Connector of the Maritimes

A regional hub that is blessed with natural beauty and firmly looking forward

Amherst, a town that serves as a vital connector in the Maritime provinces of Canada, is a hub for regional collaboration, deeply rooted in history and natural beauty. Known for its charming downtown, vibrant arts scene, and proximity to the breathtaking Bay of Fundy and Northumberland Strait, Amherst offers both residents and visitors an exceptional quality of life.

A safe and tight-knit community

Rob Small, Mayor of Amherst, describes the town as a safe and active community where residents feel a strong sense of belonging. “When you speak to people on the street, they often mention that one of the most important things is feeling safe walking the streets of Amherst and knowing each other,” Mayor Small shares. This sense of security and camaraderie contrasts the hustle and bustle of larger cities, making Amherst an appealing destination for those seeking balance and community connection.

Mayor Small emphasizes the town’s appeal to families and individuals looking to escape the fast-paced city lifestyle. “Amherst is a place where families grow together, and generations often stay because of the strong community bonds. It’s about finding peace without giving up a sense of activity and opportunity,” he says.

This strong sense of community is evident in the everyday interactions among Amherst’s residents. People greet each other warmly on the streets, participate in local events, and collaborate to make the town welcoming. Whether it’s neighbors sharing stories over coffee or families gathering for local festivals, Amherst thrives on connections that foster a deep sense of pride and belonging.

Supporting a hybrid work model

Amherst has embraced the rise of hybrid and remote work, adapting to the growing prevalence of flexible job opportunities. “We try to make the balance work, not just in government but also in personal industries within our town,” Mayor Small explains. This adaptability aligns with lifestyle shifts accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, enhancing the town’s appeal.

Local businesses and government offices recognize the need for flexibility. “Industries here strive to create environments where employees can achieve work-life balance. That’s what people are looking for, and Amherst delivers,” Mayor Small adds.

Amherst’s ability to cater to a modern workforce while maintaining its small-town charm positions it as a leader among communities navigating the post-pandemic world. By offering reliable infrastructure and a supportive community, the town creates an ideal environment for professionals seeking to combine productivity with a high quality of life.

The town’s Community Credit Union Business Innovation Centre offers co-working spaces equipped with high-speed internet and shared resources to support remote workers. These spaces offer freelancers, entrepreneurs, and hybrid workers an opportunity to collaborate, network, and grow professionally within the supportive Amherst community.

Preserving historic downtown

Amherst’s historic downtown, known for its heritage buildings, is a foundation of the town’s charm. Mayor Small remarks, “Tourists with cameras in hand often gravitate to our downtown to capture the beauty of these heritage sites.” Churches, train station, and other architectural treasures highlight the town’s rich history.

The town’s “Center First” strategy supports this historic area through infrastructure improvements, such as sidewalk and parking upgrades, free Wi-Fi, and community events like Thursday night markets and movies in the park. Jason MacDonald, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), notes, “These initiatives make the downtown more inviting and economically vibrant.”

Leadership also collaborates with developers to balance historic preservation with modern growth. “We ensure downtown remains a hub of activity while honoring our roots,” MacDonald says.

This balance is further reinforced by Amherst’s investment in programs that engage the community. Events celebrating the town’s history and culture draw visitors while reinforcing residents’ pride in their heritage. Such efforts ensure that Amherst’s downtown remains vibrant and relevant, appealing to people of all ages.

Fostering entrepreneurship and innovation

Economic development extends beyond the downtown core. Jeff Bacon, Economic Development Officer, highlights the success of the Downtown Business Association in uniting entrepreneurs, creating partnerships, and hosting events. “The association has been a big uplift, fostering economic drivers like tourism and initiatives to create community vitality,” Bacon explains.

Mansour’s Menswear, a cornerstone of Amherst’s vibrant business community, recently celebrated its remarkable 100th anniversary. “It’s a true gem of our town, beloved by both locals and visitors,” shares Bacon, highlighting the shop’s enduring legacy and cherished presence in the community.

Amherst’s industrial park leverages its strategic location, providing businesses access to more than one million people in New Brunswick, PEI, and Nova Scotia within a two-hour radius. Incentives, such as phased tax assessments and hands-on investor support, further boost business opportunities.

Beyond these measures, the town’s efforts to nurture entrepreneurship stand out. Regular workshops and mentorship programs help new businesses thrive, ensuring they become integral parts of the community. This proactive approach supports existing enterprises and attracts innovators eager to benefit from Amherst’s supportive business ecosystem.

Additionally, Amherst’s proximity to major transportation routes enhances its role as a regional hub for logistics and supply chain operations. The town ensures long-term economic stability and opportunity by creating the infrastructure to support business growth.

Affordable, attainable, and diverse housing

Housing is a priority for Amherst. Andrew Fisher, Director of Planning and Strategic Initiatives, notes, “Providing affordable and attainable housing has been a focus for the last four years, reaffirmed by our new council.” Initiatives include funding emergency shelters, financing starter homes, and partnering with senior governments and Shaw Group, one of the largest developers in North America.

Efforts also cater to upper-market housing, with approvals for roughly 600 multi-unit developments and executive-style home lots. “Diversity in housing is just as important as the number of units,” Fisher emphasizes.

This focus on housing supports broader workforce development goals. “Quality housing options make attracting and retaining talent easier,” Mayor Small explains.

Investing in infrastructure

Infrastructure improvements remain an essential factor in Amherst’s growth. Projects like the West Main Street rebuild, and the North Tyndal Land Wellfield Land Acquisition Policy Isthmus flood risk improvement project enhance resilience.

Fisher highlights investments in utilities, public spaces, and technological infrastructure, such as free Wi-Fi and high-speed internet, as foundational for sustainable growth.

These initiatives extend to transportation, with road improvements and public transportation options ensuring seamless connectivity. Amherst’s ability to integrate modern infrastructure with its existing charm makes it a model for other communities.

Building a sustainable tourism industry

Amherst leverages its unique location and assets to boost tourism. Partnerships with neighboring municipalities and provincial organizations and initiatives like the “Explore Cumberland” website showcase the region’s attractions. “Our goal is to position Amherst as the service center for Atlantic Canada,” MacDonald says.

Drawing directly from the town’s history, Esther Fest is an annual celebration of the paranormal, all inspired by Esther Cox’s terrifying experiences with a poltergeist in the late nineteenth century.”

Collaborations with local artists and historians have also enriched Amherst’s tourism offerings. Art exhibitions, guided tours, and cultural festivals draw crowds, celebrating the community’s creativity and resilience. Such events add vibrancy to Amherst’s identity, making it a destination that truly has something for everyone.

Engaging youth and developing workforce talent

Proximity to institutions like Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) and Mount Allison University strengthens Amherst’s workforce development efforts. “NSCC develops programs tailored to our area’s needs,” Mayor Small shares.

MacDonald underscores the importance of engaging youth. “We invite students to contribute ideas to municipal plans, fostering community involvement and retaining young talent.”

By creating pathways for education and career growth, Amherst empowers its youth to succeed while ensuring they remain connected to their hometown. Programs that integrate technology and entrepreneurship prepare students for the demands of a rapidly evolving job market.

Bold leadership and collaboration

Amherst’s leadership emphasizes bold decision-making and collaboration. “I’ve always believed in leading a team focused on improving lives in Amherst,” Mayor Small shares.

MacDonald echoes this sentiment, highlighting initiatives like housing and strategic partnerships as key achievements.

The collaborative spirit extends to every level of governance, ensuring that all voices are heard. This inclusive approach builds trust and fosters a shared vision for Amherst’s future.

Shaping Amherst’s future

As Amherst moves forward, several key priorities stand out. The town is planning a new community center, which Mayor Small describes as “a big project that will likely span multiple council cycles.” Infrastructure improvements also remain at the forefront, focusing on securing funding from senior levels of government.

Mayor Small emphasizes, “We need to ensure that our projects are shovel-ready when new funding opportunities arise. Infrastructure is the backbone of our community’s growth.”

At A Glance

Who: Amherst, Nova Scotia
What: A historic town celebrated for its vibrant community, heritage architecture, and proximity to stunning natural landscapes.
Where: Northern Nova Scotia, near the border with New Brunswick, serves as a key gateway between the two provinces.
Website: www.amherst.ca