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AMHERST, NOVA SCOTIA

Councillor
Furlong.

What I’m working on.
News and updates along the way.

Updates from Nic Furlong.

The latest

WORK · NEWS · UPDATES

October Committee of the Whole Preview

sunset downtown amherst ns

This past week has been busy with birthdays and anniversaries, so I didn’t get a chance to put together a video for today’s Committee of…

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Emergency Services Memorial

The parade leaving the memorial service

Today was the Emergency Services Memorial where we remember those who've served that are no longer with us and to show our support for those…

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How to find meeting packages

Council meets tonight at 6pm in the Town Hall chambers. Ever wonder how to find the meeting package? Or curious about what's on the agenda…

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Thank you Fire Fighters!

Fire truck photo from Christmas Parade

Driving through town, I noticed smoke and saw the a flicker of flame so I called 911 (several others were likely already doing the same,…

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Bring your kid to work... everyday?

councillor furlong with his daughter Lilly & friend Clara and Nova Scotian artist Ria Mae

Being a dad while being involved in the community sometimes creates some interesting situations. Whether it’s Exit 1, Slamherst, a fundraiser, a community event, or…

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Safe sidewalks are a priority

overgrown trees impeding sidewalk

Thank you to the local resident who reached out to clear this sidewalk up! And to the town staff who took care of it. The…

Foodbank

A group holds an oversized cheque in front of the Amherst Town Hall wall sign.

Pride

An adult and a child pose with a colourful Amherst Pride photo frame and rainbow flag.

Camp day

A bearded person takes a selfie beside a large red and white sign.

Sunset in Amherst

Sunlight reflects from a wet street beneath an orange sunset and overhead wires.

Bridge workshop

Two adults pose indoors, one wearing a cap and the other a blue protective gown and patterned head covering.

Understanding Development Agreements

What's being built in Amherst? Follow along as I explain in less than 4 minutes the current & past developments and the process we use…

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World cup!

Big screen for a big game
Big screen for a big game

Residents were asking for a public watch party to support Canada at the World Cup, our Rec Department was able to make it work last…

Committee of the Whole - Preview

An empty council chamber with curved wooden desks, microphones and chairs.

Most people won't read the 200+ page council package. That's what I'm here for! Tonight Council will discuss community grants, ATV access, accessibility improvements, youth…

Long Term Care Day

A Long Term Care Proud banner beside a red and black balloon display.

When I was asked to hang out at our local retirement home, I had no idea I'd end up having such a blast!! Thanks for…

200km walk for Huntington Society

Two adults pose beneath a banner celebrating completion of a 200-kilometre walk.

A big group of us will be joining Brianna Voss for the final 5 km of her incredible 200 km journey to raise awareness and…

YMCA Affordable Housing Development

Four architectural massing views show proposed buildings among surrounding streets and structures.

I've been following the YMCA affordable housing proposal since it was first introduced. I've attended the public hearing, reviewed the related reports, listened to residents,…

Cadets

A blue ceremonial flag marked 154 in the foreground, with a speaker at a microphone behind it.
84 years of leadership, discipline & service.

84 years of leadership, discipline, and service. Today I had the privilege of attending the 84th Annual Ceremonial Review of the 154 Amherst Anson Royal…

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Relay for Life 2026

Amherst Relay for Life organizers

Relay for Life is kicking off this afternoon, swing by the Amherst High School before 6pm and show your support for such a great cause.…

New Police Board Commissionaires

Two adults shake hands while holding a document beside an Amherst lectern.

Two new members were sworn in this afternoon onto our local board of police commissioners, please help me welcoming Chris Johanneson & Alex Harrison. This…

Scholarship in honor of former Mayor Jerry Halle

Two adults stand behind an Amherst lectern in a council chamber.

Behind the scenes: Tonight council recognized former Mayor Jerry Halle by adding a $1000 scholarship/bursary in his honor as part of our scholarship and bursary…

International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.

People watch a downtown parade with rainbow decorations beneath dark clouds.

Today marks the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. We can disagree with each other without hating each other. Treat people with basic respect.…

Youth Business Pitches

Young people hold oversized prize cheques in front of an Amherst backdrop.

What a great night hearing business pitches from youth from across Cumberland County! I’ll be honest… some of these kids are already thinking more strategically…

2026 Census

A hand points to a 2026 Census mailing on a desk, with part of the address area obscured.

First thing, Happy Mother’s Day!! Second thing… you only have two days left to complete your census. After seeing many people say they won’t be…

McHappy Day 2026

A smiling person wearing a mask, hat and cape gives two thumbs up.

My goal this year was to break last years personal fundraised amount of $700, well I'm happy to report we rounded up over $1100 this…

Emergency Communications

A Westcumb Amateur Radio Club communications trailer inside a large exhibition hall.

When the lights go out and cell towers are not functioning, it's good to know there are tools available to help us communicate and coordinate.…

Thanks you volunteer Fire Fighters

Two firefighters in protective gear stand beside a fire engine on a residential street.

I would like to take a moment to recognize all first responders on National First Responders Day! Thanks for all you do for our communities.…

Property Deed Transfer Tax

Town of Amherst media release headed Town Council Highlights, dated April 27, 2026.

Last night, Council approved increasing the deed transfer tax to 1.5%. I voted against it, and I'm a bit frustrated. Mostly with myself. I went…

Hospital updates!

Aerial view of a hospital complex with parking areas and a marked helipad.

After what seems like a steady stream negative news lately… here’s something worth sharing. If you’ve driven by the Cumberland Regional Hospital lately, you’ve probably…

Local shooting

An Amherst police vehicle parked beneath an orange and pink sunset.

Last night was a tough one for our community. A serious incident happened in our downtown, and like many of you, I've been wrestling with…

New Brunswick Tolls

A row of toll booths with illuminated signs for cash and card payment lanes.

A 12-minute drive turning into 45 minutes isn’t a small inconvenience and $4 each way every day adds up quick. There’s been a lot of…

Switching parties

Cartoon of a suited politician standing between red and blue parliamentary benches beneath a Canadian flag.

If a politician switches parties halfway through their term… should they have to earn your vote again? That’s the question everyone’s debating right now and…

YMCA Affordable Housing Development

An empty council chamber with curved wooden desks, microphones and chairs.

If you’ve been following the 36-unit proposal at 1 Albion, here’s where things stand as of today. Concerns around parking and green space were the…

New Recruit!

Three uniformed police officers pose together, with the middle person holding a medal case.

Congratulations on your graduation from the Atlantic Police Academy, and welcome to APD, Cst. Macleod!

YMCA Affordable Housing Development

Architectural illustration of a multi-storey residential building with pitched roofs and entrances along the street.

Last night we heard public feedback on a proposal for 36 new apartment units (24 + 12) at the corner of Albion St. & Crescent…

French Toast Fest 2026

A bearded person poses with a plate of French toast, fruit and bacon.

French Toast Fest is underway! 14 local participants offered the best French toast they have to offer. Local syrup, local eggs and local bread were…

1 year later!

An adult holds a smiling baby at a council desk.

Time for our annual baby reed photo!

We're about to approve the 2026/2027 Town budget

Amherst Budget Update 2026/2027 graphic listing street salting, community centre planning and a transit pause over a snowy-road image.

If you live on a side street in Amherst, there’s a change in the proposed town budget you’ll probably notice next winter if the budget…

Happy Budget day!!

Conceptual masterplan for the Amherst Accessible Playground, with a site layout and examples of play equipment.

Happy budget day! If you didn't know, Town Council will be reviewing the budget for 2026/2027 today. Silly question... but stick with me. When it…