Image Credit: City of Merritt / Greg Lowis

By Michael Reeve / Q-101 Merritt

Merritt Flooding

City of Merritt creates fourth category of devastated properties; Phase 3 to receive day passes

Nov 27, 2021 | 8:09 AM

MERRITT, B.C. — The City of Merritt has announced that starting Saturday, residents in phase 3 of the return home plan will be able to access their properties daily between the hours of 9 am and 3 pm. The City is however dividing phase 3 into two areas.

“The final phases of our re-entry plan present the greatest challenge, as all properties are still without consumable water and sewer, and there are varying degrees of flood damage and hazards. As a result of these differences, we have divided Phase 3 into Phase 3 and Phase 4,” reads a release from City Hall.

Phase 3: Day Access Only
Phase 4: No Access Until Further Notice

Both Phase 3 and Phase 4 will remain under Evacuation Order until further notice. ESS supports will continue to remain available for residents under Evacuation Order at this time.

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Residents in Phase 3 will be allowed to have day access only, effective Saturday, November 27 at 12:00 PM (noon) to 3:00 PM. Moving forward, day access will be from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. No passes will be required for day access in the Phase 3 area.

Phase 4 residents will not be allowed day access at this time. This area has experienced significant damage to several properties and roads. Other hazards include sinkholes, active worksites, and extensive debris. Emergency Services are not accessible in this area. We are working to provide day access to this area and will provide an update on Monday, November 29, 2021.

PHASE 3:
Day Access Only

Those in Phase 3 returning for the day must be aware of the following considerations:

• Remains on Evacuation Order and day access is only available between 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
• Residents cannot use the water for any purpose. This is different from other phases where citizens can boil water for use. If water services come online, it has a “Do Not Consume” status.
• Residents cannot use the toilet or other wastewater devices until further notice.
• FortisBC has not been able to restore natural gas to all homes. FortisBC crews have left tags with further instructions at these properties and ask that people returning home follow the tag instructions to have service restored. It’s important that residents and businesses do not try to put damaged or potentially compromised natural gas meters or appliances back in service yourself. If your appliances are not working, are damaged or potentially compromised, or you’ve received a tag from FortisBC, have your appliances inspected by a licensed gas contractor before they are relit. Please contact FortisBC if you require more information. Restoration of service will follow necessary repairs to the property and only after a licensed contractor confirms it’s safe.
• If you have lost power, call BCHydro at 1-800-224-9376.
• There are still major disaster response activities occurring within the Phase 3 area, which includes water and sanitary line flushing, hydro and gas utility work, dike maintenance, and other infrastructure repairs. Residents should stay clear of any active worksites.
• The RCMP will have a strong presence in all Phase 3 areas to minimize looting or other concerns and will be stopping to talk with anyone found outside in the Phase 3 area after 3:00 PM.
• Limited formal supports are available in Merritt, so please arrange to stay with friends and family in Phase 1 and 2 areas or make arrangements in other communities.
• All businesses within the Phase 3 area may open between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM. It is up to each business to ensure they meet all applicable health and safety standards prior to their opening.
• The City of Merritt will be supporting businesses and patrons by providing a system of porta potties in the business district of phase 3. Further information will be made public soon.
• A Resiliency Centre will be operational effective Saturday, November 27 at 12:00 PM at (noon). Moving forward, it will be open from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM at the Merritt Civic Centre (1950 Mamette Ave).
• The City will be setting up flagging stations at entries to the Phase 4 area. Please stay out of these areas for everyone’s safety.

PHASE 4:
No Access Until Further Notice

• This area is barricaded, and access is prohibited due to the ongoing hazards.