File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Resilience

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Improving flood resilience in Merritt

Apr 2, 2025 | 9:14 AM

IN NOVEMBER 2021, British Columbians watched as heavy rainfall caused catastrophic flooding in southern B.C.

The damage to homes, businesses and infrastructure made the floods one of the most disastrous climate-related emergencies in B.C.’s history. While each community faced unique challenges, the City of Merritt was particularly hard hit with high water levels. The surge overwhelmed dikes along the Coldwater River’s banks, forcing the entire community to evacuate as the river flooded homes, businesses and community buildings.

Last week, I was proud to be in Merritt to announce $60 million to relocate and rebuild two damaged dikes. Moving and improving these dikes will be key to reducing flood risks not only for people in Merritt, but in other communities in the Nicola Valley, too. In total, the province has committed over $130 million to support Merritt’s Flood Mitigation Plan and we continue to invest in flood protection infrastructure throughout B.C.

Standing along the Coldwater River was a stark reminder that communities are experiencing more frequent and extreme disasters due to climate change.

In Merritt and throughout the province, it’s vital that this work is done collaboratively with Indigenous people to build climate resilience. We must do this work together. By drawing on the knowledge of local First Nations, this City of Merritt project will include benefits for the local environment and ecosystems.

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Relocating the damaged dikes will allow the river to flow more naturally, reduce flood risks and also enhance fish habitats and greenery along the riverbanks. The rebuilding effort will also maintain public access to the river for recreational, cultural and traditional uses.

As climate change impacts increase around the world, we know B.C. will face more frequent and intense events like atmospheric rivers and historic wildfires.

Our government continues to make investments to help communities develop robust emergency plans, enhance protections like dikes and pumping stations, and improve resiliency to extreme heat events and other climate-driven impacts.

My ministry meets regularly with local governments and First Nations to coordinate and prepare before hazard seasons, to help make sure no community is taken by surprise. We also maintain emergency assets and tools throughout the province, which can be deployed quickly and used locally if a disaster strikes.

Preparation and planning today means B.C. will be more resilient to climate change for years to come. Our government will continue to work with communities to better prepare and respond to climate-related disasters and keep people safe.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.