A mobile home on the edge of the Coldwater River in Merritt (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Chad Klassen

MERRITT FLOODING

Minister Farnworth says rebuilding flood-impacted cities like Merritt may have to look different in future

Dec 10, 2021 | 2:08 PM

KAMLOOPS — Minister of Emergency Preparedness Mike Farnworth got to see first-hand on Thursday (Dec. 9) the devastation in Merritt.

It was a visit not just to tour around, but to lend a helping hand to a community that needs it right now.

“Merritt needs housing. That is our first and top priority for people who cannot go back to their own home,” Merritt Mayor Linda Brown says.

It’s estimated more than 350 homes in Merritt are unlivable, and the city is hoping the province can step into help.

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“I think one of the most incredible things is how [the Coldwater River] has changed its course and the impact that has in terms of the rebuilding — not just to deal with what’s now but also in terms of the longer term over the future,” Farnworth says.

Farnworth notes with the flooding in Merritt and across B.C. — and climate change bound to bring more severe natural disasters — the province has to change its approach. It might mean not building near rivers like the Coldwater.

“This is one of those issues that communities will be looking at on an individual basis,” Farnworth says. “In some areas, it may make sense to relocate home, such as we saw in Grand Forks [in 2018] and in the case of Alberta in High River [in 2013], in a similar situation, that took place. In other circumstances, it may be that diking or reinforcing existing infrastructure may be able to deal with the situation.”

In addition to finding housing for the more than 300 out of their home, rebuilding damaged infrastructure is another priority for Merritt.

“Our infrastructure that is old and needing repair at this point. That is the biggest challenge,” Brown notes. “We also have the river now that’s a whole new challenge — the floodplain we have to think differently about how we build.”

The province is working with the federal government to help Merritt restore its critical infrastructure.

In the meantime, Mayor Brown says the city will be there for its residents for the long term.

“For those that are affected in the community, we are here for you. We will help you rebuild your lives. Don’t be afraid to come and ask for the help if we’re not providing it when you need it,” Brown says. “I know this community is resilient and we will build back, and we will build back better.”