Merritt gets nearly $5-million in provincial funding for new flood protection infrastructure

The City of Merritt says it has secured $4.85-million in provincial funding to build the Voght Street Overland Water Pumping Station, a key component of its Flood Mitigation Plan that was drawn up after floods of Nov. 2021.

In a statement, city officials say the pump is “crucial piece” of infrastructure that will help manage stormwater during extreme weather events.

“While dikes prevent river water from flooding into the city, they also create a barrier, preventing rain and stormwater from draining back into the river,” the statement said. “This new pump station will ensure efficient water flow, reducing the risk of localized flooding.”

City officials also say the money for this new pumping station, which came from the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF), marks “a significant step forward” in safeguarding the community of Merritt from future flooding events.

“This funding is a critical step forward for Merritt as we continue to strengthen our community’s resilience to disasters and adapt to a changing climate,” Merritt Mayor Michael Goetz said.

Work on the new pumping station will only proceed once dike alignments are confirmed, and engineering work can begin.

The city of Merritt is also still looking for more money – including through the federal government’s Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF) – to further its flood protection efforts.

“The City of Merritt’s Flood Mitigation Plan outlines a multi-phase approach to protecting the community from future disasters. However, many components remain unfunded,” the statement said.

An online e-petition that was initiated by Mayor Goetz to call on the Federal Government to support Merritt’s flood recovery efforts was set to be tabled in the House of Commons by Central Okanagan—Similkameen—Nicola MP Dan Albas.

But with Parliament prorogued, that effort appears to be on hold for the time-being.

You can find the latest on Merritt’s flood mitigation efforts and the latest in its advocacy for additional funding here