Merritt mayor says new development with housing, commercial business needed for population growth, more taxation

MERRITT, B.C. — The mayor of Merritt says a proposed development next to exit 286 is necessary for the city to keep growing in the years to come.

The Hamilton Hill development, just off the Coquihalla Highway, would include 450 residential units and a 100-room hotel-casino with restaurants and other commercial business in the area as well.

The city says the proponents still need to get approval from the B.C. Lottery Corporation before proceeding with plans. The City of Merritt would receive 10 per cent of casino revenues.

“So whatever [the casino] would bring in, but the casino is only one part of it. It’s within city limits, so we have the taxation that will come from these properties, and it’ll be ongoing and consistent, and it’ll be great for the city,” said Merritt mayor Linda Brown.

If approved for a casino by BCLC, a public hearing would happen in the next few months, and sooner if there is no casino attached to the devleopment.

Brown, who grew up in Merritt and hasn’t seen much change over the years, feels this is a development Merritt really needs.

“Merritt absolutely needs a higher population for growth, but we also need industrial business, so just to have the potential for that kind of housing development and the commercial around that area, it’s going to bring commerce in, and if not just there, it’ll bring it downtown eventually,” said Brown.

If approved, it’s estimated the Hamilton Hill development would take about 20 years to complete.