Community Life

The Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre provides 24-hour emergency room care, diagnostic imaging, cancer care, surgeries, obstetrics and gynecology services for residents of Amherst and region.

The Community Health Board is a committed group of volunteers who support the work of the Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) by advising on local perspectives, trends, issues, and priorities. The CHB administers wellness fund grants to non-profit groups working to improve health in their communities through projects that support the health priorities identified by the CHB's community health plan.

Victorian Order of Nurses is a not-for-profit home and community care organization that offers more than 75 home care, personal support, and community services. Staff and volunteers provide personal assistance and support needed to make clients comfortable in their own homes.

Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) offers a wide range of post-secondary programs from the Cumberland campus in Springhill and the Amherst Learning Centre. Programs are delivered in full-time, part-time, and continuing education formats.

Amherst Regional High School is an 800-student secondary school that was built in 2000, with a 493-seat theatre and a high school regulation gymnasium. The school delivers classes from grades 9 to 12 as well as the Career Exploration Program (CEP) and hosts the largest allocation of Nova Scotia International Student Program students in Nova Scotia.

E.B. Chandler Junior High School is a grade 7-8 school with 320 students who enjoy a wide range of positive experiences. The school has an award-winning music program (both band and choir), an art program, programs for students with special needs, and integrated French and French Immersion programs. Many clubs and activities are available thanks to staff and community volunteers.

Amherst's three elementary schools are modern and well-equipped:

• Spring Street Academy was built in 2005 and has 450 students in grades primary to six.
• Cumberland North Academy, also built in 2005, has 350 students in grades primary to six.
• West Highlands Elementary School, built in 2015, features a music room, visual arts room, Early Years Centre, SchoolsPlus area and sports field. 

An annual budget is allocated for community support grants in accordance with Council's  pdf Community Support Grants Policy(2.21 MB)  so that the Town provides assistance in a fiscally responsible manner to organizations that qualify under the criteria set forward in the policy.

pdf Download a Community Support Grants Application Form(64 KB) . Completed applications can be returned to Town Hall at 98 Victoria Street East or Faxed to: 902-667-5409.