Town News
Rail Safety Week
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It's Rail Safety Week from September 21-27 in Amherst, as proclaimed by Mayor Small. This is the time of year when there is a special focus on educating and informing everyone about the importance of rail safety.
Last year, there were 69 avoidable fatalities in Canada involving members of the public and railways. We need everyone to understand the dangers and to behave appropriately around train tracks.
Visit Operation Lifesaver to raise awareness, inspire action, and help prevent railway crossing and trespassing incidents across Canada.
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
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September has been proclaimed as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in Amherst.
This is the most common cancer risk to affect Canadian men - one in eight Canadian men will be diagnosed with the disease. Awareness and conversations about prostate cancer can lead to screening and early detection that saves lives.
Watch for Town facilities to light up blue this week in support of prostate cancer awareness.
To learn more about prostate cancer - education, early detection, and support for those affected - please visit prostatecanada.ca.
Church Street closures, week of Sept 21, 2026
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Town of Amherst's public works will be replacing the sidewalk on Church Street in front of the CIBC. Work will begin on Monday, September 21, and will continue all week.
Church Street will be closed between King Street and Princess Street in order to complete this work.
Barricades will be in place every day during the week of September 21 - Church Street closed at 7 a.m. and anticipated re-opening time every night is 7 p.m.
Drivers are encouraged to plan an alternate route during this time.
This sidewalk replacement project is part of the 2026-2027 capital budget, and it was identified because the existing brick pavers are in poor condition and are deteriorating. This project has a budget of $10,000.
Notice of Public Participation Opportunity - October 5, 2026
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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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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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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.
