Merritt, BC

Policy Review Committee

The Policy Review Committee will adopt minutes from the June 11 meeting and review a report on grant in aid and the 2026 Fees and Charges Bylaw. The committee will recommend forwarding the bylaw amendment to City Council for consideration.

• Adoption of June 11, 2026 Policy Review Committee minutes
• Review of Grant in Aid policy
• Recommendation to forward 2026 Fees and Charges Bylaw Amendment to Council

Merritt City Council Regular Meeting

Merritt City Council will consider adopting a bylaw for Bylaw Notice Enforcement and directing staff to request a Minister's Order to write off $2,097.28 in unpaid taxes. The meeting also includes a recommendation to enter into an agreement with BC Hydro for electric vehicle charging infrastructure at Central Park.

• Adoption of Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2424, 2026
• Request for Minister's Order to write off $2,097.28 in unpaid taxes
• Agreement with BC Hydro for EV charging stations at Central Park
• Council Scholarship presentation to Jayda Starrs
• UPass information presentation from BC Transit

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will receive a report from the Director of Planning and Development Services regarding proposed zoning bylaw amendments. The discussion focuses on changes to discretionary uses within specific zones.

• Proposed Zoning Bylaw Amendments - Discretionary Uses

Merritt City Council Regular Meeting

Council will decide on applying for two grant streams worth up to $4M for the Kengard Well Treatment project and $635,000 for Civic Centre upgrades. They will also consider adopting an Animal Control Bylaw amendment and a new Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw, and approve construction of a community garden on Quilchena Avenue.

• Staff directed to apply for Build Communities Strong Fund – Direct Delivery Stream – up to $4M for Kengard Well Treatment
• Staff directed to apply for Build Communities Strong Fund – Local Impact Stream – $635,000 for Civic Centre roof, siding, flooring
• Council to adopt Animal Control Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 2425, 2026
• Council to give three readings to Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2424, 2026
• Council to authorize construction of community garden on Quilchena Ave with up to $20,000 in fall 2026 budget

Council adopted the Animal Control Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No 2425, 2026, and directed staff to share it with other municipalities and agencies. They also approved grant applications for the Kengard Well Treatment project and Civic Centre upgrades, and directed construction of a community garden on former railway property. A motion to pursue grant funding for a food hub was introduced but not voted on.

• Adopted Animal Control Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No 2425, 2026 (carried, 1 absent)
• Directed staff to share Animal Control Bylaw with BC municipalities, School District 58, RCMP, and local First Nation Bands (carried, 1 absent)
• Gave Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2424, 2026 first, second, and third readings (carried, 1 absent)
• Approved grant application to Build Communities Strong Fund – Direct Delivery Stream for up to 40% of eligible costs for Kengard Well Treatment project (~$4M) (carried, 1 absent)
• Approved grant application to Build Communities Strong Fund – Local Impact Stream for up to $635,000 for Civic Centre upgrades (carried, 1 absent)
• Directed construction of community garden on former railway property adjacent to Quilchena Avenue (carried, 2 against, 1 absent)
• Directed inclusion of up to $20,000 for community garden in fall 2026 budget amendment (carried, 1 against, 1 absent)
• Received 2026 Q2 Report from Baillie House Information Centre for information (carried, 1 absent)

Merritt Remuneration Committee

The Merritt Remuneration Committee will meet to review a report from the Director of Finance and Human Resources. The discussion will focus on remuneration benchmarking to evaluate city pay scales.

• Review of the June 8, 2026 Remuneration Benchmarking report

The Merritt Remuneration Committee reviewed benchmarking data and requested a cost analysis for three stipend scenarios. Following the presentation of these costs, the Committee voted to recommend two options to Council: a 10% increase for both Mayor and Council in Year 1, or a 5% increase in Year 1.

• Adopted the minutes from the June 2, 2026, meeting
• Recommended a Year 1 increase of 10% for both Mayor and Council to Council
• Recommended a Year 1 increase of 5% for both Mayor and Council to Council

Age Friendly and Accessibility Advisory Committee

The Age Friendly and Accessibility Advisory Committee will adopt previous meeting minutes and discuss procedures for receiving public feedback. The group will also provide input on features for the upcoming City website redesign.

• Adoption of February 26, 2026 meeting minutes
• Review of feedback mechanism procedures
• Input on City website redesign features

Merritt City Council Regular Meeting

The City Council will hold public hearings for three liquor license applications and vote on the preliminary design for the Dike 129/130 project. The meeting also includes reviews of the 2025 annual financial reports and updates to animal control and cannabis zoning bylaws.

• Public hearings for liquor licenses at 1450 Juniper Drive, 1901 Voght Street, and 2052-B Quilchena Avenue
• Approval of 30% preliminary design for Dike 129/130 Segment 1 (RI Basin Dike)
• Adoption of Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2422 regarding retail cannabis text
• First through third readings of Animal Control Bylaw Amendment No. 2425
• Proposed relocation of Emergency Support Services (ESS) to the Merritt Airport Terminal Building

Council approved the 30% preliminary design and a backup option for the Dike 129/130 Project - Segment 1. The meeting also included the adoption of a zoning amendment and the approval of three liquor license applications. Additionally, the city authorized the temporary relocation of Emergency Support Services to the airport terminal.

• Approved 30% preliminary design and backup option for Dike 129/130 Project (CARRIED)
• Adopted Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2422, 2026 (CARRIED)
• Passed three readings of Animal Control Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No 2425, 2026 (CARRIED)
• Directed staff to provide positive recommendations for liquor licenses at 1450 Juniper Drive, 1901 Voght Street, and 2052-B Quilchena Avenue (CARRIED)
• Approved temporary relocation of Emergency Support Services to Merritt Airport Terminal Building (CARRIED)
• Approved naming variance for 'Roger Sloan Way' (CARRIED)
• Relaxed zoning and building bylaws for overnight camping and tents for Autocross events at the airport (CARRIED)
• Approved 2025 Statement of Financial Information (CARRIED)

Police Committee

The Police Committee will hear an update from Staff Sergeant Roda on the Merritt RCMP Detachment. Other agenda items include adoption of previous meeting minutes and a land acknowledgment. The meeting is largely procedural.

• RCMP Detachment update by Staff Sargeant Roda
• Adoption of April 2, 2026 meeting minutes

Policy Review Committee

The Policy Review Committee is meeting to evaluate several proposed regulatory changes. They will consider a new bylaw for notice enforcement and an amendment to animal control laws regarding pigeons.

• Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2424, 2026
• Animal Control Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No 2425, 2026 (Pigeon Regulations)
• Street naming and addressing policy regarding Roger Sloan Way

The Policy Review Committee recommended that Council vary the Street Naming and Addressing Policy to name the roadway into the Merritt Golf and Country Club 'Roger Sloan Way'. The committee also recommended that Council consider Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2424, 2026, and Animal Control Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 2425, 2026, regarding pigeon regulations. All three recommendations were carried unanimously.

• Recommended Council vary Street Naming Policy to name golf club road 'Roger Sloan Way' (carried)
• Recommended Council consider Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2424, 2026 (carried)
• Recommended Council consider Animal Control Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 2425, 2026 (carried)

Merritt City Council Regular Meeting

Council will hold a public hearing on Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2422 to allow retail cannabis sales. They will also consider approving a preliminary 30% design for rebuilding Dike 129/130, including active transportation corridors. A commemorative crosswalk for the Royal Canadian Legion at Quilchena Avenue and Chapman Street is proposed with a cost share of up to $3,500 from the city.

• Public hearing on Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2422 for retail cannabis
• Preliminary 30% design for Dike 129/130 rebuild with active transport corridors
• Legion commemorative crosswalk at Quilchena Ave & Chapman St; city max $3,500
• Appointment of Linda Brick as Chief Election Officer for 2026 election
• RCMP monthly report for May 2026

Council approved the preliminary design for the Dike 129/130 rebuilding project, including active transportation corridors, removal of concrete from riverbank, and other add-ons. A public hearing for Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2422, which would restrict retail cannabis stores to three, was closed and returned to council. Council also approved a commemorative crosswalk with cost-sharing and appointed election officers for the 2026 general local election.

• Adopted minutes of May 26, 2026 (carried)
• Closed public hearing for Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2422, returned to council (carried)
• Directed staff to report back with feasibility study for four-court tennis court location (carried)
• Approved Preliminary Base 30% Design for Dike 129/130 with added active transportation, riverbank concrete removal, retaining wall, and access behind treatment plant (carried, Councillor Charney conflicted)
• Approved commemorative crosswalk on Quilchena Ave with 50/50 cost-sharing, max city contribution $3,500 (carried)
• Appointed Linda Brick as Chief Election Officer and Holly Ferris as Deputy Chief Election Officer for 2026 General Local Election (carried)
• Received city website update report for information (carried)

Merritt Remuneration Committee

The committee is meeting to establish its foundational operations. Members will appoint a committee chair, review the terms of reference, and create a work plan for reviewing official pay.

• Appointment of Committee Chair
• Review of draft Terms of Reference
• Review of Bylaw 2266 regarding Mayor and Council Remuneration
• Establishment of the committee work plan

The Merritt Remuneration Committee met and appointed Councillor Yvette Baxter as chair. They reviewed and agreed to move forward with the terms of reference. No substantive decisions were made; the committee discussed gathering information and public input for a future report on council remuneration.

• Appointed Councillor Yvette Baxter as chair (carried)
• Agreed to proceed with terms of reference

Policy Review Committee

The Policy Review Committee is meeting to discuss a new Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw and a street naming policy. The committee will consider whether to recommend these items to the City Council for final approval.

• Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2424, 2026
• Street Naming and Addressing policy regarding Roger Sloan Way
• Draft Bylaw Notice Enforcement Compliance Agreement

Merritt City Council Regular Meeting

Council will decide on preliminary base 30% design for Dike 129/130 rebuilding with active transportation corridors. They will also consider three liquor licence applications, an advertising policy update, and several capital projects including $250,000 for Civic Centre siding and sign replacement, roofing replacement, and HVAC replacement at NVAC Gym. Notices of motion address animal control and a committee on the unhoused population.

• Approve Dike 129/130 30% design with active transportation corridors and riverbank improvements
• Public hearings for liquor hour changes at Merritt Golf and Coldwater Hotel, new licence for NV Tour Golf
• Approve $250,000 Civic Centre siding and sign replacement funded by federal gas tax
• Proceed with Civic Centre roofing replacement (2027 capital budget from gas tax)
• Replace failed HVAC unit at NVAC Gym before summer

Council deferred the preliminary design approval for the Dike 129/130 rebuilding project until the next meeting. Several capital projects were approved, including Civic Centre roofing and siding replacements, and HVAC replacement for NVAC Gym. A motion to establish a committee on the unhoused population was defeated 5-0.

• Deferred Dike 129/130 design approval to next meeting (carried)
• Directed public hearings for three liquor licence changes (carried)
• Approved advertising on city property policy update (carried)
• Approved Civic Centre roofing replacement for 2027 budget (carried)
• Approved Civic Centre siding/sign replacement at $250,000 (carried)
• Approved NVAC Gym HVAC unit replacement (carried)
• Directed bylaw amendment for pigeon release restriction (carried)
• Defeated motion to establish unhoused population committee (5-0)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is considering approval of the 30% preliminary design for rebuilding Dikes 129 and 130, as recommended by Stantec. The project is intended to address flood protection infrastructure. The meeting also includes adoption of previous meeting minutes.

• Approve 30% preliminary design for Dikes 129/130 rebuilding project

The Committee of the Whole adopted the March 3, 2026 meeting minutes. The council approved the Preliminary Base 30% Design for the Dike 129/130 rebuilding project, including several segment add‑ons. Both actions were moved, seconded and carried.

• Adopted March 3, 2026 Committee of the Whole minutes (carried)
• Approved 30% preliminary design for Dike 129/130 rebuilding project with segment add‑ons (carried)

Merritt City Council Regular Meeting

Council will vote on adopting the 2026–2030 Financial Plan Bylaw and the 2026 Annual Property Tax Rates Bylaw, which set the city budget and tax levies for the year. They will also reconsider a previous vote on a non-medical cannabis retail store at 108-1700 Garcia Street, and consider a zoning bylaw amendment to allow cannabis retail in more areas. Other items include a request to allow overnight camping at Central Park for softball tournaments and a proposal for free transit on general voting day.

• Adoption of 2026-2030 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 2418
• Adoption of 2026 Annual Property Tax Rates Bylaw No. 2421
• Reconsideration of non-medical cannabis store at 108-1700 Garcia St
• Zoning amendment to allow cannabis retail (Bylaw No. 2422)
• Request for overnight camping at Central Park Field 5 by Merritt Minor Softball Association

Council adopted the 2026-2030 Financial Plan Bylaw and 2026 Annual Property Taxes Bylaw, along with water and sewer parcel tax amending bylaws. A motion to provide a positive recommendation for a non-medical cannabis retail store was defeated 7-0. Council also gave first and second readings to a zoning amendment bylaw and directed staff to schedule a public hearing. Other actions included allowing overnight camping at Central Park for softball tournaments, arranging free transit on general voting day, and creating a Council Remuneration Select Committee.

• Defeated motion to provide positive recommendation for non-medical cannabis retail store at 108-1700 Garcia St (7-0)
• Adopted City of Merritt 2026-2030 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 2418, 2026
• Adopted City of Merritt 2026 Annual Property Taxes Bylaw No. 2421, 2026
• Adopted Water Parcel Tax Amending Bylaw No. 2419, 2026
• Adopted Sewer Parcel Tax Amending Bylaw No. 2420, 2026
• Granted first and second readings to Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2422, 2026, scheduling a public hearing
• Relaxed Parks Regulation Bylaw to allow overnight camping at Central Park Field 5 for three softball tournaments
• Directed staff to arrange free transit on General Voting Day (Oct 17, 2026)

Merritt Special Council Meeting

The Merritt Special Council meeting will consider and adopt the 2026 Annual Property Taxes Bylaw No. 2421, which sets tax rates for the year. The bylaw is scheduled for first, second, and third readings. Public input is also on the agenda.

• First, second, and third reading of 2026 Tax Rate Bylaw No. 2421

Merritt City Council Regular Meeting

Merritt City Council will consider adopting the 2026–2030 Financial Plan and amending water and sewer parcel tax bylaws. They will also vote on borrowing $416,492 for a solid waste truck, approving a disc golf course tenure application, and a drag racing partnership at the airport.

• Adopt 2026-2030 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 2418
• Amend water parcel tax (Bylaw 2419) and sewer parcel tax (Bylaw 2420)
• Borrow $416,492 from MFA for a solid waste truck, repaid in 5 years
• Support Crown land tenure for a championship disc golf course in North Bench area
• Enter partnership with Maydays Drag Racing, subsidizing airport rental for 3 years

Council defeated a motion to partner with Maydays Drag Racing (7-0). The 2026-2030 Financial Plan Bylaw was adopted after three readings. Council authorized borrowing $416,492 for a solid waste truck and adopted several policies including a dress code and alcohol policy. A disc golf course Crown tenure application was approved with cost sharing.

• Defeated Maydays Drag Racing partnership (7-0)
• Adopted 2026-2030 Financial Plan Bylaw (3 readings carried)
• Authorized $416,492 borrowing for solid waste truck (carried)
• Approved disc golf course tenure application with 50% cost sharing (5-2)
• Adopted Purchasing Policy with quarterly reporting amendment
• Adopted Dress Code Policy
• Adopted Municipal Alcohol Policy with Schedule A amendment
• Directed staff to bring zoning amendment for cannabis store limit

Police Committee

The Merritt Police Committee is meeting to adopt minutes from December 2025 and hear a presentation from Staff Sergeant Roda on the Merritt RCMP Detachment's 2026/2027 fiscal year planning, aligned with council priorities.

• Adoption of Police Committee meeting minutes from December 18, 2025
• Presentation on Merritt RCMP Detachment 2026/2027 fiscal year planning
• Discussion of council priorities in relation to RCMP planning

The Committee reviewed the RCMP budget for the 2025/2026 fiscal year. Discussion focused on upcoming 2026/2027 performance plan priorities including downtown patrols, community policing, and road safety.

• Adopted December 18, 2025, meeting minutes

Police Committee

The agenda for this police committee meeting contains only procedural boilerplate from the eSCRIBE software and no actual agenda items, reports, or discussions. No decisions or proposals are presented.

Merritt City Council Regular Meeting

Merritt City Council will consider a public hearing recommendation for a non-medical cannabis retail store at 108-1700 Garcia St. The council will also discuss a commemorative crosswalk for the Royal Canadian Legion.

• Public hearing recommendation for cannabis store at 108-1700 Garcia St
• Legion Commemorative Crosswalk installation options
• Adoption of March 10 and March 6 council meeting minutes

Council unanimously defeated a motion to recommend approval of a non-medical cannabis retail store at 108-1700 Garcia Street. The decision followed a public hearing where residents and local business owners expressed opposition to market saturation. Additionally, a motion regarding a Legion commemorative crosswalk was defeated.

• Adopted March 10, 2026, Council Minutes (Carried)
• Adopted March 6, 2026, Special Council Minutes (Carried)
• Closed public hearing for 108-1700 Garcia Street cannabis application (Carried)
• Defeated motion to recommend cannabis store approval to the LCRB (7-0)
• Defeated motion to install and maintain a painted commemorative crosswalk (5-0)
• Approved motion to direct staff to work with the Legion on crosswalk costs and location (Carried)

Merritt City Council Regular Meeting

The Merritt City Council will vote to adopt the City of Merritt Fire Rescue Department Establishment and Operations Amendment Bylaw No. 2417, 2026. The council will also adopt the minutes from the February 24, 2026 regular meeting. In new business, staff will be directed to approve a Temporary Use Permit for 1326 Voght Street for an animal boarding (cat rescue) operation and to waive the permit application fee of $982.82. The council will receive the Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan 2024 for information and consider grant‑in‑aid requests for the Citizens on Patrol Society and the Nicola Valley Food Bank.

• Adopt Fire Rescue Department Operations Amendment Bylaw No. 2417, 2026
• Adopt regular council meeting minutes from February 24, 2026
• Approve Temporary Use Permit 2026-001 for 1326 Voght Street and waive $982.82 fee
• Receive Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan 2024 for information
• Consider grant‑in‑aid requests for Citizens on Patrol Society and Nicola Valley Food Bank

The council adopted the City of Merritt Fire Rescue Department Establishment and Operations Amendment Bylaw No. 2417. It approved a Temporary Use Permit for animal boarding (cat rescue) at 1326 Voght Street for 18 months and denied a fee waiver for that permit. The council also approved a $750 grant to the Citizens on Patrol Society pending RCMP confirmation, a $381 in‑kind grant to the Nicola Valley Food Bank, and a $5,000 platinum sponsorship for the 2025 Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo. Staff were directed to write letters of support for the Merritt Stock Car Association and the Forestry is a Solution initiative.

• Adopted Fire Rescue Department Amendment Bylaw No. 2417 (moved, seconded, carried)
• Approved Temporary Use Permit for 1326 Voght St. animal boarding (moved, seconded, carried)
• Waived permit fee of $982.82 – defeated (against 6: Goetz, Baxter, Charney, Egan, Olguin, Petroczi)
• Granted $750 to Citizens on Patrol Society, contingent on RCMP confirmation (moved, seconded, carried; against 3: Egan, Etchart, Petroczi)
• Approved $381 in‑kind grant to Nicola Valley Food Bank (moved, seconded, carried; against 1: Charney)
• Supported 2025 Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo with $5,000 platinum sponsorship (moved, seconded, carried)
• Directed staff to write a letter of support for Merritt Stock Car Association (moved, seconded, carried)
• Directed staff to write a letter of support for Forestry is a Solution (moved, seconded, carried)

Merritt Special Council Meeting

Merritt Special Council will discuss and direct decisions for the 2026–2030 Financial Plan and related bylaws. Staff will present budget reference tables and line-by-line details for various departments.

• 2026-2030 Financial Plan Decisions
• 2026 Draft Budget Reference Table
• Fire Department budget details
• Infrastructure budget details
• Water and Sewer budget details

Council voted against removing the $35,000 allocated for Victim Services from the RCMP operating budget. The motion was defeated with five members voting against. Council also accepted a report for information and directed staff to prepare related bylaws, a motion that was carried.

• Defeated motion to remove $35,000 Victim Services funding (5 against)
• Carried motion to accept report and direct staff on bylaws preparation

Policy Review Committee

The Policy Review Committee will adopt the minutes from its February 5, 2026 meeting. It will recommend that Council adopt the proposed amendments to the Purchasing Policy, the Dress Code Policy, and the Municipal Alcohol Policy. The committee will also receive the February 25, 2026 Waterworks Bylaw and Fees report for information.

• Adopt Policy Review Committee minutes from February 5, 2026
• Recommend adoption of amended Purchasing Policy
• Recommend adoption of amended Dress Code Policy
• Recommend adoption of amendments to Municipal Alcohol Policy
• Receive Waterworks Bylaw and Fees report (information only)

The Policy Review Committee adopted the minutes from the February 5 meeting. It recommended that Council adopt amended Purchasing, Dress Code, and Municipal Alcohol policies. The committee also received a report on the Waterworks Bylaw and asked for further information on related fee schedules.

• Adopted February 5, 2026 meeting minutes (carried)
• Recommended adoption of amended Purchasing Policy (carried)
• Recommended adoption of amended Dress Code Policy (carried)
• Recommended adoption of amendments to Municipal Alcohol Policy (carried)
• Received Waterworks Bylaw and Fees report for information (carried)
• Requested further information on Schedules A, G and K (carried)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will adopt the minutes from the February 17, 2026 meeting. It will then discuss the city’s Strategic Plan (2024‑26) led by Mr. Rick Green, CAO, and a Strategic Housing Planning discussion led by Ms. Holly Ferriss, Housing Director. No formal decisions are listed for these items.

• Adoption of Committee of the Whole meeting minutes – February 17, 2026
• Strategic Planning Discussion – attachment STRATEGIC-PLAN-2024-26_Nov28-adopted_lowres.pdf, led by Mr. Rick Green, CAO
• Strategic Housing Planning Discussion – led by Ms. Holly Ferriss, Housing Director

The Committee of the Whole adopted the minutes from the February 17, 2026 meeting after a motion was moved, seconded and carried. No other motions were passed; the council discussed strategic planning, a new Age and Accessibility Plan, an Economic Development Committee, and strategic housing options, but no decisions were recorded on those topics.

• Adopted February 17, 2026 Committee of the Whole minutes (motion carried)

Age Friendly and Accessibility Advisory Committee

The Age Friendly and Accessibility Advisory Committee will meet to discuss the priorities of a new five-year Age and Accessibility Plan. The committee will also consider the adoption of minutes from November 27, 2025.

• Round table discussion on the Age and Accessibility Plan priorities for the next five years
• Adoption of November 27, 2025 meeting minutes

The committee adopted the minutes from its November 27, 2025 meeting. It formally recommended that Council review the Age and Accessibility Plan each year and hold bi‑annual town walks with committee members. The committee also asked that funding be found for a mid‑block crosswalk on Quilchena Avenue.

• Adopted November 27, 2025 Age Accessibility Committee minutes (carried)
• Recommended Council review the Age and Accessibility Plan annually (carried)
• Recommended Council hold bi‑annual town walks with committee members (carried)

Merritt City Council Regular Meeting

The Merritt City Council will discuss a retail cannabis store application and various policy updates. The body is also reviewing 2026 Grant in Aid applications and scheduling special meetings for budget review.

• Public hearing proposal for a non-medical cannabis retail store at Unit 108 – 1700 Garcia St
• Grant in Aid funding for various groups, including $7,500 for Merritt Country Christmas Committee
• 2025 reserve contributions: $371,827 to Protective Services and $619,307.43 to Infrastructure & Operations
• Fire Rescue Department Establishment and Operations Amendment Bylaw No. 2417, 2026
• Adoption of a Single Egress Stairway Policy and a Shopping Cart Procedure

The council adopted amended minutes from February 10, 2026 and approved multiple Grant‑in‑Aid applications. It gave first, second and third readings to the Fire Rescue Department Amendment Bylaw and directed a public hearing on a non‑medical cannabis store at 1700 Garcia St. The council also authorized three reserve contributions totaling $1,060,727.75, scheduled a special budget review meeting, and adopted the Single Egress Stairway Policy and a shopping‑cart procedure.

• Adopted February 10, 2026 minutes with amendment (carried)
• Approved Grant‑in‑Aid cash and in‑kind applications (carried)
• Gave First, Second and Third Readings to Fire Rescue Dept. Amendment Bylaw (carried)
• Directed staff to hold public hearing on cannabis retail store application (carried, 1 against)
• Authorized $371,827.00 to Protective Services Reserve (carried)
• Authorized $69,593.32 to Interest Funded Housing Reserve (carried)
• Authorized $619,307.43 to Interest Funded Infrastructure & Operations Reserves (carried)
• Adopted Single Egress Stairway Policy (carried, 1 against)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will consider recommending that Council approve ten Grant in Aid funding applications and five Grant in Aid in-kind applications for 2026. Applicant organizations include the Grasslands 4H Club, Nicola Valley Dirt Riders Association, and Nicola Valley Community Gardens Society, among others. Dollar amounts are to be determined.

• Review of 10 Grant in Aid funding applications (dollar amounts blank in agenda)
• Review of 5 Grant in Aid in-kind applications
• Recommendation to Council to approve all listed grants
• Adoption of January 20, 2026 Committee of the Whole minutes

The Committee adopted the minutes from the January 20, 2026 meeting. It declined the Take a Hike Youth Mental Health Foundation application and red‑flagged the Merritt Citizens on Patrol 2024 Society. The Committee recommended and Council approved eight Grant‑in‑Aid funding applications totaling $7,500 and five in‑kind applications totaling $11,487.50.

• Adopted Jan 20, 2026 minutes (moved, seconded, carried)
• Declined Take a Hike Youth Mental Health Foundation application
• Red‑flagged Merritt Citizens on Patrol 2024 Society application
• Approved Grant‑in‑Aid Funding for eight community groups, total $7,500
• Approved Grant‑in‑Aid In‑Kind for five community groups, total $11,487.50

Merritt City Council Regular Meeting

Council will consider adopting two bylaws: one amending water and sanitary sewer services to Gateway 286 (Exit 286 Palamino Estates) and another amending the building bylaw. New business includes a policy on unimproved road allowances, a two-year digital sign agreement with Tourism Nicola Valley, and potential attendance at the 2026 FCM Conference. Reports include an RCMP monthly update and information items on school closure letters and BC Hydro EV charging.

• Adoption of Water and Sanitary Sewer Services to Gateway 286 Local Area Service Amendment Bylaw No. 2415
• Adoption of City of Merritt Building Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 2416
• Adoption of Unimproved Road Allowances Policy
• Enter into digital sign agreement with Merritt and Nicola Valley Destination Marketing Society (Tourism Nicola Valley) for 2-year term
• Direct Council attendance at 2026 Federation of Canadian Municipalities Conference in Edmonton, June 4–7

The council adopted two service amendment bylaws (2415 and 2416) and the Unimproved Road Allowance Policy. It approved a two‑year digital‑sign advertising contract with the Merritt and Nicola Valley Destination Marketing Society. The council also approved sponsorship of two Centennial Awards worth $100 total.

• Adopted Water and Sanitary Sewer Services to Gateway 286 Local Area Service Amendment Bylaw No. 2415, 2026 (carried)
• Adopted City of Merritt Building Amendment Bylaw No. 2416, 2026 (carried)
• Adopted Unimproved Road Allowance Policy (carried)
• Directed staff to enter into a 2‑year digital‑sign contract with Merritt and Nicola Valley Destination Marketing Society (carried)
• Approved sponsorship of two Centennial Awards for a maximum of $100 from the Council Protocol account (carried)
• Forwarded Bylaw 2412 and Bylaw 2386 to the Policy and Bylaw Review Committee for further review (notice of motion, carried)
• Authorized Councillors Charney and Egan to attend the 2026 Federation of Canadian Municipalities Annual Conference (carried)
• Forwarded 2026 SILGA resolutions to the Southern Interior Local Government Association (carried)

Policy Review Committee

The Merritt Policy Review Committee will adopt minutes from its November 13, 2025 meeting. It will discuss four new items, recommending that Council adopt the Single Egress Stairway Policy and approve the Unimproved Road Maintenance Policy. The committee will also consider a Shopping Carts item and a City Hall Christmas Closure Policy that were forwarded from recent council meetings.

• Recommendation to adopt the Single Egress Stairway Policy
• Recommendation to approve the Unimproved Road Maintenance Policy
• Discussion of a Shopping Carts item forwarded from council
• Discussion of the City Hall Christmas Closure Policy forwarded from council

The Policy Review Committee adopted the minutes from the November 13, 2025 meeting. It recommended that Council adopt a Single Egress Stairwell policy because fire services lack capacity for such buildings. It also recommended approval of an amended Unimproved Road Maintenance policy and rescinding the City Hall Christmas Closure policy. The shopping‑cart issue was forwarded to the February 24, 2026 Council meeting for further discussion.

• Adopted the November 13, 2025 Policy Review Committee minutes (moved, seconded, carried)
• Recommended Council adopt the Single Egress Stairwell policy (moved, seconded, carried)
• Recommended Council approve the amended Unimproved Road Maintenance policy (moved, seconded, carried)
• Forwarded the shopping‑cart management item to the February 24, 2026 Council meeting (moved, seconded, carried)
• Recommended Council rescind the City Hall Christmas Closure policy (moved, seconded, carried)

Merritt City Council Regular Meeting

Council will receive a presentation on an affordable townhome community (Merritt Village) and consider three readings of two bylaws: a water/sewer service amendment for Gateway 286 and a building bylaw amendment. A notice of motion proposes a moratorium on capital expenses until the 2026 budget is finalized.

• Presentation on Merritt Village affordable townhome community by Anhart Developments with site plans and floor plans
• Three readings of Water and Sanitary Sewer Services to Gateway 286 Local Area Service Amendment Bylaw No. 2415, 2026
• Three readings of City of Merritt Building Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 2416, 2026
• Appointment of Mr. Purnesh Jani as Municipal Approving Officer and Mr. Rick Green as Deputy
• Notice of motion by Councillor Egan to impose a moratorium on all capital expenses until the 2026 budget is finalized

Council appointed Mr. Purnesh Jani as Municipal Approving Officer and Mr. Rick Green as Deputy Municipal Approving Officer, effective Feb 2 2026. The council gave first, second, and third readings to Water and Sanitary Sewer Services Amendment Bylaw No. 2415 and Building Amendment Bylaw No. 2416. A moratorium on all new capital expenses was imposed until after the 2026 budget, and the abandoned shopping carts issue was sent to the Policy and Bylaw Review Committee. All motions were moved, seconded and carried.

• Appointed Mr. Purnesh Jani as Municipal Approving Officer (carried)
• Appointed Mr. Rick Green as Deputy Municipal Approving Officer (carried)
• Approved Water and Sanitary Sewer Services Amendment Bylaw No. 2415, first‑to‑third readings (carried)
• Approved City of Merritt Building Amendment Bylaw No. 2416, first‑to‑third readings (carried)
• Imposed moratorium on all new capital expenses until after the 2026 budget (carried)
• Referred abandoned shopping carts issue to the Policy and Bylaw Review Committee (carried)
• Adopted minutes of the Jan 13 2026 council meeting (carried)
• Received SILGA Resolution Request 2026 report for information (carried)