Town News
Emergency Watermain Repair - Victoria Street
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- Category: Public Notices
Amherst Public Works crews are responding to a watermain break in the area of Victoria Street W. and Russell Street. Emergency repairs are required to repair this leak, which will result in water service interruptions for users in the immediate area.
This repair work is expected to begin by 11 a.m. today, January 23, 2025.
Victoria Street W. will remain open to traffic, but traffic control personnel will be in place. Drivers in the area should expect delays, or plan an alternate route.
This repair will be completed and water service restored to affected properties as soon as possible.
For more information, please call Town Hall at 902-667-3352 or email
Public Meeting - Amherst Police Department Strategic Plan
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- Category: Public Notices
There will be a public meeting to gain feedback from the community on the Amherst Police Department's new strategic plan on Saturday January 18 at 11 a.m. at the Community Credit Union Business Innovation Centre, 5 Ratchford Street. Everyone welcome!
An online questionnaire is also available for people to provide their input.
Street Closure - New Year's Eve
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- Category: Public Notices
Church Street will be closed between Wellington Street and Townshend Avenue on December 31, starting at 3 p.m. Barricades will be in place and motorists are advised to plan an alternate route. The Amherst Stadium parking lot will also close at 3 p.m.
This street closure will allow for a New Year's Eve fireworks display, which will take place at 6 p.m. from the Amherst Stadium.
From 4-5 p.m. at the Amherst Stadium there will be free activities, including skating and hot chocolate. The fireworks display at 6 p.m. will top-off the New Year's Eve events.
At 8 p.m. Church Street will re-open to traffic, as well as the Amherst Stadium parking lot.
Town of Amherst Holiday Closures
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- Category: Public Notices
Happy Holidays
Amherst Town Hall will close at noon on December 24 and will remain closed until January 2, 2025.
The Amherst Stadium will close at noon on December 24, re-opening on December 27 - closed again on New Year's Day.
Fire and Police services will operate as usual over the holidays.
Inquiries during this time can be directed to our Dispatch Centre at 902-667-8600.
New Resiliency Resource Available at Amherst Police Department
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- Category: Articles
The Amherst Police Department has just welcomed a new member into its ranks; their new volunteer chaplain, Evan Oxner – Lead Pastor at Amherst Wesleyan Church.
According to the International Conference of Police Chaplains, someone in Oxner’s role has the life experience and neutral perspective to offer advice when life’s challenges visit, helping to boost resiliency. Chaplains are experts in ecclesiastical matters to those inquiring, but serve an invaluable secular purpose as well.
“We’ve been here for almost 10 years now,” Oxner shared. “My wife and I moved here back in 2015, and since we’ve been here, we’ve had all three of our kids. It’s wonderful.”
One of the first people that Oxner met upon moving to Amherst was Police Chief Dwayne Pike, and he’s built a pretty good relationship with the Chief and his family since then.
“I’ve got a brother who’s in the RCMP,” Oxner said. “I’ve gotten to know some of his friends and people connected with him. As we got to town here, I got to know other cops and other first responders, and it just seemed like I was building more and more connections with people in that realm.”
Throughout his work in the church, the community, and now in the police department, a common foundation for Oxner is developing and nurturing genuine relationships with others.
Amherst Police Chief Dwayne Pike pictured with Pastor Evan Oxner – the APD’s new volunteer chaplain – at a recent meeting of the Amherst Board of Police Commissioners.
December 16, 2024 Amherst Town Council - Meeting Highlights
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- Category: Media Releases
During Monday night’s meeting of Amherst Town Council, a motion was passed approving funding for two initiatives, totalling $8,100 under the Community Support Grants Policy, Social Equity Fund. From the approved funding amount, a $5,000 contribution will be made to the Amherst Community Christmas Dinner, which is open to anyone, providing an inclusive environment for those experiencing food insecurity and a welcoming holiday meal. A $3,100 contribution will be made to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which provides books to more than 220 children in Amherst to inspire their quest for learning.
Audit Committee – Citizen Appointment
One of the two citizen appointees to the Town of Amherst’s Audit Committee – Rob Small – was recently elected as Mayor. Therefore, his appointment to the committee as a citizen was vacant for a period. Expressions of interest were sought through The Casket and Town of Amherst social media, resulting in receipt of three applications.
On Monday night, Council appointed Rae Burke as a citizen member of the Town of Amherst Audit Committee for a term ending on October 31, 2025.
Amherst Youth Town Council Appointments
Involving youth in the community adds value to youth development. It also empowers our young people to be active participants in their community through positive engagement, while providing Council with a youth perspective on issues pertaining to young people in Amherst.
In June of 2024, seven students expressed interest in returning to the Amherst Youth Town Council, which is capped at 15 members; since then, two new persons have been recruited. Council appointed Isla Crocker and Hanna Brunt to the Amherst Youth Town Council on Monday night, bringing the total number of members up to nine.
Police Body-Worn Cameras
The purchase of 10 body-worn cameras for the amount of $50,000 was approved in the 2024/25 Capital Budget. Since the purchase was initially considered, technology and pricing have changed considerably. Staff recommended a solution to lease the equipment instead of purchasing it.
In leasing the equipment, the provider will ensure required integrations with existing technology, data storage in the cloud, as well as required repairs and equipment replacement.
Council passed a motion to remove the purchase of 10 police body-worn cameras from the 2024/25 Capital Budget and authorized the lease of 12 police body-worn cameras at a cost of approximately $20,000 annually, to be funded from the Police Department Operating Budget.
Full details of the Council meeting are available in the agenda package, located on our website
