Health Canada promotes that physical activity helps healthy growth and development. It gives us energy, decreases stress, makes us stronger and prolongs independence as we age. Walking is a great way to add movement into your everyday regimen.

Outdoor Walking – Amherst is a very walkable community! If you would like some information on maps or routes contact your Active Living Coordinator Jessica Allen at 902-694-0371.  If you would like to walk on a track visit Rotary Park to do some laps.

Indoor Walking – The indoor walking track at the Amherst Stadium is a great way to stay active all year round! In the fall/winter and spring months the walking track is open 7 days per week 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. If there are changes it is noted on the Stadium Calendar. During the summer, the walking track is open Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Join a Walking Group!

NS Walks – A gentle walking group that meets every Tuesday 10:00 a.m. at the Amherst Stadium. If the weather is nice, we walk outside, if the weather is poor, we walk inside the Amherst Stadium on the track. We are always looking for new walkers and walk leaders! You can find more information on their Facebook Page.

Amherst Striders – Running/walking group consisting of all levels and abilities. We meet on Monday and Wednesday at 6 p.m. and Sat at 8:00 a.m. at Dayles (downtown). New members are always welcome! You can find more information on their Facebook Page.

Find more ideas about where to walk on our Walking Trails page.

Amherst Cumberland Multisport

The Amherst Cumberland Multisport program focuses on instilling children with a lifelong love of physical activity by exposing them to a variety of sports during their early years. The program is a collaborative initiative offered by Community Sports Organizations (CSOs) throughout Cumberland County, Town of Amherst, Municipality of the County of Cumberland and supported by community and provincial stakeholders, including Sport Nova Scotia.
*Registration Required*

For more information about Amherst Cumberland Multisport, contact Active Living Coordinator Jessica Allen at 902-694-0371.

Friday Night Fun!

The Town of Amherst partners with the YMCA of Cumberland to deliver youth programming, running from October to May. The program includes crafts, games and swimming.

Day: Friday
Times: 5-8yrs (6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.) / 9-14yrs (7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.)
Cost: $2.00
Location: Cumberland YMCA
Registration: Please register here with the YMCA. Registration is required and opens on Wednesday of each week in advance of Friday activities.
Please note: Photo ID required for adults 18yrs+ to access the YMCA

Recreational Volleyball

In partnership with the Cumberland YMCA, we offer Recreational Volleyball for Youth and Adults.

Day: Wednesday
Time: Youth - 6 - 7 p.m. / Adult - 7:15 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Registration: Not required
Location: Cumberland YMCA
Please note: Photo ID required for adults 18yrs+ to access the YMCA.

Access the information you need via one of our Town of Amherst calendars.

• Community Events Calendar
• Stadium Calendar
• Indoor Walking Track Calendar
• Robb Complex and Parks Schedule
• Community Credit Union Business Innovation Centre (CCUBIC) Calendar

CAO: Jason MacDonald
Phone: 902-667-3352
Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Deputy CAO: Kim Jones
Phone: 902-667-3352
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Municipal Clerk: Natalie LeBlanc
Phone: 902-667-3352
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Adminstrative Assistant: Cindy Brown
Phone: 902-667-3352
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amherst will be the best place to work. 

• Comprehensive human resources plan.
• Internal communications plan.

Amherst will be financially sound.

• Sound financial management.
• Ongoing financial projections.

Commitment to safety.

• Up-to-date policing standards.
• Ensure adequate training of all staff.
• Commitment to emergency preparedness.

Amherst will be an engaged, supportive, inclusive, progressive, and vibrant community

Priority Outcomes

Housing

Housing opportunities are available for residents and newcomers along the entire housing spectrum.

Strategic Initiatives:

• Facilitate the construction of 400 housing units. December 2027
• Develop partnerships that will lead to increased housing opportunities along the entire housing spectrum
• Plan and ensure we can provide quality municipal services for an ever-increasing population
• Review parks and greenspace usage and allocation to accommodate growth and changing trends. October 2025
• Support organizations that develop affordable housing
• Develop a registry of developers to work and communicate with. September 2025
• Ensure Amherst grows as an environmentally sustainable urban community

Safe Community

Collaboration with applicable agencies to enhance community safety and services.

Strategic Initiatives:

• Collaborate with agencies (police, social services, mental health and addictions, etc.) to enhance community safety
• Determine the feasibility of a live fire training solution. March 2025
• Complete the Amherst Police Department Strategic Plan. June 2025
• Continue active participation with the Regional Emergency Management Organization
• Support community initiatives such as neighbourhood watch. October 2025
• Communicate crosswalk safety to pedestrians and motorists. March 2025
• Ensure long term viability of the Amherst water supply. September 2025
• Advocate for the protection of the Chignecto Isthmus

Transportation

Foster safe and accessible options for movement within the town.

Strategic Initiatives:

• Review the Active Transportation Strategy to determine next actions. June 2025
• Determine the feasibility of a transit system ('A' Bus). October 2025
• Develop a mobility strategy. March 2026

Accessible and Inclusive

Infrastructure, programming, information, and services are available that reduce barriers and make Amherst accessible and equitable for all.

Strategic Initiatives:

• Develop infrastructure, programming, information, and services that reduce barriers and make our community accessible and equitable to all
• Combine IDE and Accessibility Committees and Strategies. April 2025
• Make a decision on the continued use of brick sidewalks downtown. March 2025
• Develop a plan for an Accessible Playground. June 2025
• Prioritize developments that fast-track housing for social equity deserving groups

Engaged Community

We listen to and seek input from all demographics of our community. We continually communicate with the public.

Strategic Initiatives:

• Foster community engagement on a wide range of leisure, social, cultural, and recreational issues
• Seek input from all demographics of the community, particularly newcomers and equity deserving groups
• Actively promote volunteer recruitment, retention, and recognition
• Build and maintain strong relations with community organizations for festivals and events - explore naming partners
• Investigate options to form a Volunteer Committee/Liaison/Database/Event Action Group. November 2025
• Promote environmental initiatives to our town residents and businesses
• Develop a Communications Plan/Strategy. December 2025