Flood Mitigation Department Projects
Flood Mitigation Department
The Merritt Flood Mitigation Department is focused on protecting the community from future flood risks through a comprehensive Flood Mitigation Plan.
This plan includes the development of a dike system and other infrastructure projects to safeguard key areas.
The department emphasizes strategic planning, Indigenous Engagement, project partner collaboration, and community involvement to build resilience against climate-related disasters.
By leveraging insights from other municipalities and experts, the department employs a phased, milestone-driven approach to implement effective flood protection measures.
The goal is to create sustainable solutions that enhance Merritt’s preparedness and response capabilities, ensuring long-term safety and stability for the community.
Photo Credit: Kevin Vilac Chief Operator of the Water and Wastewater Systems. May 10, 2022
“Today while doing our rounds this Tulip appeared from nowhere. Amidst the chaos and destruction here is this beautiful flower, like the residents of Merritt. If it can do it, so can we! I hope this Tulip helps anyone that may need a boost to push forward and just be you!”
Council Update | Q4 – 2025
Given the project’s technical complexity and engineering value exceeding $2 million, the RFP process was rigorous and comprehensive, concluding with the final purchase order being executed on December 24. Stantec has been retained as the Engineer of Record and will engage with Council during the preliminary engineering phase in Q1 2026 to review the project approach, scope, and anticipated timelines.
The department’s engagement plan continued to deepen its integration within the community. During the quarter, staff attended multiple open houses hosted by partner communities, building relationships and responding directly to questions related to flood
mitigation and river stewardship.
Q4 also saw significant progress on the Coldwater Land Acquisition Plan. Significant staff and consultant hours were invested during the quarter, resulting in offers being issued to homeowners in December 2025. While this represents a smaller financial component of the overall Flood Mitigation Plan, it is a complex and sensitive program, and staff will continue to dedicate the attention and resources required to ensure its successful implementation.
Sean Strang,
Director of Recovery and Mitigation
January 2026
October 2025
DOWNLOAD THE FULL Q2 COUNCIL UPDATE
July 2025
April 2025
Rapid Infiltration Basins
Construction end: September 2022
Status: complete
C-EDR 129 Setback Dike
Construction: 2027-2029
Dike Length: 2.9 KM
Status: current
Main St Bridge Riprap Project
Project start: May 2023
Project end: December 2023
Status: complete
Main Street Bridge Improvements
Status: unfunded
Middlesboro Bridge Rebuild
Construction end: November 2024
Status: complete
C-EPA North (Public Works) Dike
Construction end: November 2024
Status: complete
Dike Length: 280 m
STUWI(x) Naturalization Project
Engineering start: Community led, evolving
Construction start: October 2025
Construction end: 2027
Status: current
Canford Pump Station
Status: unfunded
C-EPA Middlesboro Phase 2
Status: unfunded
C-EPA Middlesboro Phase 3
Status: unfunded
Voght Street Pump Station
Location: TBA
Status: current
Fir Ave Bank Stabilization and Coldwater Realignment
Construction start: 2026
Status: current
Dike length: 120m
C-EPA Claybanks Dike
Construction end: December 2025
Status: complete
Dike length: 190m
C-EPA Middlesboro Phase 1
Construction start: TBA
Status: current
Dike length: 90m
Houston Godey
Status: unfunded
Hesco Baskets
Status: current ongoing maintenance
Completed
20%
In Progress
50%
Unfunded
30%
