Town News
Winter Parking Regulations In Effect
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- Category: Public Notices
The public is advised that Winter Parking Regulations are in effect in the Town of Amherst from November 15th, 2024 until April 15th, 2025.
The Regulations state that:
No owner or driver or person having control or custody of any vehicle, shall between the 15th day of November A.D. 2024 and the 15th day of April A.D. 2025, park or leave standing the same upon any highway or street in the Town of Amherst between the hours of 12:00 o’clock midnight and the hour of 7:00 a.m. of the same day.
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
Amherst Holding New Year’s Eve Event Featuring Fireworks Display
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- Category: Media Releases
At a special meeting of Amherst Town Council on Tuesday afternoon, a motion was passed to move forward with including fireworks at the Amherst Stadium following the planned skating party on New Years Eve.
Staff confirmed that the supplier – Fireworks FX – can accommodate the request, and Amherst will have a fireworks show on New Year’s Eve.
Community Living staff are planning a small early afternoon event at the Amherst Stadium for December 31. This will include ice skating and hot chocolate – taking place from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
New Year’s Eve fireworks will begin right around 5:30 p.m. at the Amherst Stadium.
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.
Call for Citizen Appointment - Audit Committee
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- Category: Public Notices
The Town of Amherst is looking for an interested citizen to fill a vacant appointment on the Town of Amherst Audit Committee. This committee assists Town Council in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities relating to finance and audit matters.
To be a candidate for appointment, a person must demonstrate all of the following qualifications to the satisfaction of Council:
- Possess a knowledge of finance and audit-related matters;
- Be of good character;
- Possess the skills and abilities to make the commitment of time and effort required to carry out committee responsibilities; and,
- Consent to criminal record and background checks.
Please provide a written letter of your background and interests via
Natalie LeBlanc
Municipal Clerk
PO Box 516
98 East Victoria Street
Amherst, NS B4H 4A1
All applications must be received by Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at 4:30 p.m.
