C-EPA North (Public Works) Dike

Overview

Public Works Protection Dike is a 300-meter-long flood protection dike along the bank of the Coldwater River.

The C-EPA North dike is positioned along the City’s Public Works yard. The yard contains the City’s wastewater treatment plant.

Protecting this critical infrastructure is a key mitigation measure to mitigating the impact from future flood events.

One of the benefits of a comprehensive dike network is that it provides an active transportation and recreation
network along the river.

One of steps taken during the ARE was the emergency discharge of partially treated water into the Coldwater River to bypass the damaged Rapid Infiltration Basin.

C-EPA North will protect one of the key components of the wastewater treatment system, thereby reducing the risk of uncontrolled effluent discharge into the Coldwater River that could impact downstream communities and impact the fish and fish habitat. 

Funding

Thanks to $2 million in funding from the Province of BC’s Ministry of Emergency Management & Climate Readiness, the public works facility will see protected dike work to new 1-in-200-year flood standards.

The project is backed by $2 million from the BC Ministry of Emergency Management & Climate Readiness, which was announced in February 2023.

The City of Merritt’s Flood Mitigation team launched an e-petition calling on the Government of Canada to support the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF) or similar program to support small communities impacted by disasters.

Funding is critical for implementing a comprehensive dike system outlined in the Flood Mitigation Plan, designed to protect Merritt from future flooding events.

The petition gave residents, stakeholders, and supporters the opportunity to make their voices heard in Parliament, advocating for federal assistance to ensure the safety and resilience of our community.