Government to pay for cleaning of Exit 286

The BC Government has pledged $30,000 to the City of Merritt to cover the costs of cleaning up the area around the old visitor centre at Exit 286.

The area was discussed by Merritt City Council during a meeting with Premier John Horgan at UBCM.

“This is the direct result of council’s lobbying at UBCM,” began CAO Sean Smith. “You did a good job convincing (Premier Horgan) about the issues that people were having and frankly that it was disgusting. They heard it loud and clear and have come through with this agreement to allow for the Province to pay for cleaning of that site.”

“I think that the terminology that caught on was when we called it an open latrine,” said Mayor Linda Brown.

The funding will be used for cover costs already incurred by the City and will include one more cleaning of the area before the end of March.

“They are committed to working with us to find a more permanent solution,” added Smith.