Media Releases
Male Charged with Threats, Possession of Weapon and Resist Arrest
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Amherst Police Department
A 26-year-old Amherst man is facing numerous charges as a result of an incident at a local Robert Angus Drive area business.
On March 14th, 2026, shortly after 4:00pm, Amherst Police were summonsed to a local business located in the area of Robert Angus Drive concerning a male who was allegedly causing a disturbance and making numerous threats to harm both staff and customers of the business. The male was located and fled from police, but was arrested and held in custody.
Riley Fillmore, aged 26 of Amherst NS has been charged with:
- Section 175(1) Criminal Code – Causing a Disturbance in a Public Place
- Section 129(a) Criminal Code – Resist Arrest
- Section 430(4) Criminal Code – Damage to Property
- Section 91(2) Criminal Code – Possession of a Prohibited Weapon
- Section 264.1(1)(a) Criminal Code – Uttering Threats (x2)
Fillmore was remanded into custody for the weekend and is scheduled to make an appearance in court on March 16th, 2026.
Two Arrested and Charged With Robbery
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Amherst Police Department
Two adult males have been arrested and charged following a complaint of robbery with violence being received by the Amherst Police Department on March 10th, 2026.
Shortly before 1:00am, Police received a call advising that a vehicle had stopped on Spring Street and suspects had exited and had allegedly assaulted a male and took his backpack. Another male was also allegedly assaulted during the incident.
Police were able to locate two suspects, the vehicle that allegedly been used as well as the alleged stolen items. The vehicle was towed to APD and the two suspects were arrested and held overnight for court.
Brandon Collins, Aged 22 of Amherst NS has been charged with:
- Robbery – Section 344 Criminal Code of Canada
- Assault – Section 266 Criminal Code of Canada
Cody Smith, aged 24 of Amherst NS has been charged with:
- Robbery – Section 344 Criminal Code of Canada
- Assault – Section 266 Criminal Code of Canada
- Operation of a Motor Vehicle over 80Mg% - Section 320.14(1)(b) Criminal Code of Canada
2026-2027 Operational and Capital Budgets
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At a special meeting of Amherst Town Council on Monday night, the 2026/27 Operational and Capital budgets were presented by staff and approved by Council.
“I am very pleased that our 2026/27 Operational and Capital Budgets have been approved by Council,” shared Mayor Rob Small. “I would like to thank Director of Finance Sarah Wilson, her staff and the directors and managers who helped develop this budget.”
“I would also like to point out the engagement of all of Council in ensuring that these budgets reflected the priorities of Council, while ensuring prudence in our spending programs. This year’s operating and capital budgets continue to implement our Strategic Plan and represent generational change for the Town of Amherst.”
Amherst Business Park
An investment of approximately $2,500,000 will be made to install street, water, sewer and active transportation infrastructure in the first phase of the new business park. This investment will immediately open up approximately 40 acres of new land for commercial and industrial development, with an additional 100 +/- acres in future phases. It will also create a new primary entrance to the business park at Ancestral Drive, which will alleviate traffic congestion at the intersection of South Albion Street and Robert Angus Drive. The design of this new infrastructure is already underway, and it is possible street construction will commence this fall.
Accessible Playground
Just under $1,300,000 is included in this budget for a new accessible playground at Beacon Street Park. This park will be a showstopper for the Town and will provide an inclusive facility for all children – regardless of ability – to play and call their own.
Soccer and Track Complex
The largest single initiative in this budget is a new artificial turf soccer field and track and field complex at Dickey Park. The Town has set aside $3,100,000 for this $8,100,000 facility. However, it cannot be accomplished alone. Construction will commence once the remaining $5,000,000 is secured via grants and fundraising.
February 2, 2026 Amherst Town Council Highlights
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Amherst Town Council held its regular January meeting on Monday night (Rescheduled from January 26) to address items including:
North Tyndal Wellfield Land Acquisition
Council approved purchase of a 120-acre parcel of vacant forest land for $90,000, to be paid from the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Climate Change Nature Agreement. Over the past five years, the Town has been acquiring land in and around the North Tyndal Wellfield through programs aiming to protect Canada’s land and fresh water.
Christie Foundation Donation
A request was approved for the Town to receive a donation from the Dr. & Mrs. H.E. Christie Foundation in the amount of $10,000, which the Town will then issue as a donation to Cumberland County Minor Hockey Association, to assist with player and coach development programs. The Town has accepted donations of this nature in the past and provided a donation acknowledgement letter to the donor, and disbursed funds to the requested recipient.
Two arrested and charged with multiple offenses
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Amherst Police Department
Two adult males have been arrested and charged following a complaint of fraud being received by the Amherst Police Department on January 9th, 2026. The fraud is in relation to an allegation regarding the possession and cashing of stolen cheques that were used at a local financial institution. The alleged fraud was in excess of $290,000.
Hardeep Singh, aged 45 and Inderpal Singh, aged 36, both of Amherst Nova Scotia have been charged with:
- Fraud exceeding $5000 contrary to Section 380(1)(a) of the Criminal Code;
- Possession of property obtained by Crime (over $5000) contrary to Section 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code;
- Possession of property obtained by Crime (over $5000) contrary to Section 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code.
Both individuals were arrested by Amherst Police on January 20th, 2026 and were remanded into custody and are scheduled to appear for a bail hearing on January 23rd, 2026.
Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Amherst Police Department at 902-667-8600 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
APD Media Contact:
Insp. Tom Wood
902-667-8600
Municipality of Cumberland, Town of Amherst make historic agreement
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In an historic initiative finalized at a joint meeting of the two Councils on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, the Municipality of Cumberland and the Town of Amherst separately approved second reading of by-law amendments to complete the implementation of an Intermunicipal Agreement signed back in October of 2024.
The Municipality of the County of Cumberland's Councillors, CAO and Mayor joined the Town of Amherst's Mayor, CAO and Councillors on Wednesday after completing the process to approve an intermunicipal agreement to support the construction of homes in Amherst and the County.
The agreement features a boundary change to facilitate housing development by the Town and access by the County to the Town’s sanitary sewer infrastructure to support future residential development in the County just outside the Town boundary.
“This intermunicipal agreement is a strong example of how the Town of Amherst and the Municipality of the County of Cumberland can work together to address housing supply challenges," said Amherst Mayor Rob Small. "By aligning our municipal boundary and infrastructure planning, we’re enabling future housing development within the town while also extending sewer access to facilitate residential development outside, but near, our common boundary – a practical, forward-looking solution that benefits our entire region.”
Municipality of Cumberland Mayor Rod Gilroy said the agreement shows what’s possible when both municipal units work towards a common goal.
“This agreement shows what’s possible when municipalities work together with a shared goal,” said Mayor Gilroy. “By finding a practical solution to long-standing boundary and servicing challenges, we’re helping to support a major housing development that will benefit residents on both sides of the line and support much-needed future growth in our region.
“This project represents a significant step forward in addressing the housing needs of our region,” Gilroy added. “By updating our by-laws and working cooperatively with Amherst, we’re creating opportunities for new homes, new investment, and a stronger region for everyone.”
