CITY TO FIX FINANCIALS
Organizations looking for financial assistance from the City of Merritt may be looking elsewhere for the time being as city hall looks to deal with its own finances.
TY LIM reporter@merrittherald.com
The City of Merritt seems to be tightening its coffers as it deals with balancing its own financial situation.
Regarding financials, the city is looking to save money for three infrastructure projects. These are renovations to the Waste Water Treatment Plant, the Kengard Well and the remaining sections of diking in case higher levels of government funding aren’t contributed to it.
Saving to pay off the loans needed to fund these projects will likely result in another tax increase as discussed in the October 16 finance and audit meeting.
The projects would require tens of millions of dollars paid out over the course of years. As pressure builds to see these projects completed, and the city’s taxpayers TAX EXEMPTIONS continued on page 3
NEW CAO COMING
Merritt is looking for its next
after
CHOICE
Merrittonians
Canadian Legion
on
NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
TAX EXEMPTIONS UP IN THE AIR
having to deal with increased rates in recent years, the city is less inclined to approve financial assistance like tax exemptions.
During October 14’s city council meeting city council was presented with numerous matters asking for financial assistance with some organizations requesting tax exemptions.
Council stated they are now reluctant to give financial assistance to community organizations because of the city’s own financial situation.
Three groups; Interior Community Services, Citw(x) Nlaka’pamux Assembly and Canadian Society of Country Music and Heritage came to the city applying for a tax exemption on their properties.
Council had the option to exempt up to 100 per cent on these organizations’ land and improvements.
Most council members expressed that the city is not in a position to approve these tax exemptions.
“I think we have to start looking at tax exemptions and basically go back to the nuts-and-bolts and only
“We need to be able to keep the City of Merritt afloat.”
— Yvette Baxter, Merritt City Councillor
have tax exemptions for the ones that are required,” said Coun.
Wendy Charney.
“This is taxpayer dollars benefitting different groups.”
Council said that if more and more groups received tax
exemptions, more burden would be placed on taxpayers.
“We need to be able to keep the City of Merritt afloat. And if we keep funding everything, we’re not going to be able to do that. And we’re going to have to keep raising taxes for everybody, and that’s not fair,” said Coun. Yvette Baxter.
Mayor Mike Goetz shared the same sentiment, calling back to the city’s financial situation and the current burden on taxpayers.
“We’ve gone double digit (property tax increases) two years in a row. We’ve raised some stuff by 50 per cent. That’s on a two-year journey we’ve been on,” he said.
“We asked this community to go on a journey with us as far as taxes go,” Goetz said. “We’re not finished that journey yet. I think it would be a disservice for us to offer a tax exemption while we’re still on this journey.”
Council tabled any talk of tax exemptions until the next budget cycle next year.
During the Oct. 16 financial meeting, Goetz said he’d like to see a smaller property tax increase for the next budget. He suggested a raise of around six per cent would be fair.
“To come back now (from two years of property tax increases) and go, ‘this year it’ll probably be 10 per cent (increase)’ is a little bit crazy,” he said.
“For myself I would like to see us at around six per cent.”
GOT NEWS?
Contact Jake or Ty at newsroom@merrittherald.com or call 250-378-4241
CITY CAO SIGNS OFF
JAKE COURTEPATTE newsroom@merrittherald.com
The City of Merritt is searching for a new permanent chief administrative officer following the departure of Cynthia White from the position.
Mayor Mike Goetz said in a statement sent to the Merritt Herald that White has moved on “to pursue new opportunities and challenges.”
W hite took on the role in September of 2023 following the departure of previous CAO Sean Smith, moving to Merritt from the municipality of Fort Smith, NWT where she worked as its senior administrative officer.
In her over two years as the City of Merritt’s CAO, White tackled issues at city hall ranging from affordable
housing, to the opening of the new Nicola Avenue shelter, to flood recovery projects like the rebuilding of the Middlesboro Bridge and dike repair.
“The City appreciates her contributions to the community and wishes her well,” said Goetz.
Rick Green will change desks at city hall as the interim CAO, moving from the position of director of public works and engineering services.
Green joined City of Merritt staff in 2022, having spent the previous decade as director of operations in Stettler County, Alberta. In his tenure in Merritt, Green has overseen projects involving the city’s water and sewage systems, post-flood development, and the city’s compost facility.
Learn more by booking your no obligation quote today
PHOTO/CITY OF MERRITT
Cynthia White has moved on from the position of City of Merritt CAO.
CITY: continued from page 1
POPULATION GROWTH DISCUSSED
TY LIM reporter@merrittherald.com
Housing needs is again the talk of city council as the Official Community Plan (OCP) was revised around updated housing needs and new provincial legislation.
The revised OCP aligns with provincial housing legislation that makes B.C. local governments conform with zoning to build more small-scale multi-unit housing.
In other reports, the City’s housing report foresees a need of 471 new units within the next five years alone. Within 20 years, this number increases to 1325 units. This need for housing also signals a rise in Merritt’s population, the OCP suggests.
The plan has three estimates of population increase. The first is a conservative estimate which uses figures from the 2024 Housing Needs Report which uses figures from BC Stats predicting slow growth over the next 20 years. The report estimates that Merritt will have an annual population growth rate of 0.07 per cent per year, culminating in a total population of 7,453 by 2045. The current population is 7,051.
The city also notes there is potential for higher rates of growth, basing predictions off of recent housing development activity.
“The City has experienced sustained increases in development applications and building permit issuance since 2020, along with continued housing demand from retirees relocating from the Lower Mainland and other parts of Southern British Columbia,” the new OCP stated.
This scenario represents an annual growth in population of 1.8 per cent for a total population of 10,819 by 2045.
There is also a high-growth scenario in which Merritt’s population grows by 2.7 per cent annually for a population of 13,440 in 2045.
Merritt’s population was falling as of the last census in 2021, which had the municipal population down by two per cent from the 2016 census. The city notes the COVID-19 pandemic could be a cause of the decline and that growth could be on the horizon.
DEVELOPERS PREDICT GROWTH
Developers in Merritt also foresee the potential influx of people moving into town, with some saying the City’s projections are on the low end.
Frank Rizzardo is the president of Encom Services and the developer of the ongoing Grandview Heights project. He said he predicts a higher rate of population growth.
“I’m an optimist,” he said. “I think that the population has to increase. In other words, in the longer term, 15,000 municipal population is probably in the cards for a number of years out”
He said Merritt has to grow in order to provide affordable amenities to all citizens. As a way to grow he said the city has to attract more business, which is a goal the city already has, bringing in large-scale “light” businesses.
Despite housing development lining up with the city’s plans, Rizzardo said there are still roadblocks that developers face.
One is the development cost-charges that are put on new development in order to help levy funds to the city for its infrastructure projects.
Rizzardo said this is a roadblock that slows down development as it disincentives private developers.
He advocates for city council to change development cost-charges to become less expensive.
“It would reduce the cost of housing. It would reduce the cost of development, and therefore the cost of housing at the end of the day,” he said.
ENOUGH WATER FOR GROWTH?
During a finance and audit meeting with city council on October 16, the city’s water capacity for future growth was questioned.
Interim CAO Rick Green said the city should have water capacity for the coming years. He said the current water use is at around 75 per cent of its licenced allowance.
“We’re in reasonably good shape there for the growth that’s happening right now,” Green said.
“I wouldn’t expect a lot of issues unless we see a real boom here for 10 years.”
Thank You!
The Merritt Community Festivals Society extends its sincere thanks to all the sponsors of Oktoberfest Merritt 2025. Your generous support and contributions helped make this year’s event a great success and an enjoyable experience for everyone who attended. We truly appreciate your commitment to our community and to helping make events like this possible.
• Murray GM
• Tibar Construction
• Coquihalla Coolers
• Copper Valley Mechanical
• Nicola Plumbing and Heating
• Save on Foods
• Douglas Lake Cattle Ranch
• Boston Pizza
• Q101.1
• Grimshire Apiary
• Canadian Tire
• Earl’s Restaurant
• Fox ‘n’ Hounds Pub
• Quality Inn
PHOTO/SIMON RIZZARDO/BIG POWER FILM
An aerial view of Grandview Heights shows work on the multi-phase hillside development.
MERRITT AREA SEES HIGHEST
NUMBER OF TICKETS FOR DISTRACTED DRIVING, SEATBELTS
JAKE COURTEPATTE
newsroom@merrittherald.com
Drivers in Merritt, Kamloops, Kelowna and Clearwater saw significantly more tickets from the RCMP during September’s Distracted Driving and Occupant Restraint Month than those on the much more highly-populated coast.
Throughout the month, 285 tickets for use of an electronic device while driving were issued in the area, dubbed the Central BC region, compared to just 212 on the South Coast, which includes Metro Vancouver, Sea to Sky country and the Fraser Valley.
Almost double the amount of vehicle occupants were caught without a seatbelt in Central BC than on the South Coast, with 162 tickets issued compared to 86.
“It’s simple. If we can get less people to drive while distracted, and more
people to wear their seatbelts, then we will save more lives,” said Superintendent Mike Coyle with BC Highway Patrol. “We will keep writing tickets for people who don’t obey the law, but the real goal is public safety.”
Using an electronic device while driving will earn you a $368 ticket, while failing to wear a seatbelt will cost $167.
“As we move into the Halloween season, and the days get shorter, it’s even more important that you eliminate distractions behind the wheel,” said Coyle. “Pedestrians are hard to see in the darkness and rain of fall. You need all of your attention to keep yourself, your loved ones, and the people in your neighbourhood safe on the roads.”
Over 1,100 tickets were handed out across the province for violations during the month-long blitz.
NICOLA VALLEY ATV CLUB
Thank you to Local Business Supporters
The Nicola Valley ATV Club would like to thank the following local businesses for their support for the Nicola Valley ATV Club in 2025 for our general operations; Canadian Tire, Pharmasave, Home Hardware, Nicola Motorsports, Community Futures, City of Merritt, BEEM (Interior Savings) Credit Union, Interior Savings Insurance, Carrie Ware Accounting, Save on Foods, Peter’s No Frills, Tracker Sports, the Merritt Herald, and Barkman Concrete. We truly appreciate your continued support.
Club Members please support those businesses who support you. Let them know you care next time you shop at their business.
See you all next Season!
JOIN THE ADVENTURE –BECOME A MEMBER!
We’re always excited to welcome new members to the Nicola Valley ATV Club. Whether you’re an experienced rider or just getting started, there’s a place for you in our community.
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NICOLA VALLEY VIEWPOINT
MLA LUCK CALLS FOR ACTION TO REOPEN ASPEN PLANERS
TONY LUCK Fraser-Nicola MLA
British Columbians are watching a crisis unfold in real time. Aspen Planers’ sawmill in Merritt has been forced to halt operations — not because of a lack of demand, and not because of market conditions — but because of your government’s failure to issue cutting permits in a timely manner.
This is not a short-term setback or an isolated issue. It is the direct result of years of bureaucratic delay, excessive red tape, and a ministry that has become disconnected from the urgent realities facing forestry communities. The fallout is both w idespread and deeply personal:
• 200 people in Merritt are now out of work as Aspen Planers shutters its mill.
• 68 workers in Lillooet have also been laid off.
• The Savona plant has been reduced from three shifts to two, cutting hours and pay for dozens of local families.
• Aspen Planers has been able to access only 23 per cent of its allowable annual cut over the past two and a half years.
• Logging contractors are leaving British Columbia and moving to Alberta, where costs are fair and permits are predictable.
• BC Timber Sales has declined from nearly 12 million m³ in 2019 to just 3 million m³ today.
Behind these numbers are real people — parents worried about their mortgages, young couples delaying their future plans, and workers who have spent decades in the forest industry now questioning whether they have a place in the province they helped build.
The ripple effects are felt across every corner of these towns: restaurants, auto shops, and hardware stores losing customers; realtors watching homes sit unsold; families forced to leave long-standing communities in search of work elsewhere. When a sawmill shuts down, it isn’t just machines that stop running — it’s the heartbeat of an entire community that falters.
Minister Parmar, the time for action is now. We recognize the importance of
responsible forest management, reconciliation, and environmental stewardship, but these principles must coexist with economic stability and community sustainability. Consultation should not mean paralysis. Policy development should not result in unemployment. While your ministry navigates internal processes, families across the province are left without paycheques — and without hope.
We respectfully urge your ministry to implement immediate and practical solutions:
1. Fast-track all cutting permits immediately for licensees and tenure holders in good standing.
2. Publish clear and enforceable deadlines for permit approvals to restore predictability and accountability.
3 . Release a full accounting of permitting delays and backlogs.
4. Bring stumpage rates in line with Alberta to keep mills competitive and jobs here in British Columbia.
5. Prioritize the processing of burnt timber permits before those resources become unusable.
6. Bring BC Timber Sales into compliance with its legislated requirement to supply 20 per cent of the provincial annual allowable cut (AAC), ensuring fairness, access, and balance across all forest tenure holders.
Forestry is a foundational industry in British Columbia — it is a sustainable, renewable resource that, when managed responsibly, can support generations to come. It has built our towns, strengthened our economy, and provided meaningful work for families across this province.
British Columbians built this province on forestry — on hard work, resourcefulness, and pride. It’s time for government to recognize that forestry is not a relic of t he past, but a cornerstone of a balanced and sustainable future.
Minister Parmar, the decisions made in your ministry today will determine whether forestry-dependent communities not only survive but thrive. The risk extends far beyond traditional forestry towns — First Nations, urban, and rural communities alike will feel the economic and social consequences if this industry continues to decline.
We urge you to act swiftly, decisively, and transparently to restore stability, trust, and opportunity across our province.
VIEWPOINT
FOREIGN AID NOT THE PLACE TO SAVE MONEY
Editor,
As the federal government adds final touches to the upcoming budget, many Canadians fear the impact on foreign developmental assistance in the face of proposed cuts.
We need to understand just how little money we are talking about. If Canada was a typical Canadian with a monthly income close to $6,000, the best we’ve ever done was a gift of around $19, sometimes less than that. Not even the price of a “burger and beer”, and has little impact on overall budget.
But even that saves the lives of countless thousands and helps educate millions of kids. This critically-needed minimal amount cannot fall to another era of Liberal austerity.
CONCERN OVER WHAT LED TO RIH RESIGNATIONS
Editor,
It was with horror and disbelief that I read about the plight of the OB/GYN doctors at Royal Inland.
To be informed that they have suffered untenable working conditions on its own is a travesty of epic proportions but to have done so for as long as they did, while still attempting to provide optimal medical care, speaks volumes about their commitment to their professions, their personal standards, their moral fortitude and their indefatigable performance.
To be informed they raised their concerns, as well as offered proposals that might mitigate some of the stresses, but obtained no manageable work-around raises additional concern.
That the situation devolved to resignation en masse as a final course of action clearly indicates meaningful flaws appear to exist in the processes and procedures governing the provision of health in this particular institution. It suggests the primary mission in hospitals of providing suitable health care has somehow been lost in this instance. Reading that $7,100 per day with premiums for overnight coverage has subsequently been found to secure locum support begs the question why those funds and hiring intent were not applied in sufficient time to prevent what has happened?
Further, reading that sufficient candidates were identified to “hopefully” fill up to eight positions leaves one mystified as to why the situation was left to fester. Where was the effective management and where was foresight and leadership? Should new physicians be hired, it will be interesting to see if or how they will cope within what appears to be a dysfunctional work environment.
– Trish Putnam Kamloops, B.C.
The Merritt Herald welcomes your letters, on any subject, addressed to the editor. Letters may be edited for length, taste and clarity. Please keep letters to 300 words or less.
Email letters to: newsroom@merrittherald.com.
Seniors Center
OCT. 22, 1920
NEW CREAMERY
Former manager of the Adelphi Hotel P. Johnston has made arrangements for establishing a new industry in the valley — a creamery. It will be devoted exclusively to gathering cream from farmers, converting it to butter and marketing the product. The new facility will be in Lower Nicola.
OCT. 25, 1940
CHAOTIC CATTLE ON THE LOOSE
In Merritt the residents are at a boiling point over the inactivity of the authorities in dealing with straying cattle that are breaking into gardens, knocking down fences, messing the streets and sidewalks and generally doing as they like.
Residents have asked city council for improved enforcement of the pound bylaw.
Saturday, October 25th from 5 - 8:00 pm
Location Merritt Seniors Center - 1675 Tutil court
Please RSVP
Call to reserve a table 250-378-3763 • Members only
– Nathaniel Poole Victoria, B.C.
Derelict Vehicles
IT’S TIME TO REMOVE THAT OLD RIDE.
The Good Neighbour Bylaw prohibits the storage or accumulation of one or more derelict vehicles.
A Derelict Vehicle is any motor vehicle, RV, or modified configuration of parts which are physically damaged, wrecked or disabled, not capable of operating under it’s own power, or in the case of a trailer, incapable of being towed.
View the City of Merritt Good Neighbour Bylaw 2387, 2024 on the City’s website.
If
Fright Nights Haunted House
OCTOBER 23 + 24 | THURSDAY + FRIDAY
FAMILY FRIENDLY SCARY
THURSDAY 4:00 – 6:00PM6:00 – 8:00PM FRIDAY 4:00 – 6:00PM6:00 – 8:00PM
COST: $2 PER PERSON | $7 PER FAMILY (MAXIMUM 6) * PROCEEDS GO TO THE GRAD CLASS OF 2026
Spooktacular Celebration
OCTOBER 24 | FRIDAY | 5:00 – 7:00PM
GAMES | PRIZES | BOOTHS | MUSIC | TREATS
CRAFTS | CONCESSION
COST: FREE THANKS TO OUR MANY SPONSORS
Halloween Skate
OCTOBER 31 | FRIDAY | 3:30 – 5:00PM
COSTUMES | MUSIC | HOT CHOCOLATE
COST: FREE THANKS TO OUR MANY SPONSORS
NOTICE OF CONSIDERATION
Proposed Zoning Amendment
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2025 | 6:00PM |
Notice is hereby given that the City of Merritt Council will consider Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2410, 2025 for the property at 2326 Garcia Street (subject property shown on map) in the Regular Council Meeting scheduled on October 28, 2025.
PROPOSED CHANGES: Proposed Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2410, 2025 would amend the zoning for the eastern portion of the subject property from “R1 – Low Density Residential” to “R8 – High Density Residential.” The proposed zoning will allow development of the subject property for High Density Residential, including townhomes and apartments.
As per the Official Community Plan, the property is designated Medium-to-High-Density Residential. The proposed Rezoning is aligned with this designation and the general vision of the corresponding OCP sector of City Centre’s Kengard District to include a mix of low-, medium-, and high-density residential uses.
Since this Rezoning Application is consistent with the City of Merritt Official Community Plan 2336, 2022, a PUBLIC HEARING WILL NOT BE HELD.
PROVINCIAL PROHIBITION ON PUBLIC HEARING: Pursuant to the Local Government Act section 464(3), the City is prohibited from holding a public hearing regarding the proposed bylaw. Consistent with provincial legislation, members of the public are not permitted to address Council regarding the proposed bylaw during the Council meeting.
MORE INFORMATION: A copy of the proposed Bylaw amendments may be viewed Monday to Friday 8:30am to 12:00pm and 1:15pm to 4:30pm at City Hall, 2185 Voght Street, Merritt BC, from October 16 to October 28, 2025, excluding statutory holidays, or online at merritt.ca
Super Save Gas
Make sure to stop by and check out our convenience store — grab a coffee and a sandwich, treat yourself to something sweet, pick up a lotto ticket, or browse our great gift ideas!
Super Save Gas is proud to stand with our community. We are grateful for the continued support that you have shown us. Thank you for supporting local business. We will continue to serve our community with kindness and professionalism. We extend our sincere appreciation to our dedicated staff for their hard work and commitment.
We’re truly honoured to be voted
As a locally owned and operated company, we’re proud to serve the community we call home and to share all that makes the Nicola Valley such a special place.
A BIG THANK YOU
to everyone who voted for us, we truly appreciate every
To our amazing Real Estate Agents, Property Management
and Strata Manager your dedication and teamwork make everything we do possible.
THANK YOU, MERRITT, FOR YOUR CONTINUED TRUST AND SUPPORT. We look forward to serving you for many years to come! Stop by the office or give us a call anytime we’re always happy to see you!
I’m beyond honoured to have won the 2025 People’s Choice Awards - and it’s all thanks to you.
To everyone who took a moment to vote, to those who’ve trusted me to capture your milestones, memories, and magic: thank you. Your support means the world.
This award is a reflection of the relationships we’ve built, the laughter we’ve shared, and the stories we’ve told through every photo.
I’m inspired by your kindness, creativity and loyalty. Here’s to another year of unforgettable moments. I can’t wait to see what we create together next.
Thank You, Merritt!
I am truly honoured to be voted Best New Business in this year’s People’s Choice Awards. I was completely surprised when I found out — it honestly made my entire week.
I’m so grateful to everyone who has supported Nicola Valley Sports since the beginning. Being part of this incredible community and getting to serve the people of Merritt means the world to me.
Thank you for believing in a local business like mine and for making me feel so welcome. Your support and encouragement inspire me every day to keep giving back to the community I’m proud to call home.
With heartfelt thanks, Josh
2125A Quilchena Ave., Merritt, BC
Tuesday - Saturday: 10-6
Thank You!
Merritt Herald 2025 People’s Choice AWARD
The Winners are:
ACCOUNTANT/ BOOKKEEPER
Carrie Ware & Company Inc
AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS
MacVicar Family Farm
PEOPLE’S
AUTO PARTS STORE
Lordco Auto Parts
AUTO REPAIR SHOP
Napa Auto Pro
BREAKFAST
Home Restaurant Merritt
BUILDING CONTRACTOR
Caleo Construction
BUILDING SUPPLY
Home Hardware Building CTR
BURGER
The Grand Pub & Grill
BUTCHER
The Local Butcher
CANNABIS RETAILER
Unity Cannabis
CATERING COMPANY
Valley Graze Box
CHINESE FOOD
Crystal Gardens
CLOTHING STORE
Mark’s Work Wearhouse
CLUB ORGANIZATION
Merritt Centennials
COACH: Wes McLeod
COFFEE SHOP
Valley Graze Box
COLD BEER WINE / LIQUOR STORE
Olde Barley Market
CONVENIENCE STORE
Super Save Gas
COOK: Elaine Grant-Gill
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Save On Foods
DAY CARE
White Bear Daycare
DENTIST OFFICE
Stoyoma Dental
DESSERT
Dairy Queen
DOCTOR: Dr. McLeod
DOG GROOMER
Fetch Dog Grooming
ELECTRICAL COMPANY
Skoflek Electric
EYELASH TECHNICIAN
Amanda Schweitzer
FINANCIAL INSTITUTION
RBC
FITNESS FACILITY
Beyond Fitness
GAS STATION
Super Save Gas
GROCERY STORE
Save-On Foods
HAIR DRESSER
Alanna Harvey
HAIR SALON
The Social Lounge
HOME BASED BUSINESS
2nd Avenue Signs
HOTEL / MOTEL
Best Western Plus
INSURANCE OFFICE
Hub Barton Insurance
LANDSCAPING COMPANY
Hilscapes Property Services
LOCAL ARTIST
Robin Humphrey
LOCAL BAND/MUSICIAN
Coquihalla Coyotes
LOCAL EVENT
Country Christmas
LOGGING COMPANY
Bar S Ventures
MANAGER
Akash - Super Save Gas
MASSAGE OFFICE
Auy Thai Massage
MECHANIC
Frank Douthwright
NAIL TECHNICIAN
Chelsea Spence
NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION
Nicola Valley Food Bank
OPTICAL BUSINESS
FYI Doctors
PERSONAL TRAINER
Alyssa Theodore
PHARMACY STORE
Black’s Pharmacy
PIZZA
Yaki Joe’s
PHOTOGRAPHY
Crystal Leier Photography
PLUMBING COMPANY
Nicola Plumbing & Heating
PUB / BAR
Game On Sports Bar & Grill
REAL ESTATE COMPANY
Royal Lepage
REALTOR
Bailee Allen
RECEPTIONIST
Brandy Streimer
RESTAURANT
Boston Pizza
SANDWICH: Subway
SENIORS HOME
Florentine
SERVER : Denny Desjarlais -
Super Save
SOUP
Valley Graze Box
SPA: Mellah Leuca Day Spa
STEAK
MR MIKES Steakhouse
STORAGE FACILITY
Sagebrush Mini RV & Outdoor Storage
SUSHI
Cocos Restaurant
TATTOO STUDIO
Robin Humphrey
TEACHER - ELEMENTARY
Kelsey Hutnik
TEACHER - HIGH SCHOOL
Gill Riddle
TIRE SHOP: Kal Tire
UNIQUE BUSINESS
Etched Justjan
VETERINARIAN
Paul Molnar
VOLUNTEER
Betty Doberstein
WELDING COMPANY
Alpha Welding
WINGS
Game On Sports Bar & Grill
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Super Save Gas
BUSINESS OWNER
Amanda Schweitzer - Social Lounge
BUSINESS OVERALL
- Under 10 Employees
Esso
BUSINESS OVERALL
- Over 10 Employees
Save On Foods
NEW BUSINESS
Nicola Valley Sports
THANK YOU, MERRITT!
I am truly humbled and grateful to have been voted People’s Choice “Best Realtor®” for the second year in a row by the community I’m so proud to call home.
Merritt isn’t just where I work—it’s where I was born, raised, and where my family and I continue to build our roots. Every client, referral, wave on the street, and kind word means more than I can express.
From my family to yours — thank you, Merritt, for your continued trust and support. I’m honoured to serve this incredible community and to keep doing what I love right here in the beautiful Nicola Valley.
Proud to Be Voted BEST SENIORS HOME!
We’re incredibly proud and grateful to be named the 2025 People’s Choice Best Butcher Shop!
You’ve all made 2025 a great
and we couldn’t have done it without you.
This coming year, we will continue to find ways to serve you better! Bring us your ideas and requests! Come check out our new in-house pepperoni and jerkies! And if you’re looking to stock up and save in bulk, now’s a great time to order a quarter or side of local beef or pork to fill your freezer. HERE’S TO MORE
THANK YOU MERRITT
We’re
Your
THANK YOU, MERRITT!
We’re honoured to be voted Best Optical Store in this year’s People’s Choice Awards!
At FYi Doctors Merritt, community means everything.
We’re proud to support local causes and give back whenever we can.
THANK YOU
for your trust, loyalty, and for helping us keep Merritt’s vision bright!
FYi Doctors Merritt — Proudly caring for our community.
GREYHOUND EYEING RETURN WITH STOPS IN MERRITT
JAKE COURTEPATTE
newsroom@merrittherald.com
Seven years after its departure, Greyhound buses may be returning to B.C. highways.
An application has been submitted by FlixBus, who bought out Greyhound in 2021, to the BC Passenger Transportation Board (PTB) with service expected to begin operating one month after PTB approval.
“This would provide your residents with direct connections to major centres for medical appointments, educational opportunities, and business travel, while also opening to increased tourism and economic activity,” reads a letter issued by FlixBus Public Affairs Managers Andrew Miller.
Greyhound ended almost a century of service in B.C. when it left Western Canada in 2018, before departing from Canada entirely in 2021.
FlixBus plans to operate 84 trips weekly across four interconnected routes in B.C. and Alberta, three of which will see
stops in Merritt:
• Vancouver–Calgary (one daily round trip + one round trip operating six days/ week) including stops at Surrey, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Hope, Merritt, Kamloops, Salmon Arm, Sicamous, Revelstoke, Golden, and points in Alberta;
• Vancouver–Kelowna (two round trips operating six days/week) including stops at Surrey, Abbotsford, Hope, Merritt, West Kelowna;
• Vancouver–Kamloops (one daily round trip) including stops at Surrey, Abbotsford, Hope, and Merritt;
Miller also said that rather than operating as a single corporate entity, Greyhound would contract with established local operators who would provide the vehicles, drivers and regional expertise to keep the routes operational.
“This model reduces operational risk and ensures service continuity, addressing the concerns that led to previous service withdrawals, while also supporting local businesses, and ensuring consistent, quality service for passengers.”
MEMORIAL PLAQUES LIFE EXTENDED
TY LIM reporter@merrittherald.com
New city policy will allow people to keep memorial plaques for their departed loved ones for longer.
The city’s memorial bench, table and tree policy was amended at the last city council meeting October 14 that allows people’s memorial plaques to be taken care
of for longer periods of time.
Previously, memorial plaques on city benches, tables and trees had 10-year tenures in which the city would maintain them.
Policy amendments increase this term to 15 years as well as provide options to extend the timeline by two ten-year terms.
Furthermore, if the plaque is on a tree, the city allows the plaque to stay on the tree for the duration of its life, though the city would not be responsible for maintaining the plaque after its contracted tenure expires. In the case that plaques are stolen or vandalized, the city said it is not responsible for replacement.
Ben
250-374-3344 ext 244
bvandergracht@morellichertkow.com
Jacob M. Brown
250-374-3344 ext 264
jbrown@morellichertkow.com
POPPY SEASON BEGINS
reporter@merrittherald.com
Merritt has given out its first poppy for the 2025 year.
On Tuesday, October 21, Merritt Mayor Mike Goetz was presented with the first poppy of this Remembrance Day season by Merritt Royal Canadian Legion President Alphonse L’Abbe and Secretary Claudette L’Abbe. The poppy is the symbol of Remembrance Day and a representation to honour those who served and sacrificed for Canada. The Remembrance Day campaign runs from the last Friday of October until
Tuesday, Nov. 11. During this time the Royal Canadian Legion will be selling poppies and collecting donations to raise money for the Poppy Fund.
The Poppy Fund supports veterans and their families and may be used for providing grants for food, clothing, prescription medicine or medical equipment.
The fund may also be put towards providing shelter and housing assistance, funding for veteran transition programs, accessibility modifications and support for cadet units. The poppy given to Goetz marks the start of the Poppy campaign. Distribution of poppies will begin publicly on Friday, Oct. 31.
Dual Fuel System/Hybrid System
Air Ducts & Sheet Metal
Commercial Refrigeration
Walk-in Cooler & Freezer
Commercial Ventilation
Exhaust Fan
Furnace
Fireplace
Roof Top Unit
Make-up Air
PHOTO/JAKE COURTEPATTE
The Royal Canadian Legion in Merritt.
NICOLA VALLEY SPORTS
GOT SPORTS? Contact Jake or Ty at newsroom@merrittherald.com or call 250-378-4241
LATE GOAL SINKS CENTS AGAINST RIVAL GRIZZLIES
The Centennials fell to 6-4-0-0 on the season.
goals.
reporter@merrittherald.com
The lone game of the week, the Merritt Centennials hosted a bout against former playoff rivals the Revelstoke Grizzlies.
As goes the story of the season, it was another hard-fought game which ended with a margin of one goal. So far this month, four of the centennials’ six games have ended with such a margin.
Unfortunately for Merritt, its players couldn’t claim victory this time falling 4-3 to the Grizzlies Friday night, making their season record 6-4-0-0 so far.
THE GAME
It was an unusually slow start for the Centennials as they found themselves on the backfoot from the start of the buzzer.
An early goal by the Grizzlies’ Tomas Boon saw the Centennials down from the get-go. That momentum would continue throughout the first half of the opening period, as another goal by Maddox Popke on the power play would put the Grizzlies up 2-0.
Soon after, the Grizzlies committed a foul, giving the power play to Centennials. Merritt capitalized on the play and scored with a goal from Ryker Swanson, giving the trailing team a pathway back into the game.
A quiet second period saw no goals and the scoreline staying at 2-1 with Revelstoke leading.
Things got interesting fast in the third. A goal by Diego Smith on another power play extended the Grizzlies lead to two
The Centennials responded just three minutes later with a goal by Noah Lawless.
Crunchtime soon came with ten minutes to go in the game and the Centennials still trailed by one goal.
At the 9:37 mark of the third period, three players were called for roughing. Two were Grizzlies players and one was a Centennial. All were given two minutes in the box with the Centennials coming out with the man advantage.
The Centennials once again capitalized on the power play as Steven Foster scored the winner.
With the game equalized, victory was now on the horizon for both teams. It continued to be a rough game with seven penalties in the last half of the third period alone.
As the game went into the last few minutes, a penalty was called on Cents player Marshall Wagner at the 13:40 mark, leading to a two-minute power play for the Grizzlies.
The Centennials tried their hardest to defend with the man disadvantage, but in the last few moments of the power play Grizzlies player Kyle Dodd found an opening and scored the last goal of the game, sealing the result in favour of Revelstoke.
The Centennials return to the Nicola Valley Arena on Friday, Oct. 24 against the Princeton Posse.
For schedules, standings and more information, visit www.merrittcentennials.ca.
NEXT HOME GAMES
October 24 vs Princeton 7 pm
November 1 vs Kelowna* 6 pm
*Come in Halloween wear to win a prize
November 7 vs Revelstoke 7 pm
Upcoming Events
RESCHEDULED ICEBREAKER
Saturday, November 15 at the Civic Centre
Magician, Live Auctioneer Dinner and Dance featuring: Paisley Groove Tickets at Nicola Valley Sports On Game Day at the Rink or dan@merrittcentennials.ca
NOVEMBER 14-15
PHOTO/TY
Merritt Centennials player Jake Neufeld carries the puck into the offensive zone. The Cents fell 4-3 to the Revelstoke Grizzlies on Oct. 17 at Nicola Valley Memorial Arena.
NICOLA VALLEY COMMUNITY
CHILI AND COATS RETURNS TO SPIRIT SQUARE
TY LIM reporter@merrittherald.com
Autumn is arriving fast in the Nicola Valley and people are trying their best to stay out of the cold.
Community organization Interior Community Services is helping people do just that.
On Friday, October 17, Merrittonians were welcomed to the temporarily opened Spirit Square to partake in the annual ‘Chili and Coats’ event.
2025 marks the third year of festivities for Chili and Coats. Susan Kell, ICS Director of Operations, said the event started back in 2023 as a way for those within ICS programs to give back to the community.
Kell said participants in the ICS Community Living BC program are the ones who serve the food.
“The participants are out there serving all the chili and the hot drinks,” Kell said.
“It’s just a way of them being involved in their own community and giving back to the community.”
Kell said the event also falls under the time of Community Inclusion month, which is October.
Chili and Coats also has a clothing section for people to come by and take warm clothes for the coming winter.
This year, ICS received a grant from the City of Merritt which helped with the purchase of even more
clothes.
“We were very lucky to get a grant from the City of Merritt this year which contributed towards some of the other extra costs and enabled us to buy brand new snow suits and winter jackets for children this year,” Kell said.
Chili and Coats also received donations from many other community businesses, including Nlaka’pamux Health Services Society, Boston Pizza and Tim Hortons.
“It’s really a community event. The focus is for everybody in the community.”
While not particularly for people struggling with homelessness, Kell said Chili and Coats provides much needed comfort for those in low-income situations.
She said she’s looking forward to how the event will innovate each year.
“I would just like to thank everybody in the community who’ve come forward, all the businesses who have offered support,” she said.
“We couldn’t put it on like we do without all of those businesses who come together and help us support individuals and Merritt. Hopefully it (Chili and Coats) just gets bigger and better.”
There were plenty of ways to beat the autumn chill at Interior Community Services’ annual Chili and Coats event at Spirit Square on Oct. 17.
GOT STORIES? Contact Laísa or Ty at newsroom@merrittherald.com or call 250-378-4241
■ Approved mini-storage
■ On-siterentals
■ Secured
■ SaleofNew&Used storagecontainers
1750HillStreet ■ Phone:250-315-3000
Merritt Baptist Church
2499 Coutlee Avenue (at Orme) Sunday service 10 am, Phone (250)378-2464
Merritt Lutheran Fellowship in St. Michael's Anglican Hall • 250-378-9899
Service Time: 3rd Sunday each month 1:30 p.m.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church Corner of Jackson & Blair • 250-378-2919
Mass Time: Sundays 9:00 a.m.
St. Michael’s Anglican Church 1990 Chapman St. • 250-378-3772
Service Times: 2nd and 4th Sundays only - 10:00 a.m.
Trinity United Church Corner of Quilchena & Chapman • 250-378-5735
Service Time every Sunday - 10 am
Somang Mission Community Church (SMC) 1755 Coldwater Ave. (The Cadet Hall) Sunday Service Time: 4:00 pm • 250-280-1268
Nicola Valley Evangelical Free Church 1950 Maxwell St. • 250-378-9502
Service Times: Sunday 10 am
Motion Church Merritt Sundays 10 am
Coquihalla Middle School (2975 Clapperton Ave) www.wearemotionchurch.ca/merritt
PHOTOS/TY LIM
CLASSIFIEDS
DEADLINE: MONDAY at noon. for that week’s paper.
Annual General Meeting
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Maynard Dahlseide
October 11, 1941- October 14, 2025
It is with heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, dad, and grandpa, Maynard Dahlseide, on October 14, 2025, in Merritt, BC.
Maynard was the life of every gathering — always ready for a good laugh and never one to miss cocktail hour. Together with his devoted wife and soulmate Lila, he embraced life to the fullest, traveling and camping throughout beautiful British Columbia, Western United States and anywhere else the road would take them.
Maynard spent most of his career working in the airline industry and retired from Air Canada in 2004, after moving to Richmond in 1991. True to his smalltown roots, he often joked that he didn’t drive into the “big city” of Vancouver for the first three years after moving to the coast — a big change for someone whose largest hometown before that had been Fort St. John.
He will be dearly missed by his loving wife Lila, their children Cammy (Dale), Troy (Lisa), and Shelly (Murray), and his cherished grandchildren Tory (Hannah), Jared (Mary), Logan (Ethan), and Danica. Maynard is also survived by his siblings Hazel, Sheila, and Rick (Jacquie), along with many extended family and friends who loved him deeply.
Maynard’s sense of humor, smile, warmth, and love for life will be remembered always.
Celebration of Life to be determined at a later date
The Little Unicorn
by Peggy Kociscin, Albuquerque, New Mexico
shadows
There lived a little unicorn
(From when the earth was new), His coat so white it glistened, His eyes a sparkling blue.
In innocence and beauty, He danced through woods and streams.
The animals danced with him, His heart aglow with dreams.
He
So
As
He wandered through the meadows
That lightened up the night.
He
Of
Grew
He
In spite of shining sun.
The more he grew, he found that life Was never always fun.
For now he’d learn of feelings
That come from deep within; No longer in the “dream world” Where (for so long) he’d been.
His gentle heart desired
But to know the pleasure of
To give and to receive
The very precious gift of love.
To love meant to be happy, And yet it also brought him pain; For those he loved could hurt him
Again.. and yet again.
His mother held him lovingly
And tried to ease his fears
About the sadness life could bring... The lonely, bitter tears.
She said, “Life is like a mountain, (And surely this is true)
That we must climb as best we can. There’s no ‘around or ‘through.’”
The unicorn tried tirelessly, And gave the climb his best;
But he felt it was not good enough,
He felt he’d failed the test.
He could not understand it
When he felt himself rejected –When all his gentle being asked Was but to be accepted.
All this was just too much for him, He knew not what to do.
That he was special as himself, Somehow, he never knew.
His spirit crushed, he felt defeated, And lonely tears would start. Not understanding how to love, It simply broke his heart.
But now he’s in a loving place
Where all his pain has ceased, Where all accepted him and his love, Where all he knows is peace.
A loving Being tells him, “You’re delightful as you are.” His spirit free, his brilliance now Outshines the brightest star!
Following position is now available at the Best Western Plus Merritt Hotel.
FRONT DESK
Are you passionate about hospitality and love creating memorable guest experiences? Best Western Plus is looking for a friendly, professional, and detail-oriented Front Desk Agent to be the welcoming face of our hotel. Must have working knowledge with computers and the ability to handle check-ins, check-outs, and reservations efficiently.
Full and part time positions available. Please respond with resume in person.
BOUNDARY EXTENSION
LOWER NICOLA WATERWORKS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
Notice is hereby given that Ministerial Order No. M173 was approved and ordered on June 3, 2025 authorizing an amendment to Letters Patent for Lower Nicola Waterworks Improvement District, effective from that date. The authorizing legislative provision is section 679 of the Local Government Act. The purpose of the amendment is to extend the boundary for Lower Nicola Waterworks Improvement District to include two parcels of land described as Lot 7, PLAN KAP21597, District Lot 164 Lot 36 PLAN KAP23007 District Lot 1603
A copy of the Ministerial Order and map showing the boundary of the Lower Nicola Waterworks Improvement District may be viewed or obtained from the Secretary at 250-378-6304.
This notice is published in accordance with section 780 of the Local Government Act.
• Students welcome to apply
TFDC Forest Operations Map, Public Notice
Tk’emlupsemc Forestry Development Corp invites the public to review and comment on the proposed information package relating to Forest Operations Map (FOM) ID# 2657 and 2658. The FOM shows the proposed cutting permit and road permit locations in the Scuitto Lake and Robins Range area.
Maps are available for review and comment online at: https://fom.nrs. gov.bc.ca/public/projects
Printed maps will also be available to view by appointment at the TFDC office located at #200-330 Chief Alex Thomas Way, Kamloops, BC. Please contact dwayne.paradis@ttes.ca to arrange a meeting to review the plans.
Comments can be submitted online during the 30-day period via the website above, by email or by mail #200-330 Chief Alex Thomas Way, Kamloops, BC, V2H 1H1.
Comments received between Oct 15, 2025 and Nov 14, 2025 will be considered in forest development plans. This FOM may be relied upon to apply to a road permit or cutting permit for a 3-year period ending Dec 1, 2028.
