Community Event
Merritt, Stronger by Design
Saturday, November 14, 2026, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Claybanks RV Park.
Come see how far Merritt's flood recovery has come and meet the people making it happen.
Join Mayor and Council, Flood Mitigation, Engineering, and Construction teams, and community partners for a look at the projects, plans, and partnerships shaping Merritt's future. Enjoy family-friendly activities, refreshments, and a screening of Episode Two of Merritt Rising, "Five Years".
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!”
Flood Mitigation Update | Q3 - 2026
November 2026 will mark five years since the flood changed Merritt. For those of us who were here, it can feel both like yesterday and a lifetime ago. As we approach that anniversary, I want residents to see not just what we've repaired, but what we're building to make our community safer for the future.
Q3 is when much of our work becomes visible. The short fisheries least-risk window makes summer an especially busy construction season. Our largest undertaking was the Fir Avenue Bank Stabilization project, delivered in partnership with the Province. Crews redirected river flows, created new fish habitat, and advanced work to stabilize the eroding bank below nearby homes. It's a good example of how flood protection and river stewardship can be achieved together.
Equally important, though less visible, was the progress on Dike 129/130. The overall project advanced through 30% design, the 2027 construction package approached 70%, and procurement began. STUWI(x) also reached 100% design, with naturalization and planting planned for next summer.
Work isn't finished. These milestones are setting the stage for several major construction seasons ahead.
While we've secured significant funding, approximately $46 million in planned mitigation projects remains unfunded. Through the West Coast Corridor Resiliency Partnership (WCCRP.ca), we're working alongside other communities to make the case for completing this important work.
At our November 14 event, we look forward to showing residents what five years of effort has achieved, and what the next four years of construction will bring. We've come a long way, but our work has just begun.
Sean Strang,
2026 Quarterly Reports
2025 Quarterly Reports
2025 Q4 Council update
January 2026
2025 Q3 Council update
October 2025
2025 Q2 Council update
July 2025
2025 Q1 Council update
April 2025
STUWI(x) Naturalization Project
Engineering Start: Community led, evolving
Construction Start: October 2025
Construction End: 2027
Status: Current
C-EDR 129 Setback Dike
Engineering Start: Winter 2025
Project Start: Summer 2026
Project End: Summer 2030
Status: Current
C-EDR 130 Setback Dike
Engineering Start: Winter 2025
Project Start: Summer 2026
Project End: Summer 2030
Status: Current
C-EPA North (Public Works) Dike
Engineering Start: September 2023
Construction Start: May 2024
Construction End: November 2024
Status: Complete
Main St Bridge Improvements
Fir Bank Stabilization
Engineering Start: 2025
Construction Start: Spring 2026
Construction End: Fall 2026
Status: Current
Middlesboro bridge
C-EPA Claybanks Dike
Engineering Start: November 2023
Construction Start: July 2025
Construction End: December 2025
Status: Complete
C-EPA Middlesboro Phase 1
Engineering Start: November 2023
Construction Start: 2027
Construction End: 2027
Status: Current
Voght Street Pump Station
Engineering Start: Spring 2026
Construction Start: Summer 2027
Completion: Fall 2027
Status: Current
