More Merritt, B.C., residents may be able to return home this weekend after devastating floods
More Merritt, B.C., residents may be allowed to return home this weekend, depending on testing results.
The official go-ahead for residents part of the city's Phase 2 return plan will be dependent on final water testing results, which are expected Friday. Phase 2 includes those living between the RCMP station and Nicola Avenue.
Mayor Linda Brown says this is a major milestone for Merritt as it recovers from devastating flooding that forced the entire city to be under evacuation order.
"I know nothing can be said to ease the angst that you're all feeling, but we are trying our best to get you answers and we are steadily working towards repairing infrastructure so that we can bring all of you home safely," she said in an update Thursday.
A boil water advisory remains in effect and people returning home are advised to use as little water as possible.
Those who return home will still be on evacuation alert and should be ready to leave again at a moment's notice. Before returning, residents should ensure they have enough food and essential supplies to be self-sufficient, as these items are limited in the city.
The first group of residents returned home on Tuesday. Details on access for residents in Phase 3, or those living south of Nicola Avenue, are expected to be released Friday.
Residents are being warned that the city they're "returning to is not the same city they left."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.