Work going on the high ground

Construction by the  North exit of Merritt BC Canada

Can we control our selfs

Merritt, British Columbia, is currently experiencing a good deal of construction and development, particularly in the wake of the 2021 atmospheric river event and ongoing efforts to enhance the community’s infrastructure and housing.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening:
Current Construction Projects:
* Highway Flood Recovery Projects (Highway 8): Significant work is underway on permanent repairs to damaged sections of Highway 8 between Spences Bridge and Merritt. This includes bridge repairs, road reconstruction, and environmental enhancements to make the highway more resilient to extreme weather. Several sites along Highway 8 are actively under construction, with some sections still having gravel surfaces and reduced speed zones.
* Trans Mountain Expansion Project: Cleanup and reclamation efforts related to the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion continue between Merritt and Coquihalla Summit, as well as between Kamloops and Merritt. Crews are working intermittently on right-of-way and access road cleanup, reseeding, replanting, and land reclamation.
* Gateway 286 Development: This is a major redevelopment project at the former Visitor Information Centre site at Exit 286 (where the Coquihalla Highway meets Highway 97C). This commercial hub is expected to include restaurants, convenience stores, a gas station, a dog park, and what is planned to be Western Canada’s largest electric vehicle charging station. This project is a partnership with the five Nicola Valley First Nations and aims to provide economic opportunities and a vital transportation hub. Construction was expected to begin in Summer 2024.
* Affordable Housing Developments:
   * A 52-unit affordable rental housing development for First Nations families, elders, and youth is currently under construction at 2640 Spring Bank Avenue. This four-storey building is expected to be completed by Spring 2025 and will include studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units, with many being accessible or adaptable.
   * Construction is also starting on a new family housing complex at the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT) Merritt campus. This project will include 12 townhouses for primarily Indigenous families, with a mix of two- and three-bedroom units, and an expanded childcare facility with 36 spaces. This is expected to open by Fall 2027.
* West Merritt Active Transportation Path: A 2.7 km multi-use path/active transportation corridor in West Merritt has been under construction and was expected to be completed in Spring 2023.
* Collettville Lindley Creek Road Development: A multi-phased residential and industrial development is underway on Lindley Creek Road in Collettville. The conceptual plan included 98 townhomes, 95 mobile homes, and up to 180 condominium units, along with a significant park dedication. The residential portion is expected to provide quicker and more attainable housing, and the industrial development aims to attract new businesses and jobs.
* Kasa Industrial Park: A 10-acre site at 3888 Voght Street is being developed into a distribution warehouse and precast concrete manufacturing facility, with a project value exceeding $15 million.
* Bell Canada National AI Data Centre: Merritt has been selected as the site for a new Bell Canada National AI Data Centre, with updates as of June 2025.
* Universal Water Meter Program: The City of Merritt is launching a universal water meter program, supported by a $3 million grant.
Building Permits and Property Makeup (Industrial vs. Residential):
While specific numbers for current permits entered into by the City of Merritt and a precise breakdown of the current makeup of industrial and residential properties are not readily available in general public searches, here’s what we know about permits and the general landscape:
* Building Permits: Building permits are required for most new construction, alterations, additions, or demolitions in Merritt. This ensures projects comply with the BC Building Code and local regulations for safety and integrity. The City of Merritt has a Development Services department that processes building, demolition, plumbing, and sign permits. You would generally need to contact the City directly for detailed statistics on the number of permits issued and their classification (e.g., residential vs. industrial).
* Development Permits: For multiple-unit residential, commercial, or industrial developments, a Development Permit (DP) is often required in addition to a building permit. These are processed by the Planning staff and are necessary if the land is within a designated Development Permit Area.
* Industrial and Residential Mix: Merritt is seeing growth in both residential and industrial sectors. The affordable housing projects and the Collettville development indicate an expansion of residential options, while the Kasa Industrial Park and the industrial component of the Collettville development point to continued industrial growth. The Gateway 286 project is primarily a highway commercial center, which falls under commercial development but serves as a hub for both residents and travelers. The city’s focus on attracting new business and industry through projects like the Collettville industrial development suggests an effort to expand its industrial tax base.
To get the most precise and up-to-date figures on building permits and the current ratio of industrial to residential properties, it would be best to contact the City of Merritt’s Development Services or Planning department directly. They would have the official records and statistics.

A piece of art from a recent art showing in Merritt offered poetic advice.

You can sometimes get a low down across the counter at the Nicola Valley Community Arts Council’s art gallery on the corner of Nicola and Voght.