Nicola Valley Memorial Arena receiving infrastructure upgrades

MERRITT – A long awaited replacement is coming to the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena (NVMA).

With the help of recently awarded grant money, the 20-year-old BAC Condensing tower will be getting replaced at the arena.

With a total cost of the replacement coming in at $163,876, the City of Merritt has received 75% of the project from Pacific Economic Development Canada, which works out to be $122,907. This is part of a total of $2.5 million given to Thompson Okanagan communities to revitalize public spaces and enhance tourism experiences.

Throughout the years, officials said the condensing tower has gone through several expensive repairs but continuous leaks lead to getting a new unit.

The process for a new tower began in March of 2022 as city council approved the replacement with the hopes of seeking further grant money.