Overview
During the 2021 Atmospheric River, many temporary flood mitigation works were put in place.
Among these were temporary riprap dikes, bank stabilization measures, and temporary Hesco baskets.
Many of the Hesco baskets were placed on private property during the flood. These baskets are designed for short term use, and thus after 3 years it is likely they are not providing the full protection as designed. The preference of the City is to keep these baskets in place until permanent diking solutions are funded and constructed.
However, given that they are on private property and there is no State of Local Emergency in place, the City is able to remove them at the landowners request.
These removals have been completed at some places already, and have been documented.
Funding
All the places that have or had Hesco baskets have permanent flood mitigation infrastructure identified in the 2022 council adopted Flood Mitigation Plan.
Given the cost and scale of this plan, City of Merritt is not able to directly fund it with tax-source revenues, and thus is continuing to work with senior levels of government for a funding plan.
Status
Current
Notes
Project start: 2021
Project end: ongoing until funds are secured
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