Council proceeds with rodeo grounds washroom project

Through a unanimous vote on Tuesday evening, Merritt City Council voted to partner with the Thompson Nicola Regional District and the Fall Fair and Rodeo Associations to build a new washroom facility.

“The proposal is for a washroom to be constructed, funded by the TNRD, with the City providing project management and specific project costs,” said Director of Corporate Services Greg Lowis.
The TNRD through area directors David Laird and Herb Graham have provided $130,000 in gas tax funds to the project.

Along with providing in-kind project management to the project, the City is responsible for paying for all project costs related to the installation of all utilities. No dollar figure was specified for those costs.

“I support this because of the rodeo and the importance of the rodeo and fall fair in the community. But what I am a little bothered with is asking to okay money that we don’t really have a final total on,” said Coun. Melvina White.

CAO Sean Smith stated that the total costs will depend on whether or not the utilities still need to be run to the site.

“It will be zero or $26,000,” said Smith.