Homeless population up 55 per cent in Merritt since 2020 count
All 20 communities studied saw an increase in its homeless population.
Category: Economy
New forest enhancement funding to benefit Merritt energy facility
Over $800,000 will be used to grind waste materials to ship to Merritt’s energy facility.
Province caps 2024 rent increases at 3.5 percent citing increasing cost of living
The provincial government has announced that rent increases will be capped at 3.5 percent in 2024, representing a 1.5 percent increase in the limit from 2023.
Nicola Valley residents invited to apply for Neighbourhood Small Grants
Nicola Valley residents are eligible to apply for a regional grant that looks to increase neighbourly connections in a variety of community driven ways.
Province increases funding for post-secondary graduate scholarships
The provincial government is investing more than $15 million in graduate scholarships over three years, including funding scholarships of nearby schools like Kamloops’ Thompson Rivers University.
August dubbed ‘Downtown and Main Street Month’
Merritt’s downtown core is host to a number of businesses, services, and non-profits, and has been the target of revitalization efforts for many years.
Voght Park track rebuild underway, city exploring polymer options
Rebuilding of Merritt’s athletic track is well underway, with a number of improvements coming for track and field users following the destruction of the original six-lane oblong track during the November 2021 flooding event.
Calgary beats out Tk?emlúps te Secwépemc to host 2027 North American Indigenous Games
Beating out a bid by the Tk?emlúps te Secwépemc/Kamloops, Calgary was awarded the title of host city for the 2027 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) during an announcement at the site of the 2023 Games on Saturday (July 22).
ALBAS: ‘Made in Canada inflation impacting families and businesses’
Made-in-Canada inflation remains a growing concern not just for the impact it has on families, particularly in rural areas, but also on many small businesses.
Hot-in-progress: multiple construction projects slowing area roads
With summer conditions come summer construction projects, and the Nicola Valley’s surrounding highways are no exception.
Trades and apprenticeship opportunities expanded with new funding
The provincial government is providing a funding boost to a number of organizations that support people entering the trades and help them to complete their apprenticeships.
New forestry management engagement practices in play, local workers seeking timeline on permits
The provincial government announced in a recent press release that immediate steps are being taken to help protect rare forest habitats, as well as expand forest management and planning through public engagement. The changes come after extensive consultation with First Nations, professional associations, and other stakeholders.
New provincial funding will see Merritt implement residential water metering
New funding from the provincial government will soon allow the City of Merritt to install a residential water metering system, a move both the city and province said will conserve water and protect vital infrastructure systems.
Province to fund replacement of Middlesboro Bridge, completion set for 2025
The City of Merritt is receiving more than $10 million in funding that will allow for the construction of a new Middlesboro Bridge, one built to withstand high water flow such as the rates seen during the November 2021 flooding event that destroyed the original bridge on Voght Street.
Local logging contractors pen letter to forestry minister
A group of logging contractors from the Nicola Valley have penned a letter to the provincial government regarding concerns with the province’s cutting permit referral process and high stumpage fees, along with economic and environmental worries over wildfire affected timber being left unharvested.
B.C. minimum wage now $16.75 per hour
On June 1, 2023, B.C’s minimum wage increased from $15.65 to $16.75 an hour, a part of what the provincial government describes as regular, gradual increases to the minimum wage to provide certainty to workers.
TNRD says taxation error on some Nicola Valley properties being fixed
The Thompson Nicola Regional District (TNRD) is advising property owners in some areas of the Nicola Valley of a possible error on their property tax notices in relation to fire protection services.
Province announces new extreme weather funding for farmers and ranchers
The provincial government announced in a recent press release that it is making new funding available to support farmers and ranchers become more resilient to flooding, wildfires, and extreme heat.
City council approves municipal budget, financial plan
The City of Merritt’s council has passed its 2023-2027 Financial Plan, setting the year’s budget in place and deciding a number of key tax rates for Merrittonians at its May 9 regular meeting.
B.C. nurses ratify new three year deal
Nurses in B.C. have ratified a new agreement with the provincial government, securing a three-year deal that spans from April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2025.
