Merritt program sees walkways cleared of snow for seniors, disabled
A pilot program funded by the City of Merritt is helping seniors and those with disabilities this winter with a new snow shovelling program.
Earlier this year, city council approved $7,000 to help those in need, said deputy corporate officer Linda Brick.
The City of Merritt and the Interior Community Services' Better at Home program has teamed up to provide a snow removal service to support seniors who are unable to clear their pathways, sidewalks, and driveways.
Better at Home is a provincial program funded through the United Way British Columbia and provides subsidies to seniors for a variety of services, according to the city.
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Merritt residents ages 65 and older, who are unable to shovel snow themselves due to a physical disability or restriction and do not live with someone able to shovel for them can apply.
People with a disability must be under 65, have received a disabled homeownership grant in 2022, must be a Merritt property owner and must be unable to shovel due to a physical disability or restriction.
So far, there are 50 spots available for the winter season and 40 of those have already been filled, Brick said.
Snow clearers will be out and about today, Nov. 4, with the recent snowfall, she said.
This is the second year, they'll be partnering with Better at Home to remove snow for seniors. They received a $10,000 grant and subsidized the program for seniors in need.
Applications can be found online.
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