ESS building being replaced

MERRITT – The Emergency Support Services (ESS) building is getting a much needed rebuild.

“The old building is coming down because of the flood damage,” said Mayor Mike Goetz. “It’s virtually impossible to fix what has happened underneath it.”

The existing ESS building got slammed by the flood of 2021, causing structural damage on the property, something that Goetz said needs to be completely re-done.

“The building itself looks great but it would cost more to fix it than replace it, so it’s being replaced on insurance money and it will be almost identically the same building going in.”

Once it is rebuilt, volunteers and crews will be familiar with the building and the supplies.

“It will be identically the same building, restocked the same the way,” added Goetz “It will be returned to the ESS training centre.”

Goetz and his wife are volunteers for ESS and he mentioned it is critical for communities to have support systems.

“Lytton was a classics example, that’s when we got involved because we knew they needed more help. It’s nice to have a group of people, who are ready to go and trained, that can help with situation such as road closures, if a house burns down, or an entire community is evacuated. It’s really super important for volunteers to be trained and be able to be there at a moments notice to help people who are travelling through our community.”

For those interested in joining ESS, more information and an application form can be found on the City of Merritt’s website.