Campfire ban in effect for Kamloops Fire Centre starting noon Thursday
According to a joint release, effective at 12:00 pm on Thursday (June 8) Category 1 fires, including campfires, will be prohibited throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre.
Category: Safety
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.
Keeping Merritt FireSmart a shared responsibility
The fire department are already deep into their wildfire mitigation work, which includes several initiatives that have proven beneficial in the past and one in particular that empowers homeowners to do their part by offsetting some of the costs of FireSmart upgrades.
Doctors of BC ‘sounding the alarm’ on state of emergency departments
Concerns over closures of the Nicola Valley Hospital and Health Centre’s emergency department have been top of mind for Merrittonians, and now an association representing 14,000 physician members, is sounding the alarm about the state of emergency departments across B.C.
Motorcyclist facing multiple charges after speeding and evading Merritt RCMP
Merritt mounties and BC Highway Patrol (BCHP) recently announced that an 18 year old motorcyclist was observed travelling over 209 kilometres per hour on the Coquihalla Highway near Merritt, with the driver facing multiple charges and suspensions.
Provincial work safety initiative reminds Merritt drivers of ‘Cone Zones’
Residents of the Nicola Valley are no strangers to roadside construction, with several major highways converging in Merritt, and long term road construction projects still ongoing for both Highway 8 and the Coquihalla Highway in the aftermath of the 2021 floods.
Merritt sees four illicit drug deaths through first four months of 2023
Four people have died from unregulated drugs in Merritt through the first four months of 2023, with 814 lives lost throughout the province.
Two province-wide crisis lines receive federal funding boost
Looking to support survivors of gender-based violence amidst a recent spike in demand for services, the federal government is providing a boost in funding for two province wide crisis-line providers.
Two open burning bans announced for Kamloops Fire Centre
According to a joint release, effective at 12:00 pm on Thursday (May 18) Category 2 and Category 3 open fires, as well as other equipment and activities will be prohibited throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre.
Potential breach in Garcia Street dike temporarily repaired
In the midst of a High Streamflow Advisory last weekend on both the Coldwater and Nicola Rivers, a number of Garcia Street residents took their concerns with a potential breach on an old dike to Merritt City Hall.
New doctor soon joining The Medical Clinic in Merritt
Merritt will soon gain another physician, with Merrittonian Dr. Ajhmair Lali returning to the Nicola Valley from university later this year to begin his medical career at home. Lali will join The Medical Clinic, who announced in January of this year that Dr. Morgan Lyttle would be closing his practice as early as April 2023.
Fraser-Nicola MLA hosts community and mental health critic for conversation
During a recent legislative break week, Fraser-Nicola MLA Jackie Tegart and Surrey-South MLA Elenore Sturko held a community conversation at the Best Western on Saturday (April 29) regarding mental health, addictions, and community safety.
Severe thunderstorm watch in effect for Merritt area
Officials said that conditions favour the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail, and heavy rain.
Rallies against ER closures attended by over 200, including MLA and Mayor
In the third display of what organizers have unofficially dubbed as Rallies for Healthcare, over 200 Nicola Valley residents gathered at Central Park to show their support and call for action on ongoing service disruptions at the Nicola Valley Hospital’s emergency department.
Merritt RCMP seek assistance in identifying vehicle involved in hit and run
Merritt Mounties are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a truck involved in a hit and run early on Thursday (April 27).
High Streamflow Advisory being maintained for Thompson region
The BC River Forecast Centre is maintaining a High Streamflow Advisory for the Thompson major basin, which includes Merritt, while upgrading other parts of the region to a Flood Watch.
New WorkSafeBC guideline ensures proper fit
WorkSafeBC, the province’s workers’ compensation board, is reminding employers about a newly implemented guideline outlining requirements to ensure personal protective equipment (PPE) fits properly for all workers, regardless of their gender.
Wildfire near junction of Highways 8 and 97C being held
BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) crews are currently battling a wildfire near Merritt, where a 20 hectare blaze has grown rapidly throughout the day due to windy conditions.
Nearly 600 toxic drug deaths in first quarter of 2023
As B.C.’s toxic drug crisis drags on, the latest report from the BC Coroners Service shows that illicit drugs claimed the lives of nearly 600 people in the first three months of 2023, including 177 newly reported lives lost in February, followed by 197 in March.
Nicola and Coldwater rivers included in first round of new provincial flood mapping
The provincial government announced in a press release on Friday (April 21) that new funding would benefit the City of Merritt and other communities by mapping possible flood hazards in areas prone to flooding.
