Nov. 16 (Image Credit: City of Merritt / Greg Lowis)

By Michael Reeve / Q-101 Merritt

Flooding Fallout

Merritt residents to begin returning home Tuesday

Nov 22, 2021 | 4:31 PM

MERRITT, B.C. — The City of Merritt has outlined the plan to begin welcoming residents back to town, beginning with phase-1 on Tuesday, November 23.

Phase 1: North of the RCMP Station

We anticipate that the evacuation order for this phase will be lifted on Tuesday, November 23rd at 12:00 PM (noon).

Image Credit: City of Merritt

Two and Out

PETERS: Four dogs will die and the owners responsible will get away with it

Oct 04, 2024

Looped In

LOOPED IN WITH NIKKI OMEN: October 3, 2024

Oct 04, 2024

ONE MAN'S OPINION

COLLINS: Changes in our justice system are critical

Oct 03, 2024

Critical information for residents returning as part of phase 1:

• The phase 1 area will be on “Evacuation Alert” status
• The phase 1 area is on “Boil Water Notice”, meaning that all water must be boiled before it is consumed.
• The City asks that residents be extremely conscious of water use, as the Kengard well is the only well currently feeding this system and minimizing water use is necessary to preserve fire flow.
• Prior to return, residents should acquire sufficient food and supplies to be self-sufficient for 72 hours. Grocery stores in the phase 1 area are working to come online for November 23, 2021, though reduced hours may be in place and there is no guarantee on what products will be available.
• Garbage and recycling service will commence the week of November 29th, 2021 (commercial service will begin immediately)
• The City will be providing reduced levels of snow clearing service.
• The City has reduced flows for fire protection, which is being partially offset by water tanker and water truck vehicles on standby.
• Hydro, gas and internet utilities are all operational in the phase 1 area.
• The City is coordinating with the School District, which is developing a plan for remote learning for students in our community, alongside a plan for returning to physical locations.
• At the outset, the Nicola Valley Hospital and Health Centre will not be open. 9-1-1 services will be available with service to Kamloops. Interior Health is actively working on bringing additional health services online.

During this phase, roadblocks will remain on Voght Street at Grimmett Street, on Nicola Avenue at Juniper Drive, and on Nicola Avenue at Coldwater Road.