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History
The Nicola Valley has long been home to a number of First Nations who continue to call the
area home. European pioneers searching for a trading route between the Coast and the
Interior reached the area in the mid-1800s.
Right from the beginning, early settlers were attracted to the area because of its rich
grasslands ideally suited for livestock (ranching remains an important part of Merritt's
economy!).
In 1865, William Henry Voght, the father of Merritt, entered the valley and returned in 1872
to take up land at the forks, where the Nicola and Coldwater Rivers meet. This was the start
of the development of Merritt. In 1906, the town was renamed Merritt, in honour of William
Hamilton Merritt, a mining engineer and railway promoter.
Merritt was incorporated as a City in 1911, and by this time the community's economy had diversified
to include coal mining, which would continue to be a major industry up until the 1930s. In the
1930s the failure of a local mill precipitated the receivership of the City.
Following the end of WWII, several mills opened in the city and forestry became the new backbone of
the economy. In 1961 the nearby Craigmont copper mine opened, followed by several others in the
Highland Valley. Copper mining would continue to be a major player to the present day, although its
importance declined following the closure of Craigmont in the 1980s.
In 1986, following years of lobbying, the Coquihalla Highway was completed, providing a
freeway link between Merritt and the Lower Mainland, and subsequently, Kamloops and Kelowna. The
completion of this interior highway network placed Merritt at the hub of transportation and
communications in the southern interior and precipitated economic changes that continue to the
present.
Location
Merritt is located 271 kilometres (168 miles) northeast of Vancouver in the heart of the Nicola
Valley. With a population of approximately 8,000, and a trading area of approximately 15,000,
Merritt is the commercial centre for the area.
Places to See
- Quilchena Hotel
Established in 1908, the Quilchena Hotel is one of the Valley's most historic buildings. Overlooking
Nicola Lake, the resort offers visitors a multitude of outdoor experiences: guided trail rides,
tennis, swimming, fishing, hiking and a scenic 9-hole golf course. The resort also has an adjacent
recreational part with 25 sites offering full hookup facilities.
- Douglas Lake Ranch
Established in 1886, this is Canada's largest working cattle ranch. The ranch is approximately
515,000 acres in size, has in the neighbourhood of 18,000 head of cattle and employs 60 people.
In addition, the ranch has two of North America's top lakes for producing rainbow trout and
operates a general store and post office.
- Coldwater Hotel
The Coldwater Hotel, located in the heart of Merritt, was constructed in 1908, and its copper
covered cupola is a Merritt landmark. The hotel is still in operations with a restaurant, pub
and banquet facilities.
- Nicola Valley Museum Archives
The present quarters of the Nicola Valley Museum Archives Association became their permanent
home in 1981. The Nicola Valley Museum publishes a quarterly newspaper, which serves as an
outlet for historical research on the Nicola Valley and its people. The museum has numerous
exhibits detailing the town's history, an archives section, and a book and gift collection.
- Spius Creek Salmon Hatchway
The facility takes adult Chinook (in August) and Coho (in October) from surrounding area rivers.
The eggs and serum are extracted from the adult fish. The fertilized eggs are carefully monitored
in a hatchery. The baby fish are raised to various sizes before being released into numerous BC
rivers. The hatchery offers tours year round, but please call ahead.
- Merritt Walk of Stars
Hundreds of international country music artists have performed at the annual Merritt Mountain
Music Festival over the last 12 years. Those stars have left their mark permanently by placing
handprints (or, in one case, footprints) and signatures in concrete stars. In 2003, those
stars became the basis for the Merritt Walk of Stars. The stars are constructed of lasting bronze,
and are placed on display in downtown Merritt to create an attraction similiar to the famous
Walk of Stars in Hollywood.
- The Baillie Property
The historic Baillie Property, operated by the Nicola Valley Heritage Society, consists of a
house, barn, store, storage garage, and heritage-style garden. The importance of the property
is the extent to which the buildings have remained so unchanged since the early 1900s. The society
has established a number of annual events, including fundraisers that help in the continuing operations
and maintenance of the site.
The former store on the property also enjoys its new purpose as Merritt's Tourism Information Booth.
It is conveniently located in the heart of the community and across from City Hall, at 2250 Voght
Street. Stop in for a visit and learn more about the city's wonderful history and the many things
to see and do in Merritt and the Nicola Valley.
Things to Do
- Hiking!
The Nicola Valley is hiking country, with its rolling hills, mountain meadows, endless trails, and
breathtaking beauty.
- Camping! Fishing!
The Nicola Valley hosts over 200 fishable lakes and streams, 90 forestry campsites, a variety of
private campsites and endless provincial parks. Each lake also provides wonderful opportunities
for boating and sailing.
- Mountain Biking!
The Merritt Mountain Bike Association has mapped numerous trails in the Nicola Valley! Expect to find
rolling hills, mountain meadows, and gorgeous scenery.
Events
- Merritt Mountain Music Festival
Mountainfest, the largest outdoor country music festival in Canada, takes place in sunny Merritt for 6
days every July- a spectacular event where people listen to the best of the best in country music &
enjoy a multitude of fun, family activities. Ever since the first concert in 1992, the festival has grown into
more than just great music- it's an annual event where people come to meet others, see new things,
hear new sounds, and cultivate lasting friendships.
- Rodeo Fair Days
Rodeo Fair Days, which happens every Labour Day weekend, is a long-time Nicola Valley Tradition that
continues to enthrall thousands of spectators and participants. Among the many festivities are: the Nicola
Valley Pro Rodeo (featuring some of North America's best cowboys), an old-fashioned Fall Fair, a community
pancake breakfast, country music entertainment, and dances!
- Merritt Country Christmas
Imagine a downtown filled with illuminated Christmas trees, carolers, musicians, and decorated shops- this
is the essence of Country Christmas. Thousands of spectators and revelers are drawn to downtown Merritt to
enjoy a weekend filled with many family-based activities that include: the Annual Illuminated Santa Parade,
the downtown Santa Land, and the family Country Christmas Dance.
Notable Comments
- A creature with two heads, three legs, and five arms was recently spotted jamming to the
latest country hits at the Merritt Mountain Music Festival. When pressed by local authorities
about his identity and purpose for attending the festival, the creature admitted, "I just came
here hoping to find some succulent humans to feast on, but wow, this concert rocks!" He was
allowed to stay after promising not to harm or eat anyone; however, the sheer excitement of
the event later compelled him to jump onstage while local country star Breanne Grimes was singing.
As the frightened teen leaped into the crowd, the creature began singing an off-key country duet with
himself, instantly deafening anyone within a 50-metre radius. He was promptly tackled by a dozen
security guards and several mysterious men in black. He is currently locked up in downtown Merritt,
awaiting trial for assault.
- Courtenay Sayward, in an article for the Dawson Creek Inquirer
- "I like Merrit!"
- Delores Clayburn, an enthusiastic four-year old from Kamloops
Contact Information
City of Merritt
2185 Voght Street
P.O. Box 189
Merritt, BC, V1K 1B8
Telephone: 250-378-4224
Fax: 250-378-2600
E-mail: info@merritt.ca
Webpage: http://www.merritt.ca/
Merritt and District Chamber of Commerce
Business Service Centre
2185B Voght Street
Box 1649
Merritt, BC V1K 1B8
Telephone: 250-378-5634
Fax: 250-378-6561
Email: assistant@merritt-chamber.bc.ca
Webpage: http://www.merritt-chamber.bc.ca
Merritt Tourism
Nicola Valley Heritage Society
2202 Voght Street
Box 1105
Merritt, B.C. V1K 1B8
Telephone: 250-378-0349
Email: bailliehouse@shaw.ca
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