Town News
Two Arrested and Charged With Robbery
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- Category: Media Releases
Amherst Police Department
Two adult males have been arrested and charged following a complaint of robbery with violence being received by the Amherst Police Department on March 10th, 2026.
Shortly before 1:00am, Police received a call advising that a vehicle had stopped on Spring Street and suspects had exited and had allegedly assaulted a male and took his backpack. Another male was also allegedly assaulted during the incident.
Police were able to locate two suspects, the vehicle that allegedly been used as well as the alleged stolen items. The vehicle was towed to APD and the two suspects were arrested and held overnight for court.
Brandon Collins, Aged 22 of Amherst NS has been charged with:
- Robbery – Section 344 Criminal Code of Canada
- Assault – Section 266 Criminal Code of Canada
Cody Smith, aged 24 of Amherst NS has been charged with:
- Robbery – Section 344 Criminal Code of Canada
- Assault – Section 266 Criminal Code of Canada
- Operation of a Motor Vehicle over 80Mg% - Section 320.14(1)(b) Criminal Code of Canada
Street Closure March 11, 2026
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- Category: Public Notices
Work on West Pleasant Street at Albion and the subway was completed and West Pleasant Street is now open to traffic again.
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Beginning at 10:30 a.m. today - Wednesday, March 11 - West Pleasant Street will be closed between Albion and the train tracks.
This street closure is required to complete a repair at the subway.
Traffic control will be in place and drivers are advised to plan an alternate route.
Businesses in the Hewson Complex can be accessed via the Hickman end of West Pleasant.
All work should be completed and streets re-opened by early this afternoon.
Questions? Please contact Town Hall at 902-667-3352 or
2026-2027 Operational and Capital Budgets
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- Category: Media Releases
At a special meeting of Amherst Town Council on Monday night, the 2026/27 Operational and Capital budgets were presented by staff and approved by Council.
“I am very pleased that our 2026/27 Operational and Capital Budgets have been approved by Council,” shared Mayor Rob Small. “I would like to thank Director of Finance Sarah Wilson, her staff and the directors and managers who helped develop this budget.”
“I would also like to point out the engagement of all of Council in ensuring that these budgets reflected the priorities of Council, while ensuring prudence in our spending programs. This year’s operating and capital budgets continue to implement our Strategic Plan and represent generational change for the Town of Amherst.”
Amherst Business Park
An investment of approximately $2,500,000 will be made to install street, water, sewer and active transportation infrastructure in the first phase of the new business park. This investment will immediately open up approximately 40 acres of new land for commercial and industrial development, with an additional 100 +/- acres in future phases. It will also create a new primary entrance to the business park at Ancestral Drive, which will alleviate traffic congestion at the intersection of South Albion Street and Robert Angus Drive. The design of this new infrastructure is already underway, and it is possible street construction will commence this fall.
Accessible Playground
Just under $1,300,000 is included in this budget for a new accessible playground at Beacon Street Park. This park will be a showstopper for the Town and will provide an inclusive facility for all children – regardless of ability – to play and call their own.
Soccer and Track Complex
The largest single initiative in this budget is a new artificial turf soccer field and track and field complex at Dickey Park. The Town has set aside $3,100,000 for this $8,100,000 facility. However, it cannot be accomplished alone. Construction will commence once the remaining $5,000,000 is secured via grants and fundraising.
New Business Certificate: Rockin' Roan Tack and Apparel
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- Category: Articles
Mayor and members of Council recently visited Rockin' Roan Tack and Apparel to present the owners with a New Business Certificate and welcome them to the community.
Rockin' Roan is a family-owned equestrian retail shop that recently opened a storefront in the Amherst Centre Mall. While the business has been operating for nearly three years as a mobile shop traveling to horse shows across the Maritimes, the new location now gives customers a permanent place to shop.
The business already has a strong following within the horse community and regularly serves customers from across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and even Cape Breton. With the new storefront, visitors can now browse a full selection of riding gear, leather goods, apparel, and their newly launched in-house brand.
Owners say they’ve enjoyed becoming part of the growing activity in the mall and love seeing customers rediscover the space.
“People come in and tell us how much they used to visit the mall years ago,” they said. “It’s exciting to be part of something that’s bringing people back.”
The Town of Amherst congratulates Rockin' Roan on their continued growth and wishes them success in their new location.
Air Horns No Longer Permitted Within the Amherst Stadium
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- Category: Public Notices
Effective immediately, air horns are no longer permitted within the Amherst Stadium.
This allows us to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for all attendees. While we appreciate fan enthusiasm, the loud noise can be disruptive and risks hearing health.
Fans are encouraged to show support through applause, cheers, and less disruptive noise makers.
Notice of Intent: By-Law to Amend the Commercial Development Support Program By-Law P-9
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- Category: Public Notices
Notice is hereby given that the Amherst Town Council intends to consider second reading and adoption of a By-law to Amend the Commercial Development Support Program By-Law P-9.
The current by-law, originally adopted in September of 2017, allows a commercial property owner who is undertaking a new construction or a significant expansion, to phase in the increased taxes as a result of the increased assessment of their property over a ten-year period.
The proposed by-law amendments phase in the taxes for the new assessment over five years as opposed to the current ten years. In addition, amendments include capping the rebate paid to a maximum of $100,000 annually, updating the map in Schedule A – Land Use Zoning Map, as well as corrections to some minor grammatical errors.
These proposed amendments will only impact new agreements from May 1, 2026, on; all current agreements would be honoured in their current form.
Council intends to give second reading at their regular meeting scheduled for Monday, March 23, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in Town Hall Council Chambers, 98 East Victoria Street, Amherst, NS.
For a copy of the proposed by-law, or for further information, please contact the Municipal Clerk at 902-667-3352 or by email at
Natalie LeBlanc
Municipal Clerk
