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The City of Merritt has implemented a three-step plan to get residents back into the community and some will likely be able to return home tomorrow.

An evacuation order is expected to be lifted to an alert for the northern part of Merritt, including the Merritt hospital and health centre tomorrow, Nov. 23 at 12 p.m.

READ MORE: Merritt to use massive 170 m blow-up dam to temporarily move river back after flood

A boil water notice is in place for all residents returning as part of phase one of the plan, north of the Merritt’s RCMP detachment.

“The City asks that residents be extremely conscious of water use, as the Kengard well is the only well currently feeding this system and minimizing water use is necessary to preserve fire flow,” reads a City of Merritt news release.

Prior to return, residents should acquire sufficient food and supplies to be self-sufficient for 72 hours.

Grocery stores in the phase one area are working to be open for Nov. 23, though reduced hours may be in place and there is no guarantee on what products will be available, according to the City.

Garbage and recycling service will commence the week of Nov. 29 and commercial service will begin immediately. The City will be providing reduced levels of snow clearing service. The City has reduced flows for fire protection, which is being partially offset by water tanker an water truck vehicles on standby.

Hydro, gas and internet utilities are all operational in the phase one area.

The City is coordinating with Merritt’s school district, which is developing a plan for remote learning for students in our community, alongside a plan for returning to physical locations.

At the outset, the Nicola Valley Hospital and Health Centre will not be open. Interior Health is actively working on bringing additional health services online.

During the first phase of the plan, roadblocks will remain on Voght Street at Grimmett Street, on Nicola Avenue at Juniper Drive, and on Nicola Avenue at Coldwater Road, according to the City. Access from Highway 8 to retail stores in the Northeast of Merritt will be via Juniper Drive.

The evacuation order for part of the city between the RCMP Station and Nicola Avenue Is expected to be lifted Thursday, Nov. 25.

For the city’s third phase, south of Nicola Avenue, “there is a mix of properties that were and were not affected by flood. Timelines for removing the evacuation order to these neighbourhoods will be established as soon as possible. Orders will likely be removed on a block-by-block basis, with priority being given to those areas where utilities can more readily be re-established,” according to the City.

Evacuation orders may remain in place where damage was more substantial both to structures and utilities.

For more information on the Merritt’s Return Home Plan, contact the Return to Home Information Line at 1-877-655-0341.

City of Merritt Return to Home Plan by Carli Berry on Scribd

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