Phase two residents to be allowed home on Saturday pending water test

The City of Merritt has released further details into the phase two of the return home plan, with residents being allowed to return home on Saturday, November 27, 2021 at noon.

Phase two will be pending the result of water testing that will be received tomorrow (Friday).

Phase two includes all properties between the Merritt RCMP Detachment and Nicola Avenue. No date has been set for phase three yet, however the city is introducing a pass system to allow residents to return to their homes during daylight hours.

“We will be providing information on day access for Phase 3 tomorrow Friday, November 27. It’s important to note that the city residents are returning to is not the same city they left,” reads the release from City Hall.

Following are a few of the changes residents need to be aware of when returning:

• You will be on an evacuation alert and need to be prepared to leave on short notice.
• A boil water notice is in effect meaning that all water must be boiled before it is consumed.
• Limit water usage. The City is in the process of bringing additional wells online, and we will communicate with residents as soon as water can be more freely used.
• Prior to return, residents should acquire sufficient food and supplies to be self-sufficient as supplies within Merritt are currently limited.
• Garbage and recycling service will commence the week of November 29th, 2021 (commercial service will begin immediately).
• Reduced levels of snow clearing service.
• Reduced flows for fire protection, which is being partially offset by water tanker and water truck vehicles on standby.
• Hydro, gas, and internet utilities are all operational in the Phase 2 area.
• School District 58 is communicating directly with parents and students on school updates.
• Interior Health is planning to have the Emergency Room in the Nicola Valley Hospital and Health Centre re-opened on November 29, 2021 at 12:00 PM (noon).
• 9-1-1 service and BC Ambulance service is still available in the community with transport likely to Kamloops for any required hospital visit. Local physicians continue to offer telephone health care services.