Town News
Amherst to Host 2027 Nova Scotia 55+ Games
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The Town of Amherst is proud to announce that it will host the Nova Scotia 55+ Games in the fall of 2027, welcoming participants from across the province for a celebration of active living, recreation, and community.
Representatives from the Nova Scotia 55+ Games Society were in Amherst last week meeting with Town staff and local committee members as planning begins for the event. The Games are expected to bring hundreds of athletes, coaches, volunteers, and spectators to the community.
“We’re proud to welcome the 55+ Games to Amherst,” said Mayor Rob Small. “This is an exciting opportunity to showcase our community while promoting active, healthy lifestyles. We look forward to working with organizers and volunteers to deliver a memorable experience for participants and visitors alike.”
The Nova Scotia 55+ Games feature a wide range of recreational and competitive events, offering opportunities for adults aged 55 and older to stay active, connect with others, and compete in a fun and inclusive environment.
“Amherst is an ideal host community for the 55+ Games,” said Maurice Poirier, President of the Board, Nova Scotia 55+ Games. “The town’s strong sense of community, dedicated volunteers, and excellent facilities make it a great fit for this event. We’re excited to work together toward 2027.”
Third Suspect in Homicide Arrested
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Amherst Police Department
A third suspect in the April 13th fatal shooting in Amherst Nova Scotia has been arrested and is in Police custody.
Michael James Ryan, Aged 34 of Springhill, NS was arrested this afternoon in Moncton New Brunswick by J Div RCMP Major Crime with the assistance of the RCMP Emergency Response Team and Codiac RCMP.
On the morning of April 16th 2026, warrants were issued for the arrest of 3 suspects believed to be responsible for the death of Chris Leggett. Later that afternoon, 2 suspects, Sean Eugene Patriquin, aged 56 and Natasha Deborah Austin, aged 42, were arrested by Codiac RCMP in Moncton NB.
Patriquin and Austin were remanded into custody and are scheduled to appear on May 6th, 2026.
It is expected that Ryan will appear in court on April 24th, 2026.
At approximately 6:51pm on April 13th 2026, Amherst Police received a call concerning a loud bang heard on Prince Arthur Street and that a male was on the ground and appeared to be injured at that location. Police attended and located an adult male who appeared to be seriously wounded from a single gunshot wound to the lower back. Police in attendance attempted life-saving measures and the male was transported to the hospital and shortly thereafter, was pronounced deceased. The male was 41 years old.
Those responsible fled the scene in a vehicle described as a dark-coloured Subaru SUV after the incident. This vehicle has also been seized by Codiac RCMP and was turned over to the Amherst Police Investigators. The plate affixed at the time had been reported as stolen earlier this month from the Moncton area.
As a result of the incident, APD activated their Combined Municipal Police Major Crime Unit Agreement and have been working with members of the Truro Police Service Criminal Investigation Division, as well as The Cumberland Integrated Street Crime Unit, the RCMP Forensic Identification Unit, Cumberland RCMP, J Division RCMP and the Nova Scotia Medical Examiners Office. The investigation is continuing.
Amherst Stadium Closing for Annual Maintenance - 2026
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The Amherst Stadium is Hitting Reset
The Amherst Stadium will be closed for two weeks starting Monday, April 20, re-opening on Monday, May 4.
During this time, staff will be removing the ice surface and completing key maintenance to prepare the facility for the next season.
It’s been a full season of early mornings, late nights, packed stands, and a lot of pride in what happens inside those walls. Our staff takes great care in keeping the facility running at a high level, and this short closure allows us to reset, clean up, and get ready to do it all over again.
Thanks to everyone - players, families, user groups, walkers, and fans - who made this season what it was. The energy in the building never goes unnoticed - and it’s what sets this place apart.
We appreciate the support - and we’ll see you back at the rink soon.
Questions about the Amherst Stadium annual maintenance closure? Contact Town Hall during regular operating hours at 902-667-3352 or
Amherst Police Arrest Two in Stabbing Incident
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Amherst Police Department
Two people have been arrested, charged and are in custody in relation to a stabbing that occurred during the afternoon of Wednesday April 15th, 2026 in Amherst Nova Scotia.
At approximately 4:00pm, on April 15th 2026, Amherst Police received a call concerning an individual who arrived at a downtown establishment suffering from stab wounds. Police attended a location on West Victoria Street in Amherst before locating the suspects at a nearby third location. Both subjects were quickly and safely arrested and taken into custody. A male victim, aged 39 years, was transported to Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre.
Matthew Hunsley, aged 41 years of East Leicester Nova Scotia & Craig Pike, aged 42 years of Moncton New Brunswick have been charged with:
- Attempted Murder – Section 239(b) Criminal Code
- Aggravated Assault – Section 268(2) Criminal Code
- Conspiracy – Section 465(1)(c) Criminal Code
- Assault – Section 266 Criminal Code
Both were held overnight and made a brief appearance in Amherst Provincial Court on the 16th of April, 2026. They have been remanded into custody and are scheduled to appear again on April 28th, 2026.
The victim in this matter is expected to recover from his injuries.
Warrants Issued for Suspects in Fatal Shooting – Two Arrested
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Amherst Police Department
Two people are in custody in relation to the fatal shooting that occurred on April 13th, 2026 in Amherst Nova Scotia. A third suspect remains at large.
Amherst Police lay criminal charges on the morning of April 16th 2026 and warrants were issued for 3 subjects believed to be responsible for the death of Chris Leggett. Shortly afterwards, 2 suspects were arrested by Codiac RCMP in Moncton NB.
Charges had been laid and warrants were issued for Sean Eugene Patriquin, aged 56, of Moncton NB, Natasha Deborah Austin, aged 42, of Moncton NB and Michael James Ryan, aged 34 of Springhill, NS. All three have been charged with 1st Degree Murder as a result of the incident. Patriquin and Austin have been arrested by Codiac RCMP and are currently in custody.
Police are seeking the assistance of the public in locating Michael Ryan. Police have reason to believe that he is actively evading police.
Ryan is described as having brown hair, blue eyes and is 178cm tall and approximately 86kg in weight.
At approximately 6:51pm on April 13th 2026, Amherst Police received a call concerning a loud bang heard on Prince Arthur Street and that a male was on the ground and appeared to be injured at that location. Police attended and located an adult male who appeared to be seriously wounded from a single gunshot wound to the lower back. Police in attendance attempted life-saving measures and the male was transported to the hospital and shortly thereafter, was pronounced deceased. The male was 41 years old.
The Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre, in line with policies regarding these types of incidents, took safety precautions and measures as a result of the incident.
Those responsible fled the scene in a vehicle described as a dark-coloured Subaru SUV after the incident. This vehicle has also been seized by Codiac RCMP. The plate affixed at the time had been reported as stolen earlier this month from the Moncton area.
Prior to the shooting, there was an altercation between the suspects and the victim near the intersection of Prince Arthur Street and Church Street. The victim fled but came back around onto Prince Arthur Street and the suspect vehicle pulled up beside him. The victim ran as an occupant of the vehicle got out and had what appeared to be a long-gun and shot the victim. The suspects then fled in the SUV towards Maple Avenue.
As a result of the incident, APD activated their Combined Municipal Police Major Crime Unit Agreement and have been working with members of the Truro Police Service Criminal Investigation Division, as well as The Cumberland Integrated Street Crime Unit, the RCMP Forensic Identification Unit, Cumberland RCMP, J Division RCMP and the Nova Scotia Medical Examiners Office. The investigation is continuing.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the victim at this tragic time.
If spotted, or if you know the whereabouts of Michael Ryan, do not approach him.
Two Adults Charged with Drugs/Weapons Offenses following Traffic Check
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Amherst Police Department
A 40-year-old male and a 43-year-old female, both of Amherst, Nova Scotia are facing several charges following a complaint of a suspicious vehicle during the early morning hours of April 13th, 2026.
At approximately 2:00am on the 13th of April 2026, Amherst Police responded to a complaint of a suspicious vehicle in the area of Anson Avenue. Police located the vehicle and two occupants who appeared to be asleep. Police noted what appeared to be a handgun in the vehicle. As a result, both parties were arrested and as a result of a search incident to arrest, Police also located an assortment of suspected controlled substances and other weapons.
Vincent Mallory, aged 40 of Amherst NS is facing several charges that include:
- Possession of a Weapon – Section 88(1) CC x 2
- Possession of Weapon/Ammunition in Vehicle – 94(1) CC
- Possession of Methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking – Section 5(2) CDSA
- Possession of Controlled Substance - Section 4(1) CDSA x 3
- Fail to Comply with Release Order – Section 145(5)(a) CC x 5
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime – Section 354(1)(a) CC
Barbara VanSnick, aged 43 of Amherst NS is facing charges that include:
- Possession of a Weapon – Section 88(1) CC
- Possession of Methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking – Section 5(2) CDSA
- Possession of Controlled Substance - Section 4(1) CDSA x 3
Several tickets were also issued under the Motor Vehicle Act.
