The Town of Amherst is holding its regular public meeting on March 23, 2026, to discuss community updates and new spending plans for the town of Amherst, Nova Scotia. The meeting begins at 6:00 PM at Town Hall on 98 Victoria Street East, and residents can attend the session in person or join virtually.
This meeting follows a decision on March 9, 2026, where the Amherst Town Council approved the 2026/27 budget without raising property tax rates for residents or businesses. The budget includes $3.1 million toward a total $8.1-million soccer and track complex at Dickey Park and $1.3 million for a new playground at Beacon Street Park designed to be accessible for all children. Additionally, $2.5 million will be used to build the first phase of a new business park to support local industry.
While tax rates are staying the same, homeowners will see a sewer service increase of about $20 per year, which is offset by a $28 reduction in trash collection charges. To pay for these community improvements, the council has decided not to start a public bus system at this time. New planning rules for how land is used in the community also became official this month to help manage the town’s growth.
The council is also overseeing the development of 47 affordable homes at The Groves at Hillsdale, supported by more than $6.4 million from the federal and provincial governments. Of these, 28 homes will use a shared ownership model to help more people afford a place to live, while the remaining 19 will be affordable rentals. Current council members, including Mayor Rob Small and six councillors, were elected in 2024 to serve the community of approximately 9,800 people.
