Tag Archive: Recreation


Bridge not to far

Very Entrepreneur

Harry Sanders, was bit of a legend about Merritt. We remember him as hosting the social credit party at his home in lower Nicola for their AGM’s. But Harry was a contractor with equipment. Lots of male sons. And a penchant for opportunities. One of them he saw at one point was an ability to bridge a small Creek or area and a temporary but more permanent way that would be easy in and easy out without much damage so as to protect the environment and also to expedite doing work in the forests and streams.

Innovation

By cutting apart large pieces of pipeline pipe, and that was in surplus. He managed to make a small portable bridge, he could cross a stream with a similarly to the Roman concept of using Stone arches for their bridging. The value of these is self-evident.

So I don’t know how many prototypes he made but this one was in the industrial area sitting for numbers of years. So I took a picture of it as I went by knowing Harry or more to the point I knew his sons. I know more of Harry than I did him.

But darn and be gosh if he didn’t, long past his departure from this life. The legacy in that piece was laying. There and now seems to have been revived as some very nice advertising is online about enviro bridge and some of them are being sold and being manufactured again here in Merritt British Columbia.

Good luck and Good Fortune

Merit has Merritt…

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.

Saturday SOP

There are many wholesome and enjoyable activities women peers aged 30 to 35 can do together on a Saturday! Here’s a mix of options, from active to relaxed, to inspire your next get-together:Active & Outdoors: * Hiking or Biking: Explore local trails or scenic routes. Merritt is surrounded by beautiful nature, so there are likely many options for all skill levels. * Yoga or Pilates Class: Try a new studio, or find an outdoor class if the weather is nice. Aerial yoga is also an option for something different. * Swimming: Head to a local pool, lake, or even try “wild swimming” if you’re feeling adventurous and have a safe spot. * Paddleboarding or Kayaking: If there’s a nearby body of water, spending time on the water can be incredibly relaxing and fun. * Gardening: If one of you has a garden, spend some time together nurturing plants. You could even visit a local botanical garden. * Visit a Farmer’s Market: Enjoy the fresh air, browse local produce, and pick up ingredients for a healthy meal you can cook together later.Creative & Learning: * Cooking or Baking Class: Learn a new cuisine or technique together. This is a great way to bond and enjoy delicious food. * Pottery or Painting Session: Many studios offer “paint and sip” events or pottery workshops. It’s a fun way to express creativity, even if you’re not an artist. * Flower Arranging Class: A calming and beautiful activity where you can learn a new skill and create something lovely. * Craft Night: Get together to make friendship bracelets, try a new craft like knitting or crocheting, or even make vision boards. * Book Club: Choose a book to read and then meet up to discuss it over coffee or brunch.Relaxing & Social: * Spa Day: Whether at a professional spa or a DIY at-home spa with face masks, manicures, and relaxing music. * Picnic in the Park: Pack a delicious lunch, some blankets, and enjoy the outdoors and good conversation. * Game Night: Classic board games, card games, or even video games can lead to a lot of laughs. * Movie Marathon: Pick a theme (favorite genre, childhood classics) and settle in for a cozy movie day with snacks. * Coffee Shop Hopping or Food Tour: Explore local cafes or try different eateries in your town. * Thrifting or Boutique Browse: Enjoy some retail therapy and discover unique finds. * Volunteer Together: Giving back to the community can be a very rewarding and bonding experience. Look for local shelters, food banks, or community events. * Afternoon Tea: A lovely way to spend an afternoon, complete with tasty treats and good conversation.Tips for a Great Saturday: * Discuss Preferences: Before planning, chat with your friends about what kind of activities they’re in the mood for. * Consider Budget: There are many free or low-cost options, so factor in everyone’s budget. * Potluck Style: For food-related activities, consider a potluck to share the effort and variety. * Comfort over Perfection: The goal is quality time and enjoyment, so don’t stress about making it perfect. * Focus on Connection: Regardless of the activity, prioritize conversation and connecting with each other.Enjoy your wholesome Saturday!

Wednesday charm, spit up…

Barbecuing ribs involves seasoning them with a spice rub, preparing a barbecue sauce, and cooking them low and slow over indirect heat. An advantage of using an open fire on a spit is that it allows for even cooking and great flavor development, as the smoke infuses the meat while it’s turning, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender. Additionally, this method can enhance the rustic flavor of the ribs, giving them a unique charred and smoky profile.

Travel safe ..

We wish and deserve…

There we go…

It’s tricky to guarantee “calm, reliable” weather, as nature can always surprise us! However, here are five places known for generally pleasant spring and summer conditions, focusing on areas that tend to avoid extremes:
* The Pacific Northwest (e.g., Seattle, Vancouver, Vancouver Island):
   * This region is famous for its mild summers. You’ll find comfortable temperatures, and while rain is possible, summers are generally drier than other times of the year.
   * It’s a great choice for those who prefer less intense heat.
* The Baltic Coast (e.g., parts of Germany, Poland, and the Baltic States):
   * This area tends to have cooler summers, avoiding the intense heat waves that can affect other parts of Europe.
   * You can expect pleasant days and comfortable evenings.
* Coastal California (e.g., areas north of Los Angeles):
   * Coastal California often has a “marine layer” that keeps temperatures moderate, especially in the mornings and evenings.
   * Areas like the central and northern California coast offer beautiful scenery and comfortable weather.
* Patagonia (Southern Chile and Argentina):
   * While “summer” here is the Southern Hemisphere’s summer (our winter), their spring and summer months provide for very enjoyable hiking and outdoor activities.
   * This area is known for its dramatic landscapes and cooler temperatures, providing a great escape from heat.
* Alaska (especially coastal areas):
   * Alaska offers mild summers with long daylight hours.
   * Coastal areas tend to have more moderate temperatures than inland areas.
   * It is a great place to experience nature, and see wildlife.
When considering these locations, remember that:
* “Calm” is relative. Even these places can have occasional weather variations.
* Coastal areas often have microclimates, so conditions can change within short distances.
I hope this helps!

Wednesday Charm,Central park

Music in the park Thursday August 15/24

The City of Merritt Central park hosts nights of music weekly in the summer months.

The local music will climax with the Rodeo Dance  on the 31st of August this year.

Music in the park this week

Thursday August 22nd, Kamloops own Serious Dogs, 6 PM to 8 PM. Bring your own chairs.

Rotary Park of Voght in Central Park, Merritt BC Canada.

Photographer Kevin Griffiths, Merritt BIO

Longtime Nicola Valley resident and contributor to the fellowship of the local arts community. He is showing work running from Wednesday into the summer at the Gallery in Merritt.The photographer is understanding of the grace and presence that this interior of British Columbia Valley has on the population and guests as they seek imagery on travels and tours over time.

Kevin uses a Canon 800D camera and is an avid fan of developing digital tech.

Venue

The Nicola Valley Community Arts Council, Gallery is located at 2051 Voght street in Merritt BC, Canada. The entrance is next to the Kekuli Cafe.

Normal by Wednesday

Return to routine

How do

Returning to routine after celebrating a life event can be a significant shift. Here are a few tips to ease the transition:

  1. Reflect on the Celebration: Take a moment to reflect on the event and the joy it brought. This can help you appreciate the experience and carry its positivity forward.
  2. Re-establish Priorities: Identify your important tasks and commitments, and gradually reintegrate them into your schedule. Setting achievable goals can help you regain a sense of normalcy.
  3. Slow Transition: Ease back into your routine rather than abruptly diving back in. Start by tackling the most essential tasks first.
  4. Self-Care: Ensure that you take care of yourself both physically and mentally, as transitions can be emotionally taxing.
  5. Stay Connected: Maintain the connections made during the celebration and use them as a source of support as you return to your routine.

By approaching the transition with mindfulness and self-care, you can effectively reintegrate into your routine after celebrating a significant life event.

Feet on the ground

Remember you may have gotten yourself into a distorted sense of entitlement that may clash with others routine. KDG

Lend a hear, have a beer.

Lend an hear

On the left off Voght when leaving Merritt north 5 or 5A.

Game On Sports Bar in Merritt, BC

Game On Sports Bar is a popular hangout spot in Merritt, BC for sports enthusiasts and those looking for a laid-back atmosphere to enjoy a game or catch up with friends. The bar offers a variety of snacks, drinks, and an inviting setting to watch sports events on big screens.

For those seeking a relaxed environment to socialize and entertain themselves, Game On Sports Bar might just be the perfect spot in Merritt, BC. Remember, fun times with friends and sports are just around the corner at Game On Sports Bar.

Game on sports bar rates:

Based on one recent visit the sports bar rates for aesthetics, staff, service and clients. Good to Excellent.

Stars

Rest Day…

Happy New year

Message from KDG

2024 in the door.

In 2024, we can expect to see further advancements in technology, continued focus on environmental issues, potential breakthroughs in science and medicine, and significant global events such as elections, sporting competitions, and cultural milestones. It’s also likely that the world will continue to grapple with ongoing challenges, including those related to public health, climate change, and international relations. As with any year, 2024 will bring both opportunities and obstacles, shaping the course of history in various ways.

You be the boss.Where you may…

Sweet think 🤔

First Last, Last First, or is that the Firth of Forth…

Those cultures are out there,,

Blessed place