Merritt’s COVID-19 recovery initiatives extended

Merritt City Council has voted unanimously to extend multiple COVID-19 recovery initiatives until the end of 2022.

“Continued support for these initiatives after a difficult year of continued COVID-19 restrictions, and wildfire and flood evacuation alerts and orders would demonstrate a continued commitment to the economic vitality of our community,” wrote Stephanie Moore, Economic Recovery Advisor.

The continued initiatives include the waving of select permits around signs and expansion of outdoor patios, city beautification projects, and a shop local campaign.

City Staff are also working on several other initiatives to support economic recovery. These include:
– Spirit Square improvements to attract residents and visitors and encourage people to spend more time in the City Centre.
– City Centre improvements such as parklets, bike parking, and beautification.
– Public washrooms in the City Centre.
Active Transportation projects that will enable better access to the City Centre:
o West Merritt Active Transportation Path (expected construction start
Spring 2022)
o Diamond Vale Bikeway (design completed)

“The financial implications of extending the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Initiatives include a loss of Development Permit Fees for the Patio and Outdoor Display of Goods permits and a loss of Sign Permit Fees,” added Moore.