For Immediate Release (November 26, 2021 – 5:00PM): As residents of Merritt, and the surrounding Electoral Area “N” Beautiful Nicola Valley – South, begin to re-enter their properties the task of clean-up begins. Those that choose to clean up their properties themselves will have some assistance with debris removal.
The City of Merritt and the Thompson Nicola Regional District are working together to provide debris removal from flood affected properties. The City, Regional District, or its contractors will not be entering structures or private properties to remove material. Residents are responsible for moving items to the curb for collection.
Before placing material curbside it is advised to check with your insurer and take photos for any claims through your insurer or other disaster financial assistance. Flood affected residents are asked to place material curbside and separate debris into the following piles;
- Wood
- Large appliances, mattresses and other bulky items
- Drywall, vinyl flooring, or other potential asbestos containing material
- Any bagged material. Please double bag food waste.
No hazardous or liquid materials (oil/gas/other chemicals) will be accepted curbside. Spoiled food can be bagged and placed curbside or brought to the Lower Nicola Eco-Depot. Appliances that are no longer working, or fridge/freezers that residents do not feel safe to continue using, can be placed curbside.
Residents within the City of Merritt can place material at anytime and a contractor will collect. For residents outside of city limits they are asked to call and schedule a pick-up time 250-377-2596. For residents that choose to bring debris to the Lower Nicola Eco-Depot, regular tipping fees will apply. These fees may be reimbursable by your insurance provider or Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA), so please keep your receipts. Please visit the DFA program webpage for specifics regarding eligible applicants, eligible losses, and the application process: http://www.gov.bc.ca/disasterfinancialassistance
Further details will follow in the coming days.
For more information contact:
TNRD EOC Information Officer,
eoccommunications@tnrd.ca , 1-866-377-7188
Merritt EOC Information Officer,
communications@merritt.ca , 1-877-655-0341