The City of Merritt is starting its recovery plan today at 12 noon, after finishing a rapid inspection program to classify damage and accessibility to property.

Roadblocks will remain in place at access points to the City.

PHASE ONE

Phase 1: North of the RCMP Station

We anticipate that the evacuation order for this phase will be lifted on Tuesday, November 23rd at 12:00 PM (noon).

Critical information for residents returning as part of phase 1:

• The phase 1 area will be on “Evacuation Alert” status
• The phase 1 area is on “Boil Water Notice”, meaning that all water must be boiled before it is consumed.
• The City asks that residents be extremely conscious of water use, as the Kengard well is the only well currently feeding this system and minimizing water use is necessary to preserve fire flow.
• Prior to return, residents should acquire sufficient food and supplies to be self-sufficient for 72 hours. Grocery stores in the phase 1 area are working to come online for November 23, 2021, though reduced hours may be in place and there is no guarantee on what products will be available.
• Garbage and recycling service will commence the week of November 29th, 2021 (commercial service will begin immediately)
• The City will be providing reduced levels of snow clearing service.
• The City has 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 1 area.
• The City is coordinating with the School District, which is developing a plan for remote learning for students in our community, alongside a plan for returning to physical locations.
• At the outset, the Nicola Valley Hospital and Health Centre will not be open. 9-1-1 services will be available with service to Kamloops. Interior Health is actively working on bringing additional health services online.

During this phase, roadblocks will remain on Voght Street at Grimmett Street, on Nicola Avenue at Juniper Drive, and on Nicola Avenue at Coldwater Road.

Access from Highway 8 to retail stores in the Northeast of Merritt will be via Juniper Drive. A reduced speed zone of 30 km/h will be implemented on Juniper Drive and Parker Drive (Figure 1 – Detour Route).