Town News
Notice of Public Participation Opportunity - October 5, 2026
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- Category: Public Notices
Amendments to the Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use Bylaw
Town of Amherst staff invite you to a Public Participation Opportunity regarding amendments to the Town of Amherst Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use Bylaw to define and address “consumption sites” and “overnight or emergency shelters”.
Under the current Municipal Planning Strategy (MPS) and Land Use Bylaw (LUB), these types of facilities are not defined. It is important to note that this public participation opportunity or any proposed amendments are not about moving the existing shelter. As an existing use, amendments to the planning documents do not impact on the current shelter’s operation.
A Public Participation Opportunity is scheduled for Monday, October 5, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. in Town Hall Council Chambers, 98 East Victoria Street, Amherst, NS where staff will present potential definitions of the above noted uses, with potential MPS and LUB amendments that specify where such uses are permitted and under what conditions.
Written submissions may be provided in advance to the Municipal Clerk at 98 East Victoria Street, Amherst, NS or by email to
Natalie LeBlanc
Municipal Clerk
Amherst Fire Chief announces departure
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- Category: Media Releases
The Town of Amherst has received a letter of resignation from Fire Chief Greg Jones, who will be leaving the Amherst Fire Department effective September 25th to pursue a new opportunity.
Chief Jones has served as Amherst’s Fire Chief since 2014 and has been a member of the Amherst Fire Department for 26 years.
“Chief Jones has demonstrated tremendous loyalty and dedication to the Amherst Fire Department and to the community throughout his years of service,” said the Town of Amherst’s Chief Administrative Officer Jason MacDonald. “On behalf of the organization, I want to thank him for his contributions and wish him every success as he begins this next chapter.”
Mayor Rob Small also thanked Chief Jones for his service to Amherst.
“Chief Jones has given many years of dedicated service to the Amherst Fire Department and our community,” said Mayor Small. “We are grateful for his leadership and commitment to keeping Amherst residents safe, and we wish him all the best in his new opportunity.”
The Town will provide further information regarding leadership of the Amherst Fire Department and next steps when details are available.
Public Participation Opportunity will not be livestreamed Sept 14
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- Category: Public Notices
Due to technical difficulty, this evening's Public Participation Opportunity on the Road Trails Designation Bylaw will not be livestreamed.
The meeting recording will be made available upon request starting Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
World Mitochondrial Disease Week
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- Category: Articles
Mayor Robert Small has proclaimed this week - September 14-20, 2026 - as World Mitochondrial Disease Week in Amherst.
The human body is fuelled by trillions of microscopic powerhouses called mitochondria. These tiny energy-producing structures generate the energy we need to survive. When there is a disfunction with these important structures in one or more parts of our bodies, we see Mitochondrial Diseases appear.
For more information, please visit the Mito Canada website.
Downtown Street Closures on Saturday
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- Category: Public Notices
This Saturday, September 12, 2026, Amherst public works will close the "Downtown T" for an event in Victoria Square recognizing the 25th anniversary of 9/11.
Barricades will be in place from 7 a.m. until approximately noon on Saturday.
Church Street will be closed to traffic between King Street and Victoria Street East. Victoria Street East will be closed to traffic between Lawrence Street and Havelock Street.
Drivers are advised to plan an alternate route.
Please contact Town Hall with any questions about this street closure - 902-667-3352 or
Town of Amherst launches new online permitting platform
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- Category: Public Notices
Applying for permits in Amherst just got easier.
You can now apply for permits online through the Town of Amherst’s new permitting platform.
From building and development permits to home occupation, renewable energy and demolition permits, you can create a free account and manage the application process online.
The new platform can also be used to submit complaints or concerns about dangerous or unsightly premises in town.
