SD58 provides facility damage update

School District 58 Nicola Similkameen is navigating the final weeks of the year without access to a number of their schools and facilities in Merritt.

In a letter home to families on Sunday, Superintendent Steve McNiven provided a brief update for each school in the district.

Nicola Canford, Merritt Bench, and the Kengard Learning Centre/SCIDES were all undamaged in the flooding and will see students return for face-to-face instruction.

Collettville Elementary was also undamaged, however the school can’t be used as it’s in phase three.

Diamond Vale Elementary was damaged in the flooding two weeks ago. The District hopes to have repairs completed at the school prior to winter break.

Merritt Central Elementary sustained substantial damage.

“Early assessments indicate that the grounds and exterior have been heavily impacted,” wrote McNiven.

Merritt Secondary is damaged as well.

“Early assessments indicated that the exterior and grounds are heavily damaged. Interior assessments indicated a range of damage from minor to moderate,” added McNiven.

No timeline has been given for repairs at Central or MSS.

The School Board Office in Merritt was also damaged in the flooding.