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 | Q3 – 2025
Summer and fall are peak construction seasons, particularly for riverside work.
The Coldwater River has one of the shortest “work windows” in BC, just 11 days (July 22–Aug 1). Work outside this window requires costly environmental measures such as fish salvage, water isolation, and sediment control.
Within this narrow period, two key 2025 projects were completed: the Claybanks RV Park Dike and Dike 130 debris removal at the Stuwi(x) site. The rest of the project work was able to occur outside this window, as it was further back from the river.
Provincial staffing changes over summer slowed claim processing and grant approvals. The Dike 129/130 project, announced in March, did not receive provincial approval to proceed. Despite efforts from staff, the CAO, and the Mayor, funding was not approved in the quarter, delaying engineering procurement.
The team advanced procurement preparation and land acquisition work, and launched a minidocuseries showcasing Merritt’s flood mitigation progress, with filming scheduled for Q4.
Overall, the summer delivered strong results in construction and planning.
The department continues to build a reputation for effective execution and strategic preparation.
Sean Strang,
Director of Recovery and Mitigation
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%
