QUICK SUMMARY
Merritt, B.C., will receive nearly $3.4 million from the provincial government to construct flood-protection infrastructure. The funding, sourced from the Disaster Resilience and Innovation Fund, will support the Middlesboro Phase 1 Diking Project, essential for the city's flood mitigation plan.
Merritt, B.C., will receive nearly $3.4 million from the provincial government to enhance its flood protection infrastructure. The funding, sourced from the Disaster Resilience and Innovation Fund, will support the construction of the Middlesboro Phase 1 Diking Project. This project aims to safeguard homes, businesses, and vital infrastructure, as articulated by the city's flood mitigation department. “The project includes the construction of a setback dike, which will allow the river to more naturally traverse the Coldwater River corridor through Merritt,” officials noted. This initiative is crucial, as the city continues to grapple with the aftermath of severe flooding in November 2021, when the Coldwater River overflowed, leading to widespread evacuation and significant damage. The total estimated cost for the comprehensive flood mitigation plan stands at $165 million, with much still unfunded. The DRIF grant will fully cover the costs associated with the Middlesboro-Phase 1 Diking Project. This funding represents a significant step toward enhancing the city’s resilience against future flooding events.