April 4, 2026
The Fir Bank Stabilization Project is well underway, and is expected to be completed in 2026.
This provincially funded project is being run in a rare provincial/municipal partnerships, with each partners responsible for different aspects of this large project.
The City of Merritt is thankful for the significant role and difficult work being done by the Province of BC to increase safety and resiliency in our community.
This phase included the construction of a newly defined river channel, lined with appropriately sized gravels to support salmon spawning, as well as the installation of three large woody debris structures designed to provide aquatic refuge.
Work like this will be common along the river during the 2026-2030 timeline of dike and resiliency construction, and each project is managed in accordance with a tightly controlled and provincially approved Construction Environmental Management Plan.
This plan is developed by the Qualified Environmental Professional on each site, with feedback from our Indigenous Community Partners, and monitored closely during the execution stage to ensure the natural asset of our Coldwater River stays beautiful as well as resilient.
Overview
Fir Bank Stabilization and Coldwater Projects
The Fir Avenue & Oxbow Project in Merritt is a flood mitigation initiative aimed at reducing flood risks and restoring natural river function along the Coldwater River to ensure healthy river diversity and fish habitat.
The scope of the project:
This area experienced bank erosion during the severe flooding in 2021, leading to accelerated property erosion.
The project involves riverbank stabilization to create a flood-resilient corridor while allowing the river more natural space to flow.
Overall, the project aligns with Merritt’s broader Flood Mitigation Plan, integrating community safety, environmental restoration, and long-term climate resilience.
Updates
Exciting progress along the Coldwater corridor.
Permits are complete and construction is beginning on the Fir Bank Stabilization and Coldwater Realignment project.
Work by Rock Solid Industries will continue through Fall 2026, with spring planting and channel work starting soon.
Spring
- Cottonwood planting
- New channel construction adjacent to the existing channel
- Installation of woody debris structures to support habitat
Summer
- Riprap berm installation at the base of the bank
- Riverbank stabilization work
- Installation of flow deflectors
Fall
- Final vegetation installation and site restoration
Status
Construction Work is now in progress
Notes
Dike length: 120m
Engineering start: 2025
Construction start: Spring 2026
Construction end: Fall 2026
Funding
The Project is funded by British Columbia’s Ministry of Environment and Parks (ENV) in partnership with the City of Merritt.
The funding enables land restoration, and riverbank stabilization, ensuring a long-term, climate-adaptive solution for the community.
Fir Bank Stabilization and Coldwater Realignment Project FAQs
What is the Fir Bank Stabilization and Coldwater Realignment Project?
The Fir Bank Stabilization and Coldwater Realignment project is a flood recovery initiative along the Coldwater River in Merritt.
The project will stabilize riverbanks, improve channel conditions, and support healthier river habitat while reducing erosion risks and increasing resilience during high river events.
Why is this project needed?
During the 2021 atmospheric river flood event, sections of the Coldwater River near Fir Road (aka Avenue) experienced significant riverbank failure.
This failure accelerated impacts to nearby properties and infrastructure. The project will stabilize the bank and improve river function to help reduce similar risks in future high-water events.
Who is responsible for this project?
This project is led and funded by British Columbia’s Ministry of Environment and Park (ENV).
The project is being delivered within the City of Merritt, with engineering services provided by Associated Engineering and construction carried out by Rock Solid Industries.
What work will take place during construction?
Construction will take place over several phases:
Spring
- Cottonwood planting
- New channel construction adjacent to the existing channel
- Installation of woody debris structures to support habitat
Summer
- Riprap berm installation at the base of the bank
- Riverbank stabilization work
- Installation of flow deflectors
Fall
- Final vegetation installation and site restoration
When will construction take place?
Construction is expected to take place over the coming months, with work progressing through the spring and summer seasons. Project completion is anticipated by year end of 2026.
How will this project benefit the community?
The project supports multiple outcomes, including:
- Reduced riverbank failures along the Coldwater River
- Increased resilience during high river flows
- Improved fish habitat and river diversity
- A more stable and natural river corridor
Together, these improvements contribute to Merritt’s long-term flood mitigation and river recovery efforts.
Will residents notice construction activity in the area?
Yes. Residents and visitors may notice construction equipment and crews working along sections of the Coldwater River near Fir Road during the construction period. Efforts will be made to minimize disruption while safely completing the work.
Anticipated disruptions are:
- Crews and equipment will be entering and exiting the construction area through the Coldwater Trail parking lot at 1301 Voght Street. Please watch for construction traffic and park on the north side of the lot, facing the school field. Temporary closures may be needed.
- Minor traffic management along Voght St
- Increased traffic along Walnut Ave
- No river access from Voght St to Walnut Ave. However riverside dike trail is still open.
Where can I find updates about the project?
Update memos will be shared on the City of Merritt Flood Mitigation website as work progresses.
More information can be found at:
flood.merritt.ca/project/fir/
Residents with questions are encouraged to reach out to the City of Merritt Flood Mitigation Department for additional information at floodmitigation@merritt.ca
Image Gallery
Informational Memorandums
01-08-2026 - Fir Bank Stabilization and Coldwater Realignment - Pre-Construction Status Memo
03-27-2026 - Fir Ave Bank Stablization Construction Status Memo #1
04-03-2026 - Fir Ave Bank Stabilization Construction Memo #2
04-10-2026 - Fir Ave Bank Stabalization Construction Memo #3
04-17-2026 - Fir Ave Bank Stabalization Construction Memo #4
01-08-2026 - Middlesboro to Houston - Pre-Construction Status Memo
03-27-2026 - Middlesboro to Houston Offsetting Construction Status Memo #1
04-03-2026 - Middlesboro to Houston Offsetting Construction Status Memo #2
04-10-2026 - Middelsboro to Houston Offsetting Construction Memo #3
04-17-2026 - Middelsboro to Houston Offsetting Construction Memo #4