Town of Amherst public meetings in 2025
75 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Regular Council
The Amherst Town Council will consider several decisions, including a Demographic Strategic Plan, recommendations from the Accessibility, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Committee, and a Community Support Grant. The council will also vote on three separate Industrial Park Land Purchase and Sale Agreements (Roop, Cumberland Ridge, and Pederson). Additional agenda items include reports from internal and external committees.
- Decision on Demographic Strategic Plan (Chambers)
- AIDE Committee recommendations and motions (Wells)
- Community Support Grant proposal (Furlong)
- Industrial Park Land Purchase and Sale Agreement – Roop Property (Ripley)
- Industrial Park Land Purchase and Sale Agreement – Cumberland Ridge Property (Davidson)
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will review community support grants, marketing strategies, and demographic plans for Bristol. The meeting includes reports on user fees, the 2026-2028 People Strategy, and a request for a banner. The session will also address several closed sessions regarding property and contract negotiations.
- Community Support Grant for Bristol
- Town of Amherst Brand Strategy 2026-2028
- Demographic Strategic Plan 2025
- Request for Vaughn Martin banner
- Closed session: contract negotiations and property acquisition
Audit Committee
The Town of Amherst Audit Committee will meet to review the second quarter financial report and current capital budget actuals. The meeting also includes an orientation presentation for the committee.
- Second Quarter Financial Report
- Capital Budget Actuals-to-Date
- Audit Committee Orientation Presentation
Police Commission
The Amherst Board of Police Commissioners will discuss a strategic plan update that includes introducing auxiliary police officers, receive a presentation on Nova Scotia policing foundational changes (layered policing), and hear a hate crime training verbal update. The board will also administer an oath to David Fairbanks, elect a chair, and receive the chief's report before moving into closed session for contract negotiations and public security matters.
- Oath of office for David Fairbanks
- Election of chair for the board
- Strategic Plan Update including introduction of auxiliary police officers
- Nova Scotia Policing – Foundational Changes presentation on layered policing
- Verbal update on hate crime training
Regular Council
The Town of Amherst Council will meet to approve the agenda and minutes from previous meetings. The primary items for decision include the second reading of the Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law, the sale of lots on Marshview Drive, and the UV disinfection system for the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
- Municipal Planning Strategy / Land Use By-law second reading
- Marshview Drive sale of lots
- Wastewater Treatment Plant UV disinfection system
- Beautification Strategy proposal
- Debt Management Policy review
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will receive a presentation on town parks and consider several council direction requests, including a review of the user fee policy, debt management policy, and written submissions to council policy. Other items include a UV disinfection system for the wastewater treatment plant, a beautification strategy, and community support grants. The committee will also hear monthly reports from various departments and move into closed session for contract negotiations and property matters.
- User fee policy review
- Parks presentation
- Debt management policy review
- Wastewater treatment plant UV disinfection system
- Community support grants
Public Hearing
The Town of Amherst is conducting a public hearing to discuss the Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law. The meeting includes a presentation followed by questions and comments from Council and the public.
- Public hearing regarding the Municipal Planning Strategy / Land Use By-law
Accessibility, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity Committee
The Accessibility, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Advisory Committee will meet on November 12, 2025 to review a presentation by Hailie Tattrie and discuss four items: the annual AIDE report, a YReach newcomer event, an anti‑hate call application, and a green‑space update. No formal decisions are indicated; the agenda lists these as discussion items.
- Annual Accessibility, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Report
- YReach Newcomer Event
- Anti‑Hate Call Application
- Green Space Update
- Hailie Tattrie Presentation
Regular Council
The council will decide on first reading of a draft Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use Bylaw, a major document guiding future development. They will also consider adoption of several policies (Arts and Culture, Land Sales, Corrective Action), a bylaw amendment on fires and burning, a YMCA funding request, land deals (Industrial Park purchase/sale and JD Irving trade), and a capital budget amendment for a live fire training facility. Appointment decisions and committee reports round out the agenda.
- First reading of draft Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use Bylaw
- YMCA funding request (no dollar amount specified)
- Industrial Park lands purchase and sale agreements with Charles McInnis and Roger McInnis
- JD Irving land trade at Tyndal Road
- Capital budget amendment for live fire training facility (RFP-25-15)
Police Commission
The Amherst Board of Police Commissioners will receive a presentation from Chris MacNeil on public safety audit functions, hear a verbal update on the strategic plan, and review the chief's report. The meeting also includes a plaque presentation to Inspector Tom Wood and a closed session to discuss public security and contract negotiations.
- Plaque presentation to Inspector Tom Wood
- Public Safety Audit Function presentation by Chris MacNeil (Department of Justice)
- Closed session under MGA 22(2)(h) – public security
- Closed session under MGA 22(2)(e) – contract negotiations (two items)
- Verbal updates on NSCPA/NSAGPA fall conference and strategic plan
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will consider a funding request for an affordable‑housing YMCA project at 1 Albion St, approve several policy amendments (Arts and Culture, Volunteer Code of Conduct, Land Sales & Development), and discuss community support grants and a youth council appointment. Additional items include updates on commercial development bylaws, fire‑materials bylaw, and various monthly departmental reports.
- YMCA Funding Request – Affordable housing project at 1 Albion St
- Arts and Culture Policy amendment
- Volunteer Code of Conduct Policy draft
- Land Sales & Development Policy draft
- Amherst Youth Town Council appointment to the Accessibility, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Committee
Planning Advisory Committee
The Planning Advisory Committee will meet to discuss a staff report and an administrator decision appeal regarding 39 Rupert Street. The discussion includes an appeal related to unsightly premises.
- Administrator decision appeal for 39 Rupert Street
- Appeal of unsightly premises for 39 Rupert Street
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will review draft documents for the Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use Bylaw. The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. in Council Chambers, Town Hall.
- Review of Draft MPS and LUB
- Presentation of Draft MPS for First Reading
- Presentation of Draft LUB for First Reading
North Tyndal Wellfield Advisory Committee
The North Tyndal Wellfield Advisory Committee will receive an Amherst Water Utility update and discuss salting procedures for Tyndal Road. No formal decisions are listed; the meeting appears to be informational and advisory.
- Amherst Water Utility Updates (20251003 Memo to NTWAC)
- Tyndal Road Salting – CBCL memo on salting in SWP zones (20251003)
- Tyndal Road Salting – Fisher Committee memo on road safety (20180205)
Planning Advisory Committee
The Planning Advisory Committee will meet to discuss a staff report and hear comments regarding an appeal for unsightly premises at 39 Rupert Street. The committee will review the case in the context of the Dangerous or Unsightly Premises Policy.
- Appeal regarding unsightly premises at 39 Rupert Street
Special Council
The Town of Amherst Special Council will consider a request for decision on a GRID funding application. This is the only substantive item on the agenda; the meeting otherwise consists of routine procedural items.
- GRID Funding Application request for decision (attachments: GRID Applications Synopsis.pdf and GRID Funding Applications RFD.pdf)
Regular Council
The Town of Amherst council will review and vote on several requests, including a capital budget amendment for a new fire vehicle and an amendment for West Victoria Street. It will also consider a year‑end operating reserve transfer to cover solid waste and sewer deficits, appoint a new auditor, and hear a first reading of the Fires and Burning of Materials by‑law amendment. Additional agenda items cover community grants, policy updates, and development proposals.
- Capital Budget Amendment – Fire Vehicle
- Capital Budget Amendment – West Victoria Street
- Year End Operating Reserve Transfer to General Operating Solid Waste and Sewer Deficit
- Appointment of Auditor
- By‑law to Amend the Fires and Burning of Materials – First Reading
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will consider information items on Nova Scotia's strong mayor powers and changes to the NSFM bylaw. The meeting will then move into closed session to approve previous closed session minutes and discuss two contract negotiations under the Municipal Government Act.
- Discussion on Nova Scotia Strong Mayor Powers via memo from MacDonald
- Review of NSFM Bylaw changes from MacDonald
- Closed session for approval of closed session minutes
- Closed session for contract negotiations (MGA 22(2)(e)) – two items
Accessibility, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity Committee
The committee will discuss updates on an accessible playground, review fall events and emergency preparedness, and consider a training manual. The meeting also includes approval of minutes from May 2025 and a territorial acknowledgement.
- Accessible Playground Update discussion
- Fall Events 2025 planning and Busy October Calendar
- Emergency Preparedness resources review
- Fall Training Manual review for the committee
- Government of Canada Technical Guides on accessible programs, services, and procurement
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will deliberate on 14 council direction requests, including capital budget amendments for a fire chief's response vehicle and for engineering design on West Victoria Street, as well as year-end financing adjustments, policy amendments, and a bylaw amendment on burning of materials. The agenda also includes information items on themed crosswalks, water supply review, and a United Way tax relief request, plus monthly departmental reports. The meeting will conclude with a closed session for matters involving property, contracts, personnel, and public security.
- Capital budget amendment for fire chief's response vehicle
- Capital budget amendment for West Victoria Street engineering design
- Year-end operating reserve transfer to cover solid waste and sewer deficit
- Discussion of bylaw amendment for fire and burning of materials (first reading)
- United Way request for Hillsdale tax relief
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee will hear presentations on the audited findings letter, management letter, and consolidated financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2025. They will consider a recommendation to accept the financial statements. The committee will also review hospitality expenses for 2024/25, appoint an auditor for the 2025-26 fiscal year, and receive a first quarter financial report and capital budget actuals-to-date.
- Presentation of Audited Findings Letter
- Presentation of Auditor's Management Letter
- Recommendation to Accept Consolidated Financial Statements
- Appointment of Auditor for 2025-26 Fiscal Year
- First Quarter Financial Report as of June 30, 2025
Police Commission
The Amherst Board of Police Commissioners will meet to approve minutes, review the APD Strategic Plan, and receive a verbal update on an inspector position. The meeting includes a closed session to discuss public security and personnel matters.
- Approval of June 17, 2025 minutes
- APD Strategic Plan Update
- Verbal update on Inspector Position
- Chief's Report
- Closed Session on public security and personnel
Planning Advisory Committee
The Planning Advisory Committee will consider a staff report and receive public input regarding a property at 8 Newton Avenue. The meeting includes approval of previous minutes and standard opening procedures.
- Staff report and inspection memo for 8 Newton Avenue property
- Public comment period from complainant and owner/representative
- Approval of August 11, 2025 meeting minutes
Special Council
The Town of Amherst Special Council will meet to review a request for decision regarding a capital budget amendment. The discussion focuses on the Marshview Drive Phase 3 project.
- Capital Budget Amendment for Marshview Drive Phase 3
Planning Advisory Committee
The Planning Advisory Committee will discuss a staff report regarding 2 York Street. The meeting includes opportunities for the committee, complainants, and the property owner or representative to provide questions and comments.
- Review of staff report and inspection pictures for 2 York Street
Committee of the Whole
The provided document contains only procedural software boilerplate and no specific agenda items, motions, or discussion topics.
Special Council
The special council meeting will consider and potentially approve an agreement with A & A Hockey Group, the operator of the Amherst Ducks. The agenda includes a request for decision and supporting documents.
- Request for Decision: A & A Hockey Group (Amherst Ducks) Agreement
Audit Committee
The provided agenda contains only procedural boilerplate and software interface text. There are no specific decisions, discussions, or items listed for this meeting.
Audit Committee
The Town of Amherst Audit Committee is meeting to review financial documentation. The committee will discuss the 2025 audit plan communication letter and the fourth quarter financial report.
- Review of the 20250331 Fourth Quarter Financial Report
- Review of the TOA Audit Plan Communication 2025
- Acceptance of March 4, 2025 meeting minutes
Regular Council
The Town of Amherst Council will discuss a municipal boundary change and the second reading of by-laws to amend the Building By-law and repeal the Vacant Building By-law. The body is also deciding on various policy updates and funding requests.
- Municipal Boundary Change including updates to sewer and user fee policies
- Second reading of By-law to Amend the Building By-law and By-law to Repeal the Vacant Building By-law
- Authorization for a Transit Feasibility Study
- Affordable Housing Fee Forgiveness Policy
- Capital Paving and operational funding for the Museum
Police Commission
The Board of Police Commissioners will meet to receive a Chief's Report and a verbal update on auxiliary policing. A significant portion of the meeting is dedicated to a closed session to discuss public security, personnel matters, and potential litigation.
- Auxiliary Policing verbal update
- Chief's Report
- Closed session on public security (MGA 22(2)(h))
- Closed session on personnel matters (MGA 22(2)(c))
- Closed session on litigation or potential litigation (MGA 22(2)(f))
Committee of the Whole
The provided document contains only procedural software interface elements and boilerplate. There are no specific decisions, discussions, or agenda items listed for this meeting.
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will discuss a range of policy updates including affordable housing fee forgiveness, ice allocation, and procurement, as well as funding requests for community groups and a transit feasibility study. Items also include a presentation from the YMCA of Cumberland, a summer camp program, and an accessible playground. The meeting includes a closed session for property and contract negotiations.
- Affordable housing fee forgiveness policy proposal
- Authorization request for a transit feasibility study
- Christie Foundation donation request by Councillor Wilson
- Ice allocation policy review
- Accessible playground project discussion
Special Council
The Town of Amherst Special Council will meet to discuss a request for decision regarding a capital budget amendment. This item concerns the Live Fire Training Facility - Davidson.
- Capital Budget Amendment for Live Fire Training Facility - Davidson
Planning Advisory Committee
The Planning Advisory Committee will review staff reports and hear from owners and complainants regarding properties at 27 Westminster Avenue and 16 Rupert Street. They will also receive a verbal update on 77 Station Street. The meeting includes approval of the agenda and acceptance of previous minutes.
- Staff report and owner/complainant comments on 27 Westminster Avenue
- Staff report and owner/complainant comments on 16 Rupert Street
- Verbal update on 77 Station Street
- Approval of agenda and acceptance of April 7, 2025 minutes
Accessibility, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity Committee
This meeting of the Accessibility, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Advisory Committee includes discussion of a Legion request to name a green space, review of the AIDE Strategic Plan, and review of the Territorial Acknowledgement policy. The committee will also elect a Chair and Vice Chair.
- Legion request to name a green space
- Review of AIDE Strategic Plan
- Review of Territorial Acknowledgement policy
- Election of Chair and Vice Chair
Regular Council
The Town of Amherst Council will review several requests for decision, including by-law amendments and community grants. The body will also discuss capital budget amendments for paving and updates to administrative policies.
- Second reading of the 112 West Victoria Street Development Agreement
- First reading of a by-law to amend the Building Bylaw and a by-law to repeal the Vacant Building By-law
- Community Support Grants for Westcumb Amateur Radio, Bridge Adult Workshop, and Spring Street Academy
- Asphalt Patching Tender and Capital Budget Amendment for the Capital Paving Program
- Appointment of a Special Constable
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss several council direction requests, including by-law amendments and budget changes. The body will also review monthly departmental reports and consider community support grants.
- Proposed amendments to the Building By-law and repeal of the Vacant Building By-law
- Capital Budget Amendment for the Capital Paving Program
- Asphalt Patching Tender
- Community Support Grant requests for Westcumberland Amateur Radio Club, Bridge Adult Workshop, and Spring Street Academy
- Information item regarding speed bumps in school zones
Public Hearing
The Town of Amherst is holding a public hearing to discuss a development agreement application for 112 West Victoria Street. The meeting includes a presentation and a review of written submissions, including letters of support and dispute.
- Development Agreement Application for 112 West Victoria Street (PID 25000605)
Police Commission
The Amherst Board of Police Commissioners will receive an update on the Safe Approach and Rescue Vehicle (SARV) and the Chief's Report. They will also swear in new Commissioner George Baker and discuss personnel matters in a closed session.
- Update on Safe Approach and Rescue Vehicle (SARV)
- Swearing-in of Commissioner George Baker
- Chief's Report for May 2025
- Closed session under MGA 22(2)(a) and (c) for personnel matters
- Acceptance of minutes from March 26, 2025
Regular Council
Amherst Town Council will hold a regular meeting on April 28, 2025, to consider a heavy agenda that includes adopting the 2025/26 operating and capital budget, setting tax rates and utility charges, and approving several development agreements. The meeting also features first and second readings of development agreements at 112 West Victoria Street, 3 Robie Street, and 91 Rupert Street, plus policy amendments on user fees, tax reductions, and employee computer purchases.
- Adoption of 2025/26 Estimates of Revenues and Expenditures and general tax rate
- First reading of development agreement for 112 West Victoria Street
- Second reading of development agreements for 3 Robie Street and 91 Rupert Street
- Minimum tax sale bid for 2 Pearl Place
- Amendments to User Fee Policy (sanitary sewer rate increases) and Tax Reduction/Exemption policies
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will consider community support grant requests for the 2025-2026 period. Detailed applications and a navigation guide are attached for review. No other substantive business is on the agenda.
- Discussion of Community Support Grant applications for 2025-2026
- Review of attached PDF: Community Support Grants 2023 Navigation guide
- Review of attached PDF: 2025_2026 Community Support Grant Requests
- Review of attached PDF: April 2025 Community Support Grant Applications
- Review of attached PDF: Additional Applications
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will hear a presentation from the Cumberland Housing and Homelessness Support Association. Council direction requests include a substantial alteration to the train station at 27 Station Street, a discussion paper on fracking, and amendments to the public participation policy. Information items cover topics such as motorized mobility scooter use, a taxi by-law annual report, and the Amherst Police Department 2025 strategic plan. The meeting will also go into closed session for personnel matters and contract negotiations.
- Presentation from Cumberland Housing and Homelessness Support Association (Ashley Legere and Chief Pike)
- Substantial alteration to train station at 27 Station Street
- Discussion paper on fracking
- Legion request to name a green space
- Downtown business survey
Capital Budget
The council will consider and vote on the 2025‑26 Capital Budget, including carry‑over projects from 2024‑25 and any projects deferred or removed. The meeting also reviews the Equipment Replacement Plan for 2025‑26 and the town’s operating and capital reserve balances. Related policy documents and infrastructure ratings will be discussed.
- Adopt 2025‑26 Capital Budget (2025_26 Capital Budget.pdf)
- Review Capital Carry Over Projects from 2024‑25 (Capital Carry Over Projects from 2024-25 to 2025-26.pdf)
- Examine Capital Projects Deferred or Removed (Capital Projects Deferred or Removed per CAO.pdf)
- Discuss Equipment Replacement Plan 2025‑26 (Equipment Replacement Plan 2025-26.pdf)
- Review Operating and Capital Reserve Balances (Operating Reserve Balances.pdf; Capital Reserve Balances.pdf)
General Operating Budget
The Town of Amherst Council meets to review and discuss the 2025-2026 General Operating Budget, including departmental expenditures and revenues. The agenda includes several requests for decisions on policy amendments and service changes. Notable items include a memorandum on a deed transfer tax rate increase, a proposal for sanitary sewer rate increases, and a request for a community navigator position extension.
- Memo on deed transfer tax rate increase
- Request for decision on sanitary sewer rate increases
- Request for decision on police dress uniforms update and replacement
- Request for decision on community navigator position extension 2025-2027
- Request for decision on tax exemption policy for Cumberland Homelessness and Housing Support Association
Public Hearing
The Town of Amherst is holding a public hearing to consider two development agreement applications: one for 3 Robie Street and another for 91 Rupert Street. Council will hear staff reports and public comments before making a decision.
- Public hearing for a development agreement at 3 Robie Street
- Public hearing for a development agreement at 91 Rupert Street
- Staff reports presented for each application
- Opportunity for public questions and comments
North Tyndal Wellfield Advisory Committee
The committee is meeting to elect a Chair and Vice Chair and review its Terms of Reference. Members will discuss the role of Nova Scotia Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal and road maintenance on Tyndal Road.
- Election of Chair and Vice Chair
- Discussion on Tyndal Road sanding versus salting
- Review of North Tyndal Wellfield Advisory Committee Policy
- Scheduling of a wellfield tour date
- Closed session regarding public security under MGA 22(2)(h)
Planning Advisory Committee
The Planning Advisory Committee will elect a chair and vice chair, then discuss two development agreement applications at 112 West Victoria Street and 100 Russell Street, including public comments and letters of concern. The committee will also review final drafts of the Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use Bylaw, and consider a heritage property alteration for the Amherst Train Station at 27 Station Street. A verbal update on dangerous and unsightly premises demolition is scheduled.
- 112 West Victoria Street development agreement application with public opposition letters and petition
- 100 Russell Street development agreement application
- Final drafts of Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use Bylaw
- 27 Station Street (Amherst Train Station) substantial alteration as heritage property
- Election of chair and vice chair
Police Commission
The Amherst Board of Police Commissioners will discuss the department's strategic plan and review the 2025/26 operating budget. The meeting will also include the chief's report and approval of previous minutes.
- Review of Amherst Police Department Strategic Plan 2025
- Discussion of 2025/26 Operating Budget
- Chief's Report for March 2025
- Approval of February 25, 2025 minutes
Planning Advisory Committee
The Planning Advisory Committee is meeting to review the draft Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use Bylaw. The committee will also discuss the site plan approval process.
- Review of March Draft MPS and LUB
- Discussion of Site Plan Approval Process
Public Participation Opportunity
This meeting is a public participation opportunity for residents to provide input on a development agreement application for 100 Russell Street. The agenda includes a staff report and a public hearing on the application.
- Public hearing on 100 Russell Street development agreement application
The Town of Amherst held a Public Participation Opportunity on March 25, 2025 to hear comments on a Development Agreement for 100 Russell Street. Staff presented the proposal and answered questions, while residents raised concerns about traffic, drainage, housing type, and impacts on nearby properties. Staff said the input will be considered by the Planning Advisory Committee and Council, with the next PAC meeting scheduled for April 7, 2025. No formal approvals, rejections, or other actions were taken at this meeting.
Regular Council
The Town of Amherst Council will meet to approve agenda items and minutes from the previous meeting. The session includes requests for decisions on development agreements, policy amendments, and committee appointments.
- First reading of 3 Robie Street Development Agreement
- First reading of 91 Rupert Street Development Agreement
- Community Support Grants Policy amendment
- Industrial Park Land Sales Policy
- Transit Feasibility Study
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is discussing various council direction requests, including policy updates and infrastructure funding. The meeting also includes monthly departmental reports and a closed session for personnel and contract matters.
- PCAP application for the Waste Water Treatment Plant UV system
- Review of Industrial Park Land Sales Policy
- Capital Budget 2025/26 request for LiveScan Fingerprinting System Replacement
- Proposed policies for themed crosswalks and installment billing
- Discussion on intersections at Willow Street/Townshend Avenue and Church Street/Robert Angus Drive
Committee of the Whole
This Committee of the Whole meeting features five presentations on various topics, including Cumberland County Transportation Services, a net-zero energy geothermal proposal, the Cumberland Forestry Advisory Committee, the "In The Works" program, and the Cumberland Chamber of Commerce. No decisions or votes are scheduled; the agenda is purely informational.
- Presentation on Cumberland County Transportation Services by Peter Lewis
- Net-zero energy geothermal presentation by Joe Collier
- Cumberland Forestry Advisory Committee presentation by Ron Furlong
- "In The Works" program presentation by Sean Lockhart
- Cumberland Chamber of Commerce presentation by Beth Peterkin
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole for the Town of Amherst is scheduled to meet on March 10, 2025. The agenda is currently empty, indicating no specific items are listed for discussion.
Audit Committee
The Town of Amherst Audit Committee will meet to review the third-quarter financial report for the period ending December 31, 2024, and the capital budget actuals to date. The committee will also consider approving the agenda and minutes from the previous meeting on January 15, 2025.
- Third quarter financial report for period ending December 31, 2024
- Capital budget actuals to date as of February 25, 2025
- Acceptance of minutes from January 15, 2025 meeting
Planning Advisory Committee
The Planning Advisory Committee will review two development agreement applications (3 Robie Street and 91 Rupert Street), including staff reports and public input summaries. They will also discuss a review of the Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use Bylaw, an update on demolitions of dangerous premises, and the status of the Amherst Train Station as a heritage property.
- 3 Robie Street Development Agreement Application (staff report, draft agreement, public participation summary)
- 91 Rupert Street Development Agreement Application (staff report, draft agreement, public participation summary)
- Municipal Planning Strategy / Land Use Bylaw Review (draft documents for March 2025)
- Dangerous and Unsightly Premises Demolition Update (March 2025 update)
- 27 Station Street (Amherst Train Station) - Heritage Property discussion
Police Commission
The Amherst Board of Police Commissioners will meet to discuss the APD Strategic Plan and receive a verbal update on police vehicle shortages. The board will also review the Chief's Report and hold a closed session regarding personnel and public security.
- APD Strategic Plan Update
- Verbal update on police vehicle shortages
- Chief's Report
- Closed session on personnel matters (MGA 22(2)(c))
- Closed session on public security (MGA 22(2)(h))
Regular Council
Council will consider the second reading of a development agreement for 96 Church Street, along with policies on sidewalk curb construction and appointment of council members to external boards. Reports from the Planning Advisory Committee, Police Commission, and several other committees will also be received.
- Second reading of development agreement for 96 Church Street
- Sidewalk and Curb Construction Policy amendment
- Appointment of Council members to External Boards, Committees and Commissions Policy
- Reports from Amherst Board of Police Commissioners and Planning Advisory Committee
- Reports from Inclusion Diversity and Equity Committee, Youth Town Council, YMCA, Solid Waste, and L.A. Animal Shelter
Committee of the Whole
The agenda for the Town of Amherst Committee of the Whole meeting on 2025-02-24 consists solely of embedded content placeholders and system-generated fields with no substantive items listed. No decisions, discussions, or proposals are documented in the provided text.
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will receive a presentation on the 2025 Assessment Roll from Property Valuation Services. Members will discuss several direction requests and information items ranging from infrastructure policies to tourism and public safety.
- 2025 Assessment Roll presentation by Paul Beazley and Laura MacLean
- Sidewalk Curb Construction Policy
- Appointment of Members of Council to External Boards, Committees and Commissions Policy
- Commercial Development Support Bylaw
- Draft Tourism Strategy
Public Hearing
The Town of Amherst holds a public hearing on a development agreement application for 96 Church Street. Council will hear a staff report and receive public comments before potentially making a decision.
- 96 Church Street Development Agreement Application — public hearing with staff report and public comments
Committee of the Whole
The agenda for this Committee of the Whole meeting contains only procedural boilerplate and no specific items for discussion or decision. No rezonings, contracts, ordinances, or public hearings are listed.
Committee of the Whole
The agenda for this Committee of the Whole meeting consists only of procedural boilerplate and placeholder fields. No decisions, discussions, or specific items are listed.
Public Participation Opportunity
The Town of Amherst is holding a Public Participation Opportunity meeting on February 6, 2025, to receive public input on two development agreement applications. The applications are for properties at 3 Robie Street and 91 Rupert Street. The meeting includes staff presentations and a public comment period for each item.
- 3 Robie Street - Development Agreement Application
- 91 Rupert Street - Development Agreement Application
Planning Advisory Committee
The Planning Advisory Committee is meeting to review drafts of the Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use Bylaw. The committee will also receive an update regarding the demolition of dangerous and unsightly premises.
- Review of February Draft MPS and LUB
- Review of 20250131 MPS - MASTER DRAFT Rev.1
- Review of 20250131 Draft LAND USE BYLAW - Rev 2
- Dangerous and Unsightly Premises Demolition Update
Inclusion Diversity and Equity Committee
The Inclusion Diversity and Equity Committee will discuss a police strategic plan update and a provincial DEIA strategy update. The meeting includes approval of the agenda and acceptance of prior minutes. No votes or public hearings are scheduled.
- Police Strategic Plan Update presented by Bristol
- Provincial Strategy/DEIA Committee Update presented by Bristol
- Roundtable discussion
- Acceptance of draft minutes from May 8, 2024
Police Commission
The Amherst Board of Police Commissioners will consider the 2025/26 APD Capital Budget, receive a verbal update on the APD Strategic Plan, and hear the Chief's Report. The meeting also includes board member orientation and a closed session under public security provisions.
- 2025/26 APD Capital Budget review and approval
- APD Strategic Plan verbal update
- Chief's Report
- Board Member Orientation Part 2 with Department of Justice representative
- Closed session for public security (MGA 22(2)(h))
Regular Council
Council will hold a first reading of a development agreement for 96 Church Street, consider updates to personnel and administrative policies, and address a tax sale. They will also receive reports from several committees, including the Police Commission and Planning Advisory Committee.
- First reading of a development agreement for 96 Church Street
- Consideration of the 2025 Strategic Plan
- Approval of a new Salary Administration Policy
- Authorization of a tax sale for properties with arrears
- Appointment of a council representative to the L.A. Animal Shelter
testmeeting
The provided agenda contains only procedural boilerplate and software interface elements. There are no specific decisions, discussions, or items of business listed.
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is discussing updates to council remuneration, expense, and hospitality policies. The meeting includes presentations on healthcare recruitment and reports on local services and infrastructure.
- Review of Council Remuneration and Benefits
- Review of Expense Reimbursement and Hospitality policies
- Discussion on Anson Avenue CN Rail Crossing
- Review of Medical First Responder Services report
- Discussion on ATV Road Trails Act and designation of road trails
Audit Committee
The Town of Amherst Audit Committee will meet to elect a chair and vice chair, review its terms of reference, and discuss financial oversight items. Key agenda items include a second-quarter financial report, capital budget actuals-to-date, and a hospitality expense summary for 2023/24. The committee will also receive an orientation presentation.
- Election of chair and vice chair
- Review of Audit Committee Terms of Reference
- Hospitality expense summary for 2023/24
- Second quarter financial report (as of Sept. 30, 2024)
- Capital budget actuals-to-date
Planning Advisory Committee
The Planning Advisory Committee will elect a vice chair, consider a development agreement application for 96 Church Street, and review the draft Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use Bylaw. The committee will also receive a public participation summary from December 12, 2024, and an update on dangerous and unsightly premises demolitions.
- 96 Church Street Development Agreement Application (DA-2024-05)
- Draft Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use Bylaw review
- Election of Vice Chair
- Dangerous & Unsightly Premises Demolitions update
- Public Participation Opportunity Summary from December 12, 2024
Committee of the Whole
The agenda for this Committee of the Whole meeting contains only procedural boilerplate and no specific decisions, discussions, or public hearings. No resolutions, contracts, or ordinances are listed. The record does not indicate any actionable items.
Accessibility, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity Committee
The Amherst Accessibility Advisory Committee will meet on January 8, 2025 to discuss several accessibility initiatives. Items include a report card on accessibility, an update on the accessible playground, and a review of the sidewalk and curb construction policy. The committee will also elect a chair and vice chair and approve previous minutes.
- Review of Report Card on Accessibility and Updated Annual Report on Accessibility 2023-24
- Update on Accessible Playground project
- Sidewalk and Curb Construction Policy Review
- Website Accessibility Improvements discussed
- Election of Chair and Vice Chair