
YourFitness Opens in Amherst – Offers Personalized, Private Workouts
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A new fitness business in Amherst is helping people feel better – physically and mentally – one workout at a time. YourFitness, a private, home-based gym, has officially opened its doors at 60 Prince Arthur Street (side door to the left), offering clients a comfortable and personalized alternative to traditional fitness centres.
Deputy Mayor Davidson and Councillor McManaman stopped in recently to say hello and present the owner Jay Johanneson with a new business certificate.
YourFitness was born out of personal experience. After suffering a serious back injury on the job, Jay was determined to regain his strength and mobility. “At one point, I couldn’t even load the dishwasher,” he says. “But I started small – walking, stretching, light exercises. Over time, I felt stronger and in less pain. That’s when it clicked: if I can do this, maybe I can help others too.”
Located in a quiet residential neighbourhood, YourFitness is designed for people who want to get fit without the pressure or distractions of a public gym. Sessions are one-on-one, and clients have the option to train alone in complete privacy. “Wear your pajamas if you want,” Jay laughs. “This space is all about you – your pace, your comfort, and your goals.”

South Albion Street to Receive Fresh Asphalt This Fall
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Drivers in Amherst can look forward to a smoother ride on South Albion Street later this year.
As part of the Town’s 2025/26 capital improvement program, South Albion Street – from Robert Angus Drive to the town boundary – will be cold milled and repaved with a fresh layer of asphalt this fall.
Thanks to the Province of Nova Scotia’s Cost-Shared Program for Municipally Owned Trunks and Routes Paving, the Town will pay 50% of the project cost of $275,000, with the Province paying the other 50%.
This project is part of a larger paving season for the Town valued at approximately $1,500,000 which is part of the $9,000,000 capital budget for the year.
“Re-paving Amherst streets is a key component of our annual infrastructure strategy,” said Mayor Robert Small. “We are grateful for the province’s partnership in making this important upgrade possible for residents and visitors alike.”

August 1, 2025 - Emancipation Day Ceremonies
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August 1, 2025 is Emancipation Day - officially proclaimed by Deputy Mayor Davidson on behalf of Mayor Small at this morning's ceremony. Tammy Gero - Vice Chair of the Board of CANSA - was then welcomed to the podium to speak about this day's significance.
To conclude this portion of today's ceremonies, everyone gathered around and the Pan-African Flag was raised.
Deputy Mayor Davidson and Tammy Gero were joined by community members and other elected officials to raise the Pan-African flag, in recognition of Emancipation Day.

Costcove Supermarket offers big-box store convenience in downtown Amherst
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The Town of Amherst is pleased to welcome Costcove Supermarket to our business community. The new store, located at the corner of Church and Victoria Streets, marks the company’s second location, following its successful launch in Summerside, Prince Edward Island.
Deputy Mayor Hal Davidson was recently joined by members of council, to present store owner Divyesh Patel and employee Meet Patel with a new business certificate, celebrating Costcove’s investment in Amherst and its role in providing downtown with much-welcomed access to grocery items.
“I love the community here. In downtown, there’s nothing like any such store nearby. Lots of new customers are coming in,” shared Patel.

Amherst receives federal funding to support new Mobile Outreach Program
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The Town of Amherst has received $364,837 from the federal Emergency Treatment Fund (ETF) to launch the Town of Amherst Mobile Outreach Program. This is a new, collaborative, community-led initiative aimed at addressing the ongoing toxic drug and overdose crisis in the region, through service delivery supported by a mobile response vehicle and full-time staffing.
Amherst is the only community in Nova Scotia to receive ETF funding, marking a significant step forward in addressing the complex needs of individuals struggling with substance use, housing instability, and mental health challenges.
The Town of Amherst Mobile Outreach Program will be operated through a partnership led by the Cumberland Homelessness and Housing Support Association (CHHSA), in close collaboration with the YMCA of Cumberland’s Community Development Program, the Amherst Police Department, Nova Scotia Mental Health and Addictions, and other community partners.
Trauma-informed, mobile supports will be offered to residents who are often underserved and living at the margins of traditional systems of care.

Historical home gets modern upgrade - CTV News Atlantic
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CTV News Atlantic reporter Josh Smith was in Amherst this week to visit a newly-renovated heritage property on Church Street. Check out the story here.

National Indigenous Peoples Day 2025 proclaimed in Amherst
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June 21 has been proclaimed as National Indigenous Peoples Day in Amherst, which is an opportunity for Canadians of all ages to learn more about Indigenous history and culture, to assist in creating harmony among all.
At a ceremony this morning, Mayor Rob Small welcomed members of the community, staff from Indigenous Services Canada, and Town staff, before reading the official proclamation.
Tammy Drew-Howse, Associate Director General with ISC Atlantic Region, spoke to all in attendance about the significance of National Indigenous Peoples Day and its importance in ongoing efforts towards reconciliation.
Together, the Every Child Matters flag was raised, which will fly over the weekend and the summer solstice, June 21 - National Indigenous Peoples Day.
Find more photos from this morning's ceremony on our Facebook page.