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The footage that helps solve a crime or locate a missing person could come from a neighbour's security camera.
The Amherst Police Department Camera Registry is a voluntary program that helps officers quickly identify nearby security cameras when investigating incidents such as thefts, vandalism, property damage, missing persons, or other events where video may assist.
By registering your camera, you're not giving the Amherst Police Department access to your live video or recordings. Instead, you're simply letting officers know a camera exists at your property. If an incident occurs nearby, an officer may contact you to ask whether your camera captured anything that could help. Whether you choose to share footage is always your decision.
It's a simple way for neighbours to help neighbours and work in partnership with the Amherst Police Department to make our community safer.
How It Works
1
Register Your Camera
Voluntarily let the Amherst Police Department know where your security camera is located.
2
Police May Contact You
If an incident occurs nearby, an officer may contact you to ask whether your camera captured anything that could help.
3
You Decide
You decide whether to share footage that may assist the investigation. Sharing footage is always your choice.
Ready To Participate?
Questions and Answers
What is the APD Camera Registry Program?
The APD Camera Registry is a voluntary community safety initiative that helps the Amherst Police Department identify nearby security cameras when investigating crimes, missing persons or other incidents where video footage may assist. The registry lets police know where cameras are located, but it does not provide access to cameras or recordings.
Why is this program a benefit for our community?
Video footage can help police investigate crimes, identify suspects, locate missing persons and gather information following an incident. By joining the registry, residents and businesses become community partners who may be able to provide useful information when it is needed.
What types of cameras can be registered, and what happens after I sign up?
Most privately owned security cameras may be registered, including exterior home cameras, business security cameras and doorbell cameras. Cameras that capture streets, sidewalks, parking areas or other outdoor spaces may be especially helpful during an investigation. After you submit the registration form, a member of the Amherst Police Department will contact you to confirm the information provided.
Is participation voluntary, and what does it mean to participate?
Yes. Participation is completely voluntary. Registering means letting the Amherst Police Department know that a security camera is located at your property. If an incident occurs nearby, an officer may contact you to ask whether your camera recorded anything that could assist an investigation. You are not required to actively monitor your camera for police, and whether you choose to share footage is always your decision.
Will police have access to my cameras or use the registry for surveillance?
No. Registering does not give the Amherst Police Department access to your live camera feed, archived recordings, passwords or camera system. Police cannot remotely monitor your property or watch your camera feed through the registry. Officers can only view footage if you choose to provide it.
How will my information be used and managed?
The information you provide will be used to administer the registry and help police identify cameras that may have captured footage relevant to an investigation. It will not be used for marketing or unrelated purposes, and your personal information and camera location will not be made available to the public. Access will be limited to authorized personnel, and records will be maintained, retained and securely disposed of in accordance with applicable records-management and privacy requirements.
Can I withdraw from the program, and where can I get more information?
Yes. You may ask to have your information removed from the registry at any time by contacting the Amherst Police Department. Removal requests will be processed in accordance with applicable records-management requirements. For more information, call 902-667-8600 or email
Want To Sign Up?
Become a community partner and let the Amherst Police Department know there is a camera at your property.
The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Housing Design Catalogue provides free, professionally designed housing plans to help create more housing options in existing neighbourhoods. The catalogue includes a variety of housing types, from accessory dwelling units to multiplex housing.
Why Choose a CMHC Housing Catalogue Design?
Using a catalogue design can save time and money because the plans have already been developed by professionals. The plans are available free of charge, however, a qualified professional is needed to adapt and finalize the plans to your property and help prepare for a permit submission. As designs are pre-reviewed by the town, this can help streamline the processing time and make the permit process quicker and more predictable.
Before selecting a design, review the information below and consult the Town's Land Use Bylaw to ensure your property can accommodate your chosen project.
How To Use the CMHC Housing Design Catalogue
1- Choose a Design
Browse the catalogue and select the design that best fits your property and needs. Download the technical package for your chosen design.
2- Make Changes
You can make minor changes such as exterior colours, finishes, siding materials, or other cosmetic features without affecting the design.
If you would like to make structural or layout changes, you may need to hire a qualified professional to prepare updated plans and documentation.
3- Plan Your Project
Prepare a site plan that shows how the building will fit on your property. Be sure to consider:
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- Required setbacks from property lines
- Building location
- Parking requirements
- Access to the property
- Water and sewer servicing requirements
4- Apply for Permits
Submit your permit application along with the required plans and documents.
One advantage of using a CMHC Housing Design Catalogue plan is your application will be processed more quickly because the design information has already been prepared.
Before Choosing a Design
Before selecting a design, consider the following:
- Make sure your property is large enough to accommodate the building, required setbacks, parking spaces, and servicing requirements.
- Accessory dwelling units require separate water and sewer connections.
If you have questions about whether a design will work on your property, please contact Torben Laux, Land Use Planner and Development Officer at
What You Need To Apply
The application process is similar to any other building permit application. A complete application includes:
- Completed application form, including the required acknowledgement.
- Identification of the CMHC design selected.
- If structural or layout changes have been made to the design, updated plans prepared by a qualified professional may be required. This may increase application processing times.
- A site plan showing:
- The location of all proposed buildings;
- Property lines and setbacks;
- Existing and proposed driveways;
- Parking spaces; and
- Any other information required to demonstrate compliance with the Land Use Bylaw.
CMHC Housing Design Catalogue
Seven options are available, including accessory dwelling units, fourplexes, sixplexes, and stacked townhouses. The Town has reviewed these designs and supports their use in Amherst, subject to local requirements.
You can browse and download designs directly from the CMHC website.
Grow Your Business in the Centre of It All
Located at the geographic heart of Maritime Canada, the Amherst Business Park offers more than just land – it offers opportunity.
Whether your business is connected to national supply chains, advanced manufacturing, energy, or emerging industries, Amherst provides the space, access, and support you need to grow with confidence.
A Place Built for Business
At the Town of Amherst, we take a hands-on, responsive approach to economic development. From first conversation to project completion, our team is here to make the process straightforward, efficient, and tailored to your needs.
The Amherst Business Park is development-ready and designed to help businesses move forward without unnecessary delays. Clear processes, available servicing, and a collaborative local approach mean you can focus on what matters most: building your business.
Connected to Opportunity
Location matters – and Amherst delivers.
Positioned directly along the Trans-Canada Highway with easy access to rail and port infrastructure, the Business Park is ideally situated for companies that rely on efficient transportation and logistics.
From Amherst, businesses can easily reach key markets across Atlantic Canada, Central Canada, and the northeastern United States. Global connections are just as accessible, with international shipping and air transport within close reach.
Simply put, Amherst keeps your business connected – locally, nationally, and globally.
A Vision for Long-Term Growth
The Amherst Business Park represents a forward-looking investment in economic growth and community prosperity.
As available industrial land became limited, the Town took action – working collaboratively with local landowners to create new opportunities for expansion. The result is a thoughtfully planned space that supports business attraction, retention, and long-term success.
This is more than a new development. It’s a commitment to ensuring that when opportunity comes, Amherst is ready.
Flexible Space for Your Needs
Every business is different – and your site should reflect that.
The Amherst Business Park offers flexible land configurations, allowing for a range of uses, from industrial and logistics operations to commercial and service-based businesses. Whether you’re looking for visibility, scale, or room to grow over time, we can help identify the right fit.
Supported Every Step of the Way
Choosing a location is about more than land – it’s about partnership.
Businesses locating in Amherst can benefit from a range of local, provincial, and federal programs designed to support growth, innovation, and workforce development. Our team will work with you to navigate available opportunities and ensure you’re positioned for success.
Life in Amherst
Amherst offers more than a strategic business location – it offers a great place to live and work.
With a strong sense of community, access to education and healthcare, and a high quality of life, Amherst helps businesses attract and retain the people they need to succeed.
Let’s Talk
Amherst is open for business – and ready to work with you.
If you’re exploring options for expansion, relocation, or investment, let’s start the conversation.
Jeff Bacon
Economic Development Officer
902-694-2161
Our community is filled with people of all ages who do some pretty amazing things. Whether it’s recognizing achievements in sport or celebrating our citizens’ dedication to causes that matter to them, the following information may be of interest to you.
