The Amherst Town Council approved new rules on March 23, 2026, that will change how businesses in Amherst, Nova Scotia, receive tax breaks for new construction or expansions. Starting May 1, 2026, companies building in the area will see their property tax increases phased in over five years instead of the previous ten-year period.
These updates to the Commercial Development Support Program also place a $100,000 annual limit on the amount of tax rebates a single property can receive. These changes only apply to new agreements, meaning any businesses already using the old ten-year plan will not be affected.
Local leaders made these changes to help the town recover costs from a $2.5 million investment in a new business park. This project, which was part of the 2026-2027 budget, will create about 40 acres of space for new commercial and industrial buildings.
The tax program was first created in 2017 to encourage local economic growth and attract new industries to the region. The Amherst Industrial Park currently supports various sectors including food processing and manufacturing, and town officials hope the new rules will grow the tax base more quickly to benefit all residents.
Business owners who want more information about the new rules can contact the town’s economic development officer, Jeffery Bacon. The town plans to open an additional 100 acres for development in future phases of the park project.
