Coldwater River, Jan 20/26 (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

FLOOD RECOVERY FUNDING

City of Merritt renewing push for federal flood assistance funding

Jan 21, 2026 | 4:21 PM

MERRITT, B.C. — It has been more than four years since devastating floods forced the evacuation of Merritt, as the wastewater plant was incapacitated by the rising waters of the Coldwater River.

Merritt and its flood recovery team have been working ever since to secure funding to help rebuild the dike system through town. The province has brought forward more than $100 million of funding, including to rebuild the Middlesboro Bridge. That has Mayor Mike Goetz looking to the federal government to finally step up.

“The feds have to get on board here. The province has given us $160 million. They repaired our bridge, so we don’t need to go to them anymore. They have done their part, and they have worked a lot of hours with our ROC team,” Goetz told CFJC News. “It’s now time for the feds to get on board. The five mayors are working on a plan to make this presentation and meet with the prime minister, or meet with the prime minister’s aides, but we need to get this back out.”

Goetz is gathering support from fellow mayors in the area including Princeton, Hope and Abbotsford for a trip to Ottawa, where they will again push for funding assistance.

Question of the Week

Has the violence in Mexico changed your opinion about travelling there for a vacation?

23h ago

Looped In

LOOPED IN WITH NIKKI OMEN: February 23, 2026

Feb 23, 2026

1000 WAYS TO HEAL

1000 WAYS TO HEAL: Understanding the Bully

Feb 23, 2026

“Before this tenure ends for me in October, I need that last 30 per cent,” said Goetz. “And the way it’s going to work is that all of us are in agreement that it’s all of us or none of us. You cant just cherry pick. You made promises all the way across, so we need to start seeing those promises come to fruition. And we will continue to push for that.”