Media Releases
Amherst Police Investigating Fatal Shooting
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Amherst Police Department
Amherst Police are continuing with their investigation into a fatal shooting that occurred on the evening of April 13th, 2026.
At approximately 6:51pm on April 13th 2026, Amherst Police received a call concerning a loud bang heard on Prince Arthur Street and that a male was on the ground and appeared to be injured at that location. Police attended and located an adult male who appeared to be seriously wounded from a single gunshot wound to the lower back. The male was transported to the hospital and shortly thereafter, was pronounced deceased. The male was 41 years old.
The Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre, in line with policies regarding these types of incidents, took safety precautions and measures as a result of the incident.
Those responsible fled the scene in a vehicle after the incident.
It is reported that:
- The victim was walking on Prince Arthur Street
- A dark-coloured Subaru SUV pulled up behind the victim who started to run
- An occupant of the vehicle stepped out of the vehicle and had what appeared to be a long-gun and shot the victim
- The victim fell and the suspect vehicle fled the scene
Police do not have any reason to believe there is an additional risk to the public at this time and believe that those involved were known to each other. Police considered the use of the Alert Ready System, but the incident did not meet the criteria at the time.
Members of the Major Crime Unit, Truro Police Criminal Investigation Division, the RCMP Forensic Identification Unit, the Nova Scotia Medical Examiners Office and additional investigators are assigned to the matter and are in the early stages of the investigation.
Town of Amherst Announces Expansion of Industrial Lands with Launch of Amherst Business Park
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The Town of Amherst has taken a significant step toward securing its long-term economic future with the acquisition of several parcels of land that will enable the expansion of its industrial lands and the creation of the Amherst Business Park.
With the current Amherst Industrial Park nearing capacity, Town Council has approved a series of purchase and sale agreements that will bring close to 150 acres of strategically located land under municipal ownership. This expansion ensures Amherst is well positioned to attract new investment, support job creation, and respond to growing interest from businesses looking to locate in the town.
“This is a generational investment in Amherst,” said Mayor Rob Small. “Communities don’t often get the opportunity to plan at this scale. By securing this land now, we are making a deliberate choice to create opportunity for decades to come – opportunity for local businesses, for new employers, and for the next generation of residents who want to build their future here.”
Meeting Demand, Planning for the Future
Recognizing the critical importance of having shovel-ready land available, Council moved proactively to acquire Industrial Park-adjacent properties bordered by the Trans-Canada Highway, Race Track Road, Industrial Park Drive, Ancestral Drive, and the railway.
The newly expanded area will be known as the Amherst Business Park, complementing the existing Industrial Park and allowing for a broader range of development opportunities. This zone will accommodate a diverse mix of high-end commercial, light industrial, and larger multi-unit residential developments, supporting economic growth while ensuring compatible land use relationships.
“We’re not taking a one-size-fits-all approach,” said Mayor Small. “This expansion allows us to offer land in configurations that work for modern industry, whether that’s large-scale users or businesses looking for smaller footprints. The goal is to remove barriers and make it easier for companies to choose Amherst.”
A Strategic Location with National Relevance
Amherst’s location on the border of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, with direct access to the Trans-Canada Highway and proximity to major markets, positions the community as a natural staging and logistics hub. The Town sees strong potential to attract businesses connected to national supply chains, defence and security industries, emerging energy sectors, and advanced manufacturing.
Preliminary design work is underway for the first phase of development, which will focus on infrastructure planning, access, and connectivity, including improved traffic flow and future road connections.
Built on Community Cooperation
Town officials also emphasized their appreciation to local landowners who worked collaboratively with the municipality to make the expansion possible.
“These agreements reflect a shared understanding that this investment is for the greater good of Amherst,” said Mayor Small. “We’re grateful to the property owners who recognized the long-term value of this project for the entire community.”
April 9 - Male Arrested and Facing Multiple Charges
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Amherst Police Department
A 42-year-old Truro man has been arrested and is in custody in relation to an incident that occurred on the evening of March 10th, 2026 in Amherst.
On March 10th, 2026 shortly before 10:00pm, police received a report of a shoplifting incident at a local business on Robert Angus Drive. The suspects had left the scene in a vehicle, the description of which was provided to police. As Police responded, the vehicle was observed on South Albion Street, headed towards the downtown area. A traffic stop was attempted, but the suspect vehicle fled at a high rate of speed and as a result of risk, police discontinued pursuit. The suspect vehicle continued towards the downtown and struck another vehicle on Prince Arthur Street and then fled the scene. The suspect vehicle was later located abandoned on the highway and was seized by Police.
As a result of the continuing investigation, the subjects in the suspect vehicle were identified.
On April 8th, 2026 at approximately 7:20pm, Police learned that one of the suspects from the March 10th incident was in a vehicle and was headed towards Amherst. An APD Patrol unit pulled the vehicle over near the intersection of Robert Angus Drive and Church Street. The passenger of the vehicle, who was the suspect in the March 10th incident, fled the scene on foot and after a short foot chase, the TASER was deployed and he was safely arrested.
Male Arrested and Facing Driving Related Charges
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Amherst Police Department
A 39-year-old Amherst man has been arrested and is facing numerous charges relating to driving-related incidents that have occurred in Amherst in January 2026. The accused allegedly has a revoked driver’s license. Several tickets have also been issued under the Motor Vehicle Act for driving related offenses during these incidents.
On January 6th, 2026, an off-duty police officer observed the accused in the area of South Albion Street in Amherst. Patrols located the accused on Station Street and emergency equipment was activated to perform a vehicle stop on Victoria Street. The accused allegedly pulled to the side momentarily, and then fled at a high rate of speed out of town. As a result of the risk and weather conditions, Police terminated the pursuit.
On January 14th, 2026, Police observed the accused operating a vehicle in the area of South Albion Street. There were additional passengers in the vehicle. Police activated emergency equipment to conduct a traffic stop and the accused allegedly fled from Police, driving in an erratic and dangerous and manner and at a high speed. As a result of the risk, police discontinued the pursuit.
Albert O’Blenis, aged 39 of Amherst, Novia Scotia has been charged with:
- Flight from Police – Section 320.117 Criminal Code (January 6th, 2026)
- Flight from Police – Section 320.17 Criminal Code (January 14th, 2026)
- Dangerous Driving – Section 320.13(1) Criminal Code (January 14th, 2026)
- Endangering a child – Section 218 Criminal Code (January 14th, 2026)
Male Arrested and Facing Multiple Charges
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Amherst Police Department
A 27-year-old Amherst man has been arrested and is facing numerous charges following an incident overnight on March 24th, 2026.
Shortly before 3:00am on March 24th, 2026, Amherst Police were summoned to a residential building in the downtown area concerning a male that had allegedly been making threats and had damaged a door. The male is also currently on court release conditions. When Police arrived, the male was located and allegedly resisted arrest and spit in the face of the one of the officers. He was arrested and lodged in police cells overnight.
Avery Grassing, aged 27, of Amherst Nova Scotia has been charged with:
- Mischief under $5000 – Section 430(4) Criminal Code
- Uttering threats to cause death – Section 264.1(1)(a) Criminal Code
- Fail to comply with undertaking conditions – Section 145(4)(a) Criminal Code (x2)
- Assault on Police Officer – Section 270(2) Criminal Code
- Resist Arrest – 129(a) Criminal Code
Grassing was held in custody overnight and is scheduled to make an appearance in court on March 24th, 2026.
March 23, 2026 Amherst Town Council Highlights
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Amherst Town Council held its regular March meeting on Monday night to address items including:
Volunteers of the Year
In November 2025, a public call was issued for nominations to celebrate volunteers. After thorough review, Council nominated Paul Cormier as the Amherst Volunteer of the Year, Arilynn Menzies as the Youth Volunteer of the Year and the Short family as the Family Volunteers of the Year, to be recognized at the Nova Scotia Provincial Volunteer Awards Ceremony.
The Town thanks all volunteers within our community who go above and beyond to make Amherst a truly special place to live. The Town of Amherst will be honored to recognize all nominated individuals at an event hosted in Amherst on April 21, 2026.
Appointment of Citizens to Boards and Committees
Alex Harrison and Chris Johanneson were each appointed to the Amherst Board of Police Commissioners for a one-year term, beginning April 1, 2026.
Jim Lamplugh was re-appointed to the Planning Advisory Committee for a two-year term, also beginning April 1, 2026.
Policies and Bylaws – Amendments and Adoptions
The Street Light Policy has been amended to better reflect current practices. The updates clarify the purpose of street lighting and how decisions are made, with a focus on safety, accessibility, responsible fiscal management, and long-term asset management.
Recently, staff have been working towards improving the procurement process for both staff and vendors. Changes were approved for the Procurement Policy that include bringing the purchasing threshold limits in line with the limits of the Atlantic Trade and Procurement Partnership and Canada Free Trade Agreement. This change is expected to expedite transactions in the majority of cases and reduce the legal risks to the Town.
Council approved the new Performance Management and Development Policy, which advances an action item identified in the Town’s People Strategy and supports the continued modernization and strengthening of our HR practices.
The purpose of the Inquiries From Council Policy is to ensure that all inquiries or requests for information are consistently directed through the Chief Administrative Officer or, in their absence, the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer. Updates were approved that include points of clarification, use of proper pronouns, and adding the Deputy CAO as someone who may receive inquiries or requests for information from Council.
Council approved amendments to the Snow and Ice Management Policy after having directed staff to complete a review, with a focus on road salting service levels. Salting will be expanded to include priority-2 streets, and the term “as needed” has been replaced with “when conditions warrant,” which is now clearly defined in the policy. Overall, the updates provide clearer direction and greater flexibility in managing winter operations.
The Commercial Development Support Program Bylaw was adopted in September of 2017 and allows a property owner who is undertaking a new construction or a significant expansion to phase in the increased taxes over a ten-year period. Amendments include phasing in taxes for the new assessment over five years and capping the maximum payable annual rebate at $100,000. These changes will only impact new agreements from May 1, 2026. Given the significant capital investment in the new business park, these changes will allow the Town to recoup costs earlier and grow the assessment base to the benefit of all taxpayers. The amended bylaw has been adopted.
