The B.C. Coroner Service has released its Unregulated Drug Death data for 2026, and the numbers don't bode well for Merritt and area. So far in 2026, five toxic drugs deaths have been reported in the area which equals the total of deaths for the entire year of 2024 and 2025. Provincially, there were 138 deaths due to s...

Thanks to cooler temperatures and much needed precipitation in recent days, the Thompson Nicola Regional District (TNRD) has reclassified several alerts and orders pertaining to the Ainslie Creek wildfire and the Nicola Valley region. First the Evacuation Alert issue due to the Ainslie Creek Wildfire has been downgrade...

Hundreds of residents are being notified that they will soon need a new family doctor in the City of Merritt and vicinity. Dr. Donald McLeod, announced via email to patients that after 47 years of family practice in the Nicola Valley, that he would be retiring as of October 15. In his email he noted that after more tha...

The RCMP is calling off its Musical Ride event in Merritt this week due to the wildfire situation in the province. The event was initially scheduled for Thursday evening (Aug. 26) , but the RCMP decided to call the event off because of the wildfire smoke billowing into the region. "We've been notified that regrett...

Mayor Mike Goetz stopped by Q101 studios on Friday Aug 21st to discuss the current wildfire situation as it pertains to Merritt and area. He also discussed the City of Merritt's Wildfire Information Open House, a TNRD notice and an event happening tomorrow for everyone. The entire interview can be heard here.