Image : Merritt on Nov.28 (Credit - Michael Reeve/Q101)

By Michael Reeve / Q101.1

MERRITT FLOODING UPDATE

Phase three Merritt residents to return home Sunday pending water test

Dec 2, 2021 | 11:40 AM

MERRITT — The City of Merritt has announced that phase three residents can return home starting Sunday, December 5, pending a final water test.

Phase 3 – Return Home Plan:

• The last water sample test result is expected to be ready within the next 48-72 hours
• We will let residents know the status of the last water sample on Saturday, December 4, 2021
• IF the last water sample comes back clean— free of hydrocarbons and contamination— residents in Phase 3 can expect to return home on Sunday, December 5, 2021

Residents who reside in a supportive living building such as the Cold Weather Shelter or Juniper House, BC Housing, and ASK Wellness will be contacted directly about the timeline on operation for their facilities.

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Phase 4 – Day Access:

• Phase 4 will be granted daily access as of today, Thursday, December 2, until 7:00 PM. Daily access will be available moving forward from 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
• Residents of Phase 4 must be aware of the hazards and potential dangers that come with accessing this Phase. Some roadways are not accessible due to infrastructure damage such as buckled sidewalks and roads and eroded road shoulders. Other hazards include closed-off areas; contaminated soils; sinkholes; and extensive debris/mud/water.
• First responders and emergency vehicles may not be able to easily access all areas within Phase 4.
• Water may not be used for any reason including flushing toilets. Phase 4 is under a “DO NOT CONSUME” water advisory.
• Check for damage to electrical or gas equipment that may have been damaged by the floodwater. Do not turn anything on until equipment has been inspected by a licensed gas or electrical contractor.
• FortisBC crews have left tags with instructions with properties where they were unable to restore natural gas services. Follow the instructions on the tag at your home.
• Phase 4 remains on evacuation order and you must be ready to leave at a moment’s notice. Day access may be suspended pending weather forecasting and river level activity.

Bus Transportation to Merritt:

Many residents were evacuated from Merritt by bus. For residents without transportation who need a ride home to Merritt, please contact the ESS Transportation Line at 250-378-8632.

Leave a message with your:

• Full name
• Address of residence on your driver’s licence or other photo ID
• The hotel or billet you are staying, including the city
• A phone number we can contact you at

ESS will arrange transportation for people who live in residences that are not in the evacuation order area, this will be checked by looking at the address on your ID before boarding the bus.

The Resiliency Centre:

The City of Merritt in partnership with the TNRD has opened a Resiliency Centre to support residents affected by the flooding. The centre is open daily from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (subject to change) and is located at the Merritt Civic Center (1950 Mamette Ave.)

The Resiliency Centre coordinates with a variety of organizations and non-governmental agencies (NGOs) to provide resources for residents, such as Red Cross, Disaster Psychosocial Services, Disaster Financial Assistance, Insurance Bureau of Canada, ICBC, First Nations Health Authority, and Interior Health.