Years of Service

L-R: Firefighters Stephen Chapman and Assistant Deputy Chief Stephen Landry
Recruit of the Year
This award foes to a recruit firefighter who has completed the required in-house training and has shown commitment and dedication to the organization
This award goes to Firefighters Stephen Alder.
L-R: Chief Greg Jones, Deputy Chief Mark Goodwin, Firefighters Stephen Alder, Assistant Deputy Chief Bob Sperry, Assistant Deputy Chief Stephen Landry
Best Attendance
This award goes to the person who attened the highest number of volunteer fire fighter functions for the fire department during the year year.
This year's award goes to Assistant Deputy Chief Bob Sperry
L-R: Chief Greg Jones, Deputy Chief Mark Goodwin, Assistant Deputy Chief Bob Sperry, Assistant Deputy Chief Stephen Landry
Amherst Firefighters' Association Volunteer of the Year Award
The Amherst Fire Fighters Association volunteer of the year award is presented annualy by the Amherst Fre Fighters Association. The recipient of this award has been chosen by the members of the Amherst Fire Fighters Association by means of a vote.
This year's award was presented to Lieutenant Raymond MacDonald.

L-R: Lieutenant Raymond MacDonald and AFFA President Michel Poirier
President's Award
This award is presented to Michel Poirier by the Chief of the Amherst Fire Department to the President of the Amherst Fire Fighters Association to acknowledge his leadership and commitment as President throughout the operational calendar year.

L-R: AFFA President Michel Poirier and Chief Greg Jones
Presentation of Basic Firefighter Program Certificates
Certificates for the successful completion of the Basic Firefighter Program were formally presented to individuals who have completed the in-house training curriculum. This achievement marks a significant milestone in their professional development. The next phase for these firefighters will involve preparing for Level I Firefighter Certification, further advancing their skills and qualifications within the fire service.

L-R: Firefighters Bob Kemp, Roger Gouchie, Grant Hurley, Jason Turrell, Nick Shaw
Veterans' Week Proclaimed in Amherst
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Earlier this morning, Deputy Mayor Charlie Chambers was joined by Royal Canadian Legion Branch 10 Amherst Sergeant-at-Arms Justin McKay to proclaim Veterans’ Week in Amherst. Members of Council were in attendance, as well as Chief Jones, Chief Pike, community members and Town staff.
Canada has a long history of providing military assistance in order to secure peace around the world. Peace and Freedom are not just words, but values and beliefs worthy of sacrifice yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
Every year, Veterans’ Week leads up to Remembrance Day. This year’s Remembrance Day ceremonies will take place on Tuesday, November 11, in Victoria Square. Attendees are asked to be in place by 10:45 a.m.
Parking Changes During Oct 31 Hockey Game
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Public Works will be setting up No Parking signs on the south side of Wellington Street (the side closest to the Stadium), between Church and Gould Streets.
There will also be no parking on the north side of Senator Avenue.

The 2025 Poppy Campaign Has Officially Launched
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Mayor Small met this morning with Justin McKay - Sergeant-at-Arms for the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 10, Amherst - to receive this year's first poppy.

Poppies are now available at a number of convenient locations around town.
Remembrance Day is Tuesday, November 11. More details will be shared soon about this year's ceremonies.
Victoria Street East Closed for Trail of Treats
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The YMCA of Cumberland is leading a Trail of Treats event this Friday, October 31.
Victoria Street East will be closed from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on October 31 between Church Street and Havelock Street. This closure will allow trick-or-treaters to visit participating businesses and have a safe Halloween adventure.
Questions about this street closure can be directed to Town Hall at 902-667-3352 or
Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law
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Notice of Public Hearing
Amherst Town Council will hold a Public Hearing on Thursday, November 13, 2025, beginning at 5:00 p.m. local time in Town Hall Council Chambers, 98 East Victoria Street, Amherst, NS to hear input in support of, or in opposition to, the new Municipal Planning Strategy (MPS) and accompanying Land Use By-law (LUB).
The new planning documents will guide how land in the Town is planned, developed, and managed in a sustainable and inclusive way that reflects the community’s long-term vision. Through clear policies and development standards, the new framework supports responsible growth that meets changing housing, environmental, and economic needs, while protecting community character and natural assets. It positions the Town to remain resilient and adaptable to future opportunities and challenges.
The draft MPS and LUB can be viewed at planamherst.ca.
Written submissions may be provided in advance to the Municipal Clerk at 98 East Victoria Street or by email to
Natalie LeBlanc
Municipal Clerk
pdf A PDF version of this notice is available here for download(127 KB) .

