City of Merritt receives $2 million towards a dike to prevent flooding along the Coldwater River

“Story by Aaron Schulze from CFJC Kamloops” 

MERRITT — The City of Merritt has received $2 million in provincial funding to build a 200-metre dike along the Coldwater River.

In a news release issued Wednesday (Nov. 1) morning, the B.C. government says the dike will lessen flooding along the Coldwater River from Voght Street to Garcia Street, which includes the Claybanks RV Park. It was damaged during the atmospheric rivers of November 2021.

Additionally, the province says it will give Merritt $150,000 for a flood-risk assessment and emergency preparedness project to help the city’s actions before and during future flood events.

“These grants are not only critical to helping the city mitigate the risk of future flooding, but they are also integral to economic drivers, such as the much-valued Claybanks RV Park, and equally essential to laying the groundwork in rebuilding the Middlesboro bridge on Voght Street, which was demolished in the flood,” Merritt Mayor Mike Goetz said.

Mayor Mike Goetz – Zach Amin

The City of Merritt’s public works staff will use the preparedness plan during flood events to prioritize inspections, erect flood protection in high-risk areas and install emergency response measures.

The funding comes two months after a report showed municipal and provincial officials were repeatedly warned about numerous issues with the dike system in Merritt prior to the floods of 2021.