Town News
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.
Chamberlain Street Closed May 1, 2026
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Chamberlain Street is closed between Newton Avenue and the train tracks for water main repair today - Friday, May 1, 2026.
Area closed to all traffic - plan alternate route.
It is estimated that this work will be completed by 2 p.m. today - please watch for a status update here.
Questions about this work? Contact Town Hall at 902-667-3352 or
Mayor Small Proclaims May, 2026 As Gaelic Nova Scotia Month
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WHEREAS 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of Gaelic Nova Scotia Month, which is a time to embrace, honour, celebrate, and raise awareness of the language, culture, history, contributions, and achievements of Gaels across the province; and,
WHEREAS Gaelic language and culture are integral components of the identity of Nova Scotia, and that Gaels represent one of the earliest non-Indigenous cultural groups to settle in Mi’kma’ki; and,
WHEREAS new generations of language learners and cultural champions continue to build upon the legacy of Gaelic Nova Scotia’s tradition bearers; and,
WHEREAS government commits to collaborating with Gaelic communities to support the growth of Gaelic Nova Scotia through opportunities for language acquisition, cultural awareness and capacity building within communities to ensure Gaelic language and culture remain vibrant elements of the living linguistic and cultural landscape of Nova Scotia.
BE IT RESOLVED, THEREFORE, that I, Robert Small, Mayor of Amherst, proclaim May, 2026 as Gaelic Nova Scotia Month in the town of Amherst.
Step Into Amherst’s Story This Friday With Jane’s Walk
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Looking for something different to do this Friday? Take a walk through Amherst’s past and present with Jane’s Walk – a free, community-led event happening May 1 - Rain or shine!
Residents and visitors are invited to join a guided walking tour through downtown Amherst, where local history, architecture, and storytelling come together in a relaxed, social setting. It’s a chance to see familiar streets in a new way, share stories, and connect with neighbours.
Jane’s Walk is part of a global movement inspired by Jane Jacobs, whose work reshaped how we think about cities, neighbourhoods, and public spaces. These walks are led by community members and focus on local knowledge, lived experience, and conversation.
Event Details:
- Date: Friday, May 1 - Rain or Shine!
- Time: 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Meeting Location: First Baptist Church (arrive just before 1:00 p.m.)
- Cost: Free
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.
