Town News
Town of Amherst Announces Expansion of Industrial Lands with Launch of Amherst Business Park
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The Town of Amherst has taken a significant step toward securing its long-term economic future with the acquisition of several parcels of land that will enable the expansion of its industrial lands and the creation of the Amherst Business Park.
With the current Amherst Industrial Park nearing capacity, Town Council has approved a series of purchase and sale agreements that will bring close to 150 acres of strategically located land under municipal ownership. This expansion ensures Amherst is well positioned to attract new investment, support job creation, and respond to growing interest from businesses looking to locate in the town.
“This is a generational investment in Amherst,” said Mayor Rob Small. “Communities don’t often get the opportunity to plan at this scale. By securing this land now, we are making a deliberate choice to create opportunity for decades to come – opportunity for local businesses, for new employers, and for the next generation of residents who want to build their future here.”
Meeting Demand, Planning for the Future
Recognizing the critical importance of having shovel-ready land available, Council moved proactively to acquire Industrial Park-adjacent properties bordered by the Trans-Canada Highway, Race Track Road, Industrial Park Drive, Ancestral Drive, and the railway.
The newly expanded area will be known as the Amherst Business Park, complementing the existing Industrial Park and allowing for a broader range of development opportunities. This zone will accommodate a diverse mix of high-end commercial, light industrial, and larger multi-unit residential developments, supporting economic growth while ensuring compatible land use relationships.
“We’re not taking a one-size-fits-all approach,” said Mayor Small. “This expansion allows us to offer land in configurations that work for modern industry, whether that’s large-scale users or businesses looking for smaller footprints. The goal is to remove barriers and make it easier for companies to choose Amherst.”
A Strategic Location with National Relevance
Amherst’s location on the border of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, with direct access to the Trans-Canada Highway and proximity to major markets, positions the community as a natural staging and logistics hub. The Town sees strong potential to attract businesses connected to national supply chains, defence and security industries, emerging energy sectors, and advanced manufacturing.
Preliminary design work is underway for the first phase of development, which will focus on infrastructure planning, access, and connectivity, including improved traffic flow and future road connections.
Built on Community Cooperation
Town officials also emphasized their appreciation to local landowners who worked collaboratively with the municipality to make the expansion possible.
“These agreements reflect a shared understanding that this investment is for the greater good of Amherst,” said Mayor Small. “We’re grateful to the property owners who recognized the long-term value of this project for the entire community.”
2026 Census Coming Soon
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The 2026 Census is coming, and we need your support!
The Census of Population collects demographic, social and economic data from households, which is used by all levels of government, Indigenous communities, businesses, community organizations, and many others to support decision-making. The high-quality information collected by the census helps Canadians make important decisions that affect their families, their communities and their businesses.
Census collection begins on May 4, 2026. Completing the census questionnaire online is the best way for Canadians to fulfill their census obligation. It's secure and confidential. Respondents without reliable access to the Internet can call the Census Help Line to complete their census questionnaire over the phone or request a paper questionnaire.
How you can help spread the word:
- Share the resources in the 2026 Census Community Supporter Toolkit, including articles, posters, web images, and social media content.
- Engage on social media and share posts using the hashtag #2026Census.
For more information, please visit census.gc.ca.
Notice of Intent To Adopt a By-law To Amend the Deed Transfer Tax By-law B-2
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Notice is hereby given that the Amherst Town Council intends to consider the adoption of a By-law to Amend the Deed Transfer Tax By-Law, B-2.
The Deed Transfer Tax is a buyer-paid tax that applies to the sale price of every property that is transferred by deed. The purpose of the proposed amendment is to change the amount of the deed transfer tax from one and one quarter percent (1.25%) to one and one half percent (1.5%). This change would come into effect July 1, 2026.
Council intends to give second reading at its next regular meeting, scheduled for Monday, April 27, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The proposed by-law may be inspected and/or a copy obtained at the office of the Municipal Clerk, Dominion Public Building, 98 East Victoria Street, Amherst during regular business hours.
Natalie LeBlanc
Municipal Clerk
April 9 - Male Arrested and Facing Multiple Charges
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Amherst Police Department
A 42-year-old Truro man has been arrested and is in custody in relation to an incident that occurred on the evening of March 10th, 2026 in Amherst.
On March 10th, 2026 shortly before 10:00pm, police received a report of a shoplifting incident at a local business on Robert Angus Drive. The suspects had left the scene in a vehicle, the description of which was provided to police. As Police responded, the vehicle was observed on South Albion Street, headed towards the downtown area. A traffic stop was attempted, but the suspect vehicle fled at a high rate of speed and as a result of risk, police discontinued pursuit. The suspect vehicle continued towards the downtown and struck another vehicle on Prince Arthur Street and then fled the scene. The suspect vehicle was later located abandoned on the highway and was seized by Police.
As a result of the continuing investigation, the subjects in the suspect vehicle were identified.
On April 8th, 2026 at approximately 7:20pm, Police learned that one of the suspects from the March 10th incident was in a vehicle and was headed towards Amherst. An APD Patrol unit pulled the vehicle over near the intersection of Robert Angus Drive and Church Street. The passenger of the vehicle, who was the suspect in the March 10th incident, fled the scene on foot and after a short foot chase, the TASER was deployed and he was safely arrested.
Amherst Stadium Elevator out of Service
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𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲: The elevator at the Amherst Stadium is out of service until further notice.
We are working to make required repairs as quickly as possible.
Questions or concerns? Please contact Town Hall at 902-667-3352 or
Town of Amherst facilities closed over the Easter weekend
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Town Hall, the Community Credit Union Business Innovation Centre are closed Friday, April 3 through Monday, April 6 - re-opening on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
The Amherst Stadium is closed Friday, open Saturday, then closed again Sunday and Monday.
Amherst Police and Fire services will operate as normal over the Easter weekend.
If emergency service is required of the public works garage, please call Amherst Police dispatch at 902-667-8600.
