City of Merritt talks rebuild plans, asks government for more funds

MERRITT, B.C. — The City of Merritt says it has made significant progress in rebuilding parts of the community.

“Canford Avenue, the sewer system and the water system there – that’s been reconstructed, which means houses can be reconnected to it,” Information Officer Greg Lowis says.

The city has hired a manager with emergency experience who will focus solely on its recovery program. This will allow other city managers to go back to their usual jobs.

“That means we’ll have a City of Merritt team working on the city operations as well, so it’s a good thing,” Mayor Linda Brown told CFJC News.

The city says it’s concentrating its efforts on repairing the damage in areas most affected by the flood — like Pine Street, which has considerable damage to its infrastructure.

“The public works crews, they’re looking at the best ways to do those repairs, or if necessary complete rebuilding works. But unfortunately, that means that properties in those areas simply can’t be reconnected at this time,” Lowis explains.

Those repairs are expected to be costly, which is why the mayor of Merritt is asking the federal government to provide funding for the city’s rebuild.

“We also need help with the city infrastructure from the feds… I have had a conversation with Prime Minister Trudeau, and he has assured me that they will help with that,” Brown adds.

Mayor Brown says it’s unclear when the funding will come and how much Merritt will receive.

CFJC News asked the provincial government when it expects to receive funding from the federal government.

In an email, Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth says,

“…We understand communities are eager for news of further financial supports for rebuilding. Assessing the full costs and needs around rebuilding is an ongoing process, and while we are working as quickly as possible with all levels of government, it will be some time before both estimated and final costs can be determined.”

Although many Merritt residents have made their way back home, the mayor says it will still be a while before Merritt is feeling normal again.

“We are trying to get back into the community spirit. I don’t think we’re there yet, there’s just too many without homes,” Brown says.