THE CITY OF MERRITT
Nestled in the heart of the Nicola Valley, the City of Merritt offers a unique lifestyle among the spectacular scenery of British Columbia's southern interior. Located at the hub of the Coquihalla Highway System, a modern freeway net connecting major population centres in the Okanagan and Lower Mainland, Merritt is quickly becoming a major tourist stop, and an ideal prospective warehousing and distribution depot. While a progressive approach to economic growth and controlled development sustains a thriving business community, this "four season playground" presents outdoor sports and leisure opportunities second to none in the province.
Facts at a Glance
City of Merritt - Weather Statistics (30 year average)
| Annual hours of sunshine | 2,047 hours |
| Annual rainfall | 233 mm |
| Annual snowfall | 88 cm |
| Average frost free days | 250 days |
| Mean summer temperatures | 26 C. max 10 C. min |
| Mean winter temperatures | +2 C. max -4.5 C. min |
Now, accessible location, climate, beauty and unlimited leisure opportunities combine to ensure Merritt's promise as a major tourist destination. Further contributing to a diverse economy already supported by forestry, mining, agriculture, ranching and manufacturing, Merritt's warm and sunny summers and mild winters draw increasing numbers of visitors year 'round to enjoy the ultimate in fishing, golfing, boating, camping, hiking, hunting, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. Confirming rising visitor statistics, accommodation - a valuable measure of growth in the service and hospitality sector - has grown substantially. More than 300 new units have been added to the accommodation register in less than two years.
WHY MERRITT?
- Merritt is accessible by more than 12,000,000 people within a five-hour drive.
- Merritt has one of the driest climates in Canada, an average precipitation rate of only 12 inches per annum
- Merritt is accessible by all major highways in British Columbia. Over 2.7 million vehicles go by it's doorstep every year
- Merritt has recorded over 348,000 signatures in the Info centre guest book this year alone. The Merritt info centre is the second most visited centre in the province
- Count-1 survey conducted in 1999 shows that 78% of people will travel up to three hours comfortably for outdoor activities and events
- AMEC has a proven track record in Merritt for successfully marketing a multi-province campaign and achieving the desired attendance results
- Merritt possesses all crucial amenities including fire and law enforcement, hospital facilities ambulance and educational institutes
- Merritt has extended roadways and an airport
- In recent surveys done by "Six Flags" and "West Coast Amusements", both concluded that should their operations look to expansion in British Columbia, Merritt would be the location of choice
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