Town News
Amherst Police Department - Police Constable
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- Category: Employment
THE PLACE
Welcome to Amherst! Located in northern Nova Scotia near the border with New Brunswick, we have a Town population of just under 10,000 folks and about 170,000 other people living within a half-hour drive. Amherst is a safe, walkable community with cozy cafes, unique shops and pubs serving up local craft beer and live music. Located in the geographic centre of the Maritimes, Amherst provides easy access to major urban centres and world-class tourism attractions, including the world’s highest tides at the Bay of Fundy and several warm-water ocean beaches of the Northumberland shore, all within a 45-minute drive. We are welcoming and inclusive and are committed to embracing the differences and diverse perspectives of our community members to ensure that how we live, what we value, what we do and how we do it advances our collective growth and prosperity. In short, we think Amherst is awesome and we are looking for someone to help make it even better.
THE ROLE
We are seeking dedicated and community-focused individuals to join our team at the Amherst Police Department. This role is ideal for folks who are passionate about building positive relationships with community members while upholding the values of justice, fairness and public service. The Police Constable will work closely with residents, local organizations, schools and businesses to address concerns, reduce crime, and promote a safer and more connected community. Responsibilities will include emergency response, conducting preventative patrols, including foot patrols, and enforcing all criminal code and provincial and federal statutes. The Constable will endeavor to establish strong relationships in the community through regular patrols, public meetings, and local events and serve as a visible and accessible presence to build trust and enhance community well-being. The Amherst Police Department is involved in our community.
Amherst Town Council Meeting September 23, 2024 – Meeting Highlights
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- Category: Media Releases
The prospective owner of 9 Laplanche Street proposes adding six apartment units to the existing building. On July 2, 2024, the Planning Advisory Committee recommended that Council enter into a Development Agreement. Council gave first reading at a special meeting of on August 12, and on Monday night, the Development Agreement received second reading, allowing renovations to proceed as proposed.
Victoria and Havelock Intersection
The intersection of Victoria and Havelock Streets has been operating as an all-way stop since the traffic lights were de-activated after a motor vehicle accident earlier this summer. A traffic signal warrant analysis was completed for the intersection by a consultant, which confirmed that the traffic volumes at that intersection were below that necessitating full traffic signals. The analysis considered current traffic counts as well as anticipated growth over the next five years. Council approved removal of the traffic signals and installation of appropriate signage for an all-way (4-way) stop. Council also directed staff to investigate accessibility options for crosswalk signals at the intersection.
Tax Collection Policy Amendments
The Town of Amherst’s Tax Collection Policy has been amended as part of the ongoing policy review exercise. Amendments approved by Council on Monday night include a policy name change to “Revenue Collection Policy.” In the previous document there was no indication of how interest was to be charged for miscellaneous and water/sewer accounts. This is now to be charged as “simple interest,” or interest on the bill only and not on the total balance outstanding, including prior interest. Two further changes will allow the CAO to write off miscellaneous account balances under $250, and remove interest for government agency payments submitted late to the Town but ultimately paid in a reasonable amount of time.
Complete a Survey About Tourism Development in Cumberland Region
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- Category: Public Notices
Do you live in the Cumberland Region? Do you own or operate a tourism business in the Cumberland region? If so, you’re invited to participate in a short survey (~5-10 minutes) about tourism development.
We’re looking for input from our community on tourism today and how we want it to look in the future.
The survey will run until Wednesday, 2 October 2024.
Service Nova Scotia - Heating Assistance Rebate Program Opens October 1
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- Category: Public Notices
Eligible Nova Scotians can receive a $600 rebate on their home heating bills by applying to the Heating Assistance Rebate Program (HARP), opening October 1 for the 2024-25 season.
“The colder season can be an especially tough time of year for Nova Scotians who are struggling to cover their bills, and we know this year will be no different,” said Colton LeBlanc, Minister of Service Nova Scotia. “The Heating Assistance Rebate Program helps ease the costs of home heating for those who need it. It’s one of many ways we’ll be supporting Nova Scotians this season.”
Nova Scotians applying for the HARP rebate may also be eligible for the Seniors Care Grant, the Property Tax Rebate for Seniors, the long-running Your Energy Rebate Program, and the Home Energy Assistance Top-up Fund administered by the Salvation Army.
Mayor and Councillors Welcome New Take-Out to Downtown
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- Category: Articles
This is the story of The Dog Pound – that cute little yellow take-out that popped up on Church Street this summer – owned by Darrin and Sandra Baker.
Darrin grew up in Amherst but he eventually moved to Ontario where he worked for years in the construction industry. It was there that he met his wife, Sandra, and the two started their family together.
“We were in the market to buy a home and we were looking in Ontario, but it was way too expensive,” Darrin shared. “It was my wife’s idea (to move to Amherst) – she wasn’t born here, but I was. We were looking at houses down here and I saw a house for sale that I had history with – that I worked on in my early years. We bought it. It happened really quick.”
Although everything happened quickly, Darrin said it just felt like the right time to move back to Nova Scotia. That was four years ago.
“I decided to take up and drive cab,” Darrin said. “I got to know the area again and meet some people and decide what kind of business would be nice to see in town. Fast-forward three years; when I saw this building being painted and saw the ‘For Lease’ sign on it, my mind stated elevating to my life experiences and my imagination and cuisine.”
Darrin went ahead and pitched his idea for a take-out to the building’s owners, Casey Realty, and it was exactly the type of business they were looking for to fill the space. That was in October of 2023, and a lot of work took place in the months that followed, allowing Darrin and Sandra to open The Dog Pound back on June 30 of this year.
Mayor David Kogon was joined recently by members of Council to present Sandra and Darrin Baker with a
New Business Certificate, welcoming their new take-out restaurant - The Dog Pound - to downtown Amherst.
Portion of Church Street Closed Sept 23-24
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- Category: Public Notices
Please note that Church Street will be closed between Prince Arthur Street and Albion Street for periods on Monday, September 23 and Tuesday, September 24. This closure is necessary to complete infrastructure work in the area.
Church Street will be closed between Prince Arthur and Albion:
- Monday, September 23 - Closed from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Tuesday, September 24 - Closed from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Detour signage will be in place during these times and motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and choose an alternate route.