Town News
Amherst marks Emancipation Day 2026
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As communities across Canada prepare to mark Emancipation Day on August 1, the Cumberland African Nova Scotian Association (CANSA) is inviting residents of all ages and backgrounds to gather in Dickey Park for a day of learning, celebration and community.
Emancipation Day commemorates August 1, 1834, when the Slavery Abolition Act came into effect across the British Empire, legally ending slavery for approximately 800,000 enslaved people, including those in what is now Canada. While Canada officially recognized Emancipation Day in 2021, the day has long been observed by African Nova Scotian and Black communities as an opportunity to remember history, honour resilience and continue building a more inclusive future.
Victoria Vance, Executive Director of CANSA, says recognizing Emancipation Day helps ensure this important chapter of history is never forgotten.
"We have to remember our past if we want to build a better future," said Vance. "Education is how we move forward together."
Community members gathered to raise the Pan-African flag in recocnition of Emancipation Day in 2025.
Paving on Victoria Street East - Updated Timeline
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Victoria Street East – between Acadia Street and Lawrence Street – has been milled in preparation for re-paving from curb to curb.
LATEST INFORMATION: Paving work on Victoria Street East will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday August 4-5, 2026.
Canadian Choice Windows & Doors welcomed to downtown Amherst
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The Town of Amherst recently recognized Canadian Choice Windows & Doors with a new business certificate, celebrating the company's investment in Amherst and its continued growth in the community.
Councillors Hal Davidson and Dwayne Ripley presented the certificate to Amherst branch manager Brian Porter and sales representative Shawee Tooley at the company's downtown showroom.
Canadian Choice Windows & Doors is one of Canada's leading window and door manufacturers and installers, with locations serving communities across the country. The Amherst showroom, which opened in 2024, provides custom windows and doors to homeowners and businesses throughout Cumberland County and surrounding areas.
For Porter, the business is more than just another location on the map – it's home.
A lifelong Amherst resident with nearly three decades of experience in the window and door industry, Porter said operating a business in his hometown has been especially rewarding.
"Being from Amherst and having a business right in my own backyard is something I really appreciate," he said. "I enjoy working with people I've known for years and being part of the community."
Notice of Approval - Development Agreement - 1 Albion Street
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Notice is hereby given that Amherst Town Council, at a meeting held July 23, 2026, passed a motion to enter into a Development Agreement on the property located at 1 Albion Street (PID 25009432) to permit the construction of a 24-unit and 12-unit apartment building.
Section 249 of the Municipal Government Act provides the right to appeal this decision to the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board within 14 days from the date of this notice.
More information about the details of this application can be found here.
pdf A PDF version of this Notice of Approval is available here(325 KB) .
Town approves development agreement for YMCA affordable housing project
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Amherst Town Council has approved second reading of a development agreement that will allow the YMCA of Cumberland to move forward with the next phase of its proposed 36-unit residential development at 1 Albion Street in downtown Amherst. The project includes two apartment buildings and office space for the YMCA's Community Development Office.
The approval marks the completion of the Town's development agreement process, allowing the YMCA to proceed with the project's next phases, including finalizing funding, completing detailed design work, and preparing for construction.
Nova Scotia Highlanders Regimental Museum preparing for exciting new chapter in downtown Amherst
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The Nova Scotia Highlanders Regimental Museum will soon relocate to a new home at 55 Victoria Street East, bringing improved accessibility, expanded exhibit space and new opportunities to share Cumberland County's rich military history with residents and visitors.
Museum Committee volunteers and the Nova Scotia Highlanders Community Council have been working behind the scenes for more than a year to prepare for the move, with an official opening currently planned for October 17, 2026.
The North Nova Scotia Highlanders Mural was dedicated on August 20, 2005. Proudly displayed on Town Hall, the mural is just a short distance from what will be the new location of the Nova Scotia Highlanders Regimental Museum at 55 Victoria Street East.
