The Town of Amherst has taken a significant step toward securing its long-term economic future with the acquisition of several parcels of land that will enable the expansion of its industrial lands and the creation of the Amherst Business Park.
With the current Amherst Industrial Park nearing capacity, Town Council has approved a series of purchase and sale agreements that will bring close to 150 acres of strategically located land under municipal ownership. This expansion ensures Amherst is well positioned to attract new investment, support job creation, and respond to growing interest from businesses looking to locate in the town.
“This is a generational investment in Amherst,” said Mayor Rob Small. “Communities don’t often get the opportunity to plan at this scale. By securing this land now, we are making a deliberate choice to create opportunity for decades to come – opportunity for local businesses, for new employers, and for the next generation of residents who want to build their future here.”
Meeting Demand, Planning for the Future
Recognizing the critical importance of having shovel-ready land available, Council moved proactively to acquire Industrial Park-adjacent properties bordered by the Trans-Canada Highway, Race Track Road, Industrial Park Drive, Ancestral Drive, and the railway.
The newly expanded area will be known as the Amherst Business Park, complementing the existing Industrial Park and allowing for a broader range of development opportunities. This zone will accommodate a diverse mix of high-end commercial, light industrial, and larger multi-unit residential developments, supporting economic growth while ensuring compatible land use relationships.
“We’re not taking a one-size-fits-all approach,” said Mayor Small. “This expansion allows us to offer land in configurations that work for modern industry, whether that’s large-scale users or businesses looking for smaller footprints. The goal is to remove barriers and make it easier for companies to choose Amherst.”
A Strategic Location with National Relevance
Amherst’s location on the border of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, with direct access to the Trans-Canada Highway and proximity to major markets, positions the community as a natural staging and logistics hub. The Town sees strong potential to attract businesses connected to national supply chains, defence and security industries, emerging energy sectors, and advanced manufacturing.
Preliminary design work is underway for the first phase of development, which will focus on infrastructure planning, access, and connectivity, including improved traffic flow and future road connections.
Built on Community Cooperation
Town officials also emphasized their appreciation to local landowners who worked collaboratively with the municipality to make the expansion possible.
“These agreements reflect a shared understanding that this investment is for the greater good of Amherst,” said Mayor Small. “We’re grateful to the property owners who recognized the long-term value of this project for the entire community.”
What’s Next
The Town will roll out a broader marketing and communications campaign for the Amherst Business Park, including a dedicated web presence, signage, conceptual renderings, and promotional materials. The Town is also promoting the site’s Atlantic Site Certification, to further enhance visibility and competitiveness on a regional and national level.
“This is about growth, prosperity, and confidence in Amherst’s future,” Mayor Small added. “We are at the centre of opportunity, and this project ensures we’re ready to welcome what comes next.”
For more information now and as the project advances, please visit our website: www.amherst.ca/businesspark.
Direct enquiries to:
Sean Payne
Marketing & Communications Officer
902-694-6265
