Town of Amherst public meetings in 2024
61 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Regular Council
The Amherst Town Council meeting on Dec 16, 2024 will review several requests for decision, including community support grant applications, an audit committee citizen appointment, Amherst Youth Town Council appointments, and a proposal for police body‑worn cameras. The council will also receive reports from internal committees (Police Commissioners, Planning Advisory) and external groups (public library, YMCA, solid‑waste management). After discussion, the council will vote on each request before adjourning.
- Community Support Grants – Ripley (grant requests and related documents)
- Audit Committee Citizen Appointment – Furlong
- Amherst Youth Town Council Appointments – Wells
- Police Body Worn Cameras – Davidson
- Internal reports: Amherst Board of Police Commissioners and Planning Advisory Committee
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will review community support grants and an Anson Aircraft monument. The agenda also includes information regarding snow and ice management policies and a food summit report.
- Community Support Grants including Amherst Community Christmas Dinner and Dolly Parton Imagination Library
- Anson Aircraft Monument discussion
- Snow and Ice Management Policy review
- Fire Underwriters Survey Municipal Scorecard information
- Food Summit Report
Public Participation Opportunity
The Town of Amherst is holding a public participation opportunity on December 12, 2024. The meeting includes staff reports and presentations regarding a development agreement application for 96 Church Street.
- 96 Church Street Development Agreement Application
Special Council
The special council meeting will consider a request for decision on fireworks from MacDonald. The council will also hold a closed session under MGA 22(2)(e) for contract negotiations. Public comments are listed on the agenda.
- Request for Decision: Fireworks - MacDonald (attached PDF)
- Closed session under MGA 22(2)(e) for contract negotiations
Police Commission
The Amherst Board of Police Commissioners will meet to approve the agenda and minutes, introduce a new APD chaplain, and receive a verbal update on the APD Strategic Plan. The board will also conduct orientation for members and hear the Chief's Report. The meeting then moves to closed session to discuss litigation (MGA 22(2)(f)) and contract negotiations (MGA 22(2)(e)).
- Introduction of new APD Chaplain Rev Evan Oxner
- Verbal update on APD Strategic Plan
- Board member orientation (Part 1)
- Chief's Report (PDF attached)
- Closed session: litigation and contract negotiations
Planning Advisory Committee
This meeting consists of a territorial acknowledgement followed by a Planning Advisory Committee orientation session. No zoning, contract, or public hearing items are listed.
- Planning Advisory Committee orientation training
Regular Council
Amherst Town Council will decide on a new Code of Conduct for elected municipal officials. Other decisions include appointing a deputy mayor, council committee appointments, a Christie Foundation donation to Amherst Little League, a fire services agreement, and fireworks regulations. The council will also receive internal committee reports from the Planning Advisory Committee, Board of Police Commissioners, Youth Town Council, and Poverty Reduction Advisory Committee, as well as external reports from Cumberland Public Libraries, Cumberland YMCA, and Northern Region Solid Waste Management.
- New Code of Conduct for elected municipal officials
- Christie Foundation donation to Amherst Little League
- Fire Services Agreement
- Election of Deputy Mayor
- Fireworks discussion
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will review a new code of conduct for elected officials, discuss a request to ban fireworks, and consider traffic signal installation at a local intersection.
- New Code of Conduct for elected officials proposed
- Review of fireworks policy and alternatives
- Traffic lights requested for Havelock/Victoria/LaPlanche Street intersection
- Signing authority policy and designations
- Proclamation request for Christian Heritage Month
Police Commission
The Amherst Board of Police Commissioners will give a verbal update on the Amherst Police Department's Strategic Plan. A presentation on homelessness and substance use disorder will be provided by Ashley Legere of the Cumberland Homelessness and Housing Support Association. The board will also discuss the police department crest, badge design, and a safe‑approach rescue vehicle.
- APD Strategic Plan verbal update (Item 3.1)
- Homelessness/Substance Use Disorder presentation (Item 2.1)
- APD crest change memorandum (Item 4.1)
- APD badge update (Item 4.2)
- Safe‑approach rescue vehicle update (Item 4.3)
Poverty Reduction Advisory Committee
The Poverty Reduction Advisory Committee is meeting to discuss several items presented by Bristol. The agenda includes updates on a food summit and Mitacs research.
- Food Summit update and Cumberland County Food Security Summits presentation
- Mitacs Research discussion
- Review of PRAC meeting frequency
- Cumberland SBC information
Regular Council
The Town of Amherst Council will meet to approve the agenda and minutes from previous meetings, including a public hearing. The session includes requests for decisions on a development agreement, a Bell Mobility tower lease, traffic signals, and tax collection policy amendments. The council will also review capital budget adjustments and the 2023/2024 financial statements.
- 9 LaPlanche Street Development Agreement Second Reading
- Bell Mobility Tower Lease Agreement
- Havelock / Victoria Street Intersection Traffic Signals
- Tax Collection Policy Amendments
- Capital Budget Amendment for Articulated Wheel Loader
Police Commission
The Amherst Board of Police Commissioners will meet to review a proposed chaplain program and receive updates on recruiting and staffing. The meeting includes personnel recognitions and a review of provincial policing standards.
- Proposed Chaplain Program and Standing Order 2024-003
- Inspector Brian Gairns promotion
- Dave Hirtle retirement
- Provincial Policing Standards Review
- Recruiting and staffing update
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will consider a lease agreement with Bell Mobility for a site in the public works garage. Items also on the agenda include a community support grant for the Amherst 50+ Club, a request for a bocce court, year‑end capital financing adjustments, and a tax collection policy amendment. The meeting will include reports from multiple departments and a closed‑session segment for contract negotiations.
- Bell Mobility lease for public works garage (see lease agreements dated 2005‑04‑25 and proposed 2024 documents)
- Amherst 50+ Club community support grant request (Landry memo)
- Request for construction of a bocce court (Chambers and Mike LeBlanc memos)
- Year‑end capital financing adjustments (Wilson CDR)
- Amendment to the town’s Tax Collection Policy (updated policy documents)
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee is meeting to review the 2024 audited findings, management letter, and consolidated financial statements. The body will consider a recommendation to accept these financial statements and discuss the appointment of a municipal auditor for the 2023-24 fiscal year.
- Recommendation to accept Consolidated Financial Statements
- Appointment of Municipal Auditor for 2023-24 Fiscal Year
- Review of First Quarter Financial Report
- Review of Capital Budget Actuals-to-Date
- Presentation of 2024 Audit Findings and Management Letters
Public Hearing
The Town Council will consider the 9 LaPlanche Street Development Agreement Application. Staff will present a report, followed by council questions and public comments. No decision is noted; the agenda item is for discussion and hearing.
- Staff report on the LaPlanche Street redevelopment (PDF attachment)
- Council questions/comments on the application
- Public questions/comments on the application
Planning Advisory Committee
The Planning Advisory Committee is meeting to discuss properties identified as unsightly or dangerous. The committee will also consider the de-registration of a heritage property.
- Review of unsightly/dangerous premises at 77 Station Street
- Review of unsightly/dangerous premises at 19 Spring Street
- De-registration of heritage property at 96 Church Street
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee will review the fourth quarter financial report and the 2021-22 municipal profile and financial indicators. The committee is also scheduled to receive a communication regarding the Town of Amherst Audit Plan.
- Audit Plan Communication Letter
- Fourth Quarter Financial Report
- Municipal Profile FCI Results 2021-22
Planning Advisory Committee
The Planning Advisory Committee is reviewing several development agreement applications and addressing unsightly or dangerous premises. The committee will also consider the de-registration of a heritage property.
- Development Agreement Application for 9 LaPlanche Street
- Development Agreement Application for 112 West Victoria Street
- Unsightly/Dangerous Premises report for 32 Park Street
- Unsightly/Dangerous Premises report for 19 Spring Street
- De-registration of Heritage Property at 96 Church Street
Regular Council
The Town of Amherst Council will vote on several policy amendments, a second reading of the Auxiliary Police Officer By-Law C-13, and a capital budget amendment for the water utility. Council will also consider an agreement of purchase and sale for a property on Blaine Street and finalize appointments for the Amherst Youth Town Council. These decisions will affect local safety services, infrastructure funding, and community youth programs.
- Auxiliary Police Officer By-Law C-13 second reading
- Agreement of Purchase and Sale for a property on Blaine Street
- Water Utility Capital Budget Amendment
- Policy amendments for council appointments to external boards
- Amherst Youth Town Council appointments
Public Participation Opportunity
The Town of Amherst is holding a public participation opportunity regarding two development agreement applications. The session includes staff presentations and opportunities for public input on specific properties.
- 9 LaPlanche Street Development Agreement Application
- 112 West Victoria Street Development Agreement Application
Police Commission
The Board will swear in new Commissioner Caprice Barbour and receive a verbal update on the APD Strategic Plan. The agenda also includes discussion regarding the CAPG Conference and several closed session items.
- Swearing in of new Commissioner Caprice Barbour
- APD Strategic Plan verbal update
- CAPG Conference discussion
- Closed session regarding personnel matters
- Closed session regarding public security
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will review several council direction requests and information items. Discussions include a water utility budget amendment and updates on various municipal departments.
- Vacation / Holiday Non-Union Employees Policy discussion
- Water Utility Capital Budget Amendment - Challenge Fund
- Mobility Strategy update
- Dangerous and Unsightly Premises Semi-Annual Report
- Allison Avenue discussion
Special Council
The Town of Amherst Council is meeting to consider a request regarding the APA Local 104 Collective Agreement. Additionally, the council will review proposed amendments to the Salary Administration Policy.
- APA Local 104 Collective Agreement
- Salary Administration Policy Amendments
Regular Council
The Town of Amherst Council is reviewing several requests for decision including land use amendments and new policies. Items include a second reading for the 305 Church Street development agreement and an industrial park zoning map amendment.
- 305 Church Street (Dolan Property) Development Agreement Second Reading
- Land Use By-Law Zoning Map Amendment for Industrial Park Drive
- Community Support Grants
- Auxiliary Policing By-Law
- Capital Paving
Committee of the Whole
The Amherst Committee of the Whole will discuss council direction requests regarding town by-laws and policies. This includes reviews of the auxiliary policing by-law, smoke-free recreational places by-law, and capital paving plans.
- Auxiliary Policing By-Law review
- Smoke Free Recreational Places By-law review
- Capital Paving 2024 discussion
- Ice Helmet Policy review
- Street Banner Policy review
Public Hearing
The Town of Amherst is holding a public hearing regarding two land use applications. These include a rezoning application for 13 Industrial Park Drive and a development agreement for 305 Church Street (Dolan Property).
- Rezoning application for 13 Industrial Park Drive
- Development agreement application for 305 Church Street (Dolan Property)
Inclusion Diversity and Equity Committee
The Inclusion Diversity & Equity Committee will review several community initiatives. Discussions include updates on the Acadian Festival, the No. 2nd Construction Battalion Memorial, and community support grants.
- Acadian Festival update
- No. 2nd Construction Battalion Memorial
- ARHS AHEAD Day
- Social Equity Committees Joint Workshop
- Community Support Grants review
Planning Advisory Committee
The committee will review demolition reports for 107 Park Street, 38 Cornwall Street, and 2 Pearl Place. The meeting also includes a review of the MPS / LUB documents.
- 107 Park Street Demolition Report
- 38 Cornwall Street Demolition Update
- 2 Pearl Place Demolition Update
- MPS / LUB Review
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will review documents related to Community Support Grants. The agenda includes grant applications and the community support grants policy.
- Community Support Grants applications and policy
Poverty Reduction Advisory Committee
The committee will review several discussion items including food network, housing, and harm reduction topics. The meeting also includes the welcome of two new members, Cynthia Dyke and Mason Byer.
- Food Network Update
- First Time Homebuyer Program
- Volunteer Work Update
- Harm Reduction Workshop - Narcan Training
- Sharps Handling Program
Regular Council
The Town of Amherst Council will consider several requests for decision, including first readings for a development agreement at 305 Church Street and an Industrial Park Drive re-zoning. The agenda also includes resolutions regarding the general tax rate and various utility rates. Additionally, council will review policy amendments and committee reports.
- First reading of development agreement for 305 Church Street
- Industrial Park Drive re-zoning first reading
- Resolutions for general tax rate and area rates
- Amherst Jr A Ramblers Agreement
- Asphalt patching program
Regular Council
The provided document contains only procedural software interface elements and boilerplate. No topics for discussion, decisions, or reports are included in this record.
Police Commission
The Amherst Board of Police Commissioners will discuss the CAPG Conference and provide a strategic planning update. The meeting includes information regarding auxiliary policing, specifically a draft program and by-law. A report from the Chief will also be presented.
- Auxiliary Police Officer By-Law
- Auxiliary Policing Program draft
- Chief's Report
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will review several policy amendments and various municipal monthly reports. Discussion items include capital budget carry-overs, stadium netting, and land acquisition policies.
- Capital Budget Carry-Overs
- Stadium Netting
- North Tyndal Land Acquisition Policy Amendments
- Maternity, Parental and Adoption Leave Policy Amendments
- Proceedings of Council Policy Amendments
Committee of the Whole
The provided document contains only software interface elements and procedural boilerplate. No specific topics, discussions, or decisions are recorded in the text.
Special Council
The provided document contains only procedural boilerplate and software interface elements. No specific council decisions or discussions are recorded in the text.
General Operating Budget
The provided document contains no substantive agenda items or discussion topics. It consists of empty administrative fields and software placeholders.
Inclusion Diversity and Equity Committee
The committee will discuss several items including a member resignation and strategic plan reviews. Discussion topics also include updates on the No.2 Construction Battalion Memorial and ARHS AHEAD Social Justice Day.
- Committee Resignation - Klooster
- Strategic Plan Review
- No.2 Construction Battalion Memorial Update
- ARHS AHEAD Social Justice Day
- APD Strategic Plan
Planning Advisory Committee
The Planning Advisory Committee will review a development agreement for the Dolan Property at 305 Church Street. The meeting also includes a rezoning application for 13 Industrial Park Drive and a demolition report for 38 Cornwall Street.
- 305 Church Street (Dolan Property) Development Agreement Application
- 13 Industrial Park Drive Rezoning Application
- 38 Cornwall Street Demolition Report
- Election of Chair and Vice Chair
Public Participation Opportunity
The Town of Amherst is holding a public participation opportunity to discuss specific property matters. The session includes presentations regarding the Dolan Property and a rezoning for 13 Industrial Park Drive.
- Dolan Property presentation
- Rezoning for 13 Industrial Park Drive
- Review of Hunter written submission
Regular Council
The Council will review the Water and General Capital Budget and several policy amendments regarding street and sidewalk maintenance. The meeting also includes decisions on citizen appointments to various advisory committees and lease renewals for local properties.
- Water and General Capital Budget
- Street and Sidewalk Inspection and Maintenance Policy amendments
- Tree Planting on Town Owned Land Policy amendments
- Cumberland YMCA Contribution Agreement
- Stadium Canteen Concession Agreement
Police Commission
The provided document contains only procedural software information and no meeting content. There are no specific topics, discussions, or decisions listed for the Town of Amherst Police Commission.
Poverty Reduction Advisory Committee
The Poverty Reduction Advisory Committee will review several discussion items during this meeting. Topics include an update on the 2024 Strategic Plan Report and information regarding basic income. The committee will also address roundtable discussions and items for a joint committee workshop.
- Strategic Plan Report Update 2024
- Update on Basic Income
- ARHS AHEAD Social Justice and Wellness Day
- Items for Joint Committee Workshop
- Roundtable Discussions
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing several municipal policies regarding street, sidewalk, and tree maintenance. The agenda also includes discussions on poverty reduction, basic income, and stadium netting.
- Street Inspection and Maintenance Policy review
- Sidewalk Inspection and Maintenance Policy review
- Tree Planting on Town Owned Land Policy review
- Sidewalk and Curb Construction Policy memo
- Poverty Reduction Advisory Committee motion
Capital Budget
The Town Council is reviewing the proposed capital budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year. The agenda includes various requests for funding related to water, equipment, buildings, public safety, and recreation.
- Water utility projects including Russell Street Phase 1 and 2
- Street infrastructure including a Capital Paving Program and Anson Avenue rail crossing upgrades
- Fire department requests for structural firefighting bunker gear and a live fire structure
- Police equipment including vehicle replacement and body cameras
- Recreation improvements such as Dickey Park washroom roof replacement and an accessible playground
Audit Committee
The provided document contains only procedural boilerplate and software interface text. No specific topics, decisions, or discussions are recorded for this meeting date.
Inclusion Diversity and Equity Committee
The Inclusion Diversity & Equity Committee will discuss several items including a Strategic Plan Review and Territorial Land Acknowledgment. The committee will also discuss internal policy reviews, inclusive language, and training materials.
- Strategic Plan Review
- Terrorial Land Acknowledgment review
- Internal Policy Review
- Mi'kmaw'ki Indigenous Allyship Toolkit discussion
- 2024 Acadian Festival discussion
Police Commission
The Board will conduct a regular meeting including a presentation on DOJ Board Training and a discussion regarding strategic planning. The agenda also includes a report from the Chief.
- DOJ Board Training presentation
- Strategic Planning discussion
- Chief's Report
Regular Council
The Amherst Council will consider several requests for decision, including a second reading for a development agreement at 15 and 31 East Victoria Street. The agenda also includes updates to salary and employment equity policies and the repeal of certain committee policies. Additionally, various internal and external committee reports will be presented.
- Second reading of the development agreement for 15 & 31 East Victoria Street
- 2024 Municipal Election planning
- Dr. & Mrs. H.E. Christie Community Foundation donation
- Amendments to the Salary Administration Policy
- Repeal of the Tree Advisory Committee Policy
Poverty Reduction Advisory Committee
The Town of Amherst Poverty Reduction Advisory Committee is scheduled to review an intermunicipal strategic plan, accept September 2023 meeting minutes, and elect its chair and vice chair. Members will also hear presentations on a livable basic income guarantee, food and youth summit reports, nonprofit organizational support, and operational planning. These agenda items outline the committee’s upcoming focus areas for regional poverty reduction.
- Presentation on a livable basic income guarantee by Basic Income NOW Atlantic Canada
- Review of the intermunicipal strategic plan and reports from food and youth summits
- Organizational support for nonprofits presentation
- Operational planning and budget update from In the Works
- Election of committee chair and vice chair
Accessibility, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity Committee
The committee will review the Accessibility Strategic Plan and the Annual Accessibility Report. Discussions include the External Playground Committee Term of Reference and planning for Accessibility Week 2024. New members Vanessa Jones and Clifford Pinchbeck were also introduced.
- Review of Strategic Plan
- Review of Annual Accessibility Report
- Discussion of External Playground Committee Term of Reference
- Planning for Accessibility Week 2024
- Introduction of new members Vanessa Jones and Clifford Pinchbeck
Committee of the Whole
The Town of Amherst Committee of the Whole will review council direction requests and information memos ahead of final decisions or staff implementation. Members are discussing plans for the 2024 municipal election, a proposed employment equity policy, and repealing the Tree Advisory Committee policy. The agenda also covers an accessible playground project, a living wage report, and a solid waste collection contract update that affect local voting procedures, workplace standards, and community services.
- Council direction request on 2024 municipal election planning
- Proposed employment equity policy review and revisions
- Request to repeal the current Tree Advisory Committee policy
- Information memo regarding an accessible playground project
- Discussion of a solid waste collection contract update
Planning Advisory Committee
The Planning Advisory Committee will review a staff report regarding a demolition at 48 York Street. The committee is also scheduled to approve the agenda and minutes from the January 8, 2024 meeting.
- Demolition report for 48 York Street
- Approval of January 8, 2024, meeting minutes
Special Council
The Amherst Town Council is meeting to review a request for decision regarding a land purchase on Marshview Drive. The agenda includes documentation related to the Fawthrop property acquisition.
- Marshview Drive land purchase (Fawthrop)
Public Hearing
This public hearing includes a staff report and presentation for 15 & 31 Victoria Street East. Council and the public are invited to provide questions and comments on this item.
- Presentation regarding 15 & 31 Victoria Street East
Police Commission
The Amherst Board of Police Commissioners will elect a new Chair and Vice Chair. The agenda includes a presentation from the Major Crime Unit and a review of 2023 vehicle pursuit statistics. A report from the Chief is also scheduled for discussion.
- Election of Chair and Vice Chair
- Major Crime Unit presentation by Cpl Tom Wood
- Review of 2023 vehicle pursuit statistics
- Board training memorandum
- Chief's Report
Regular Council
The Council is reviewing several requests for decision, including the 2024 Strategic Priorities and a development agreement for 15 & 31 East Victoria Street. Additional items include committee appointments, policy amendments, and land acquisition in the Industrial Park.
- 2024 Strategic Priorities
- 15 & 31 East Victoria Street Development Agreement First Reading
- Poverty Reduction Advisory Committee Council and Citizen Appointments
- Accessibility Advisory Committee Citizen Appointments
- Local Improvement Bylaw amendment second reading
Inclusion Diversity and Equity Committee
The committee will elect a Chair and Vice Chair. Discussion items include reviews of the strategic plan, internal policies, territorial acknowledgement, and training.
- Election of Chair and Vice Chair
- Strategic Plan Review
- Internal Policy Review including Employment Equity Policy
- Territorial Acknowledgement Policy review
- Chignecto Isthmus Exhibit discussion
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing several council direction requests and information items. Discussions include user fee policy amendments, strategic priorities, public transportation, library funding, and noise by-laws.
- User Fee Policy Amendments
- 2024 Strategic Priorities
- Public Transportation discussion paper
- Library Funding presentation
- Noise By-law memorandum
Planning Advisory Committee
The Planning Advisory Committee will review staff reports regarding properties at 15 and 31 Victoria Street East. The meeting also includes a summary of public participation opportunities from January 3, 2024. A closed session is scheduled for matters of public security.
- Staff report for 15 and 31 Victoria Street East
- Public Participation Opportunity Summary (January 3, 2024)
- Closed session regarding public security
Public Participation Opportunity
The Town of Amherst is holding a public participation opportunity. The meeting includes a staff report or presentation concerning 15 and 31 Victoria Street East.
- Public participation opportunity for 15 & 31 Victoria Street East