Merritt

Merritt is a city within the Nicola Valley of the south-central Interior of British Columbia, Canada. Its first years were largely used by local settlers of the First Nations groups and early pioneers. The grasslands within the area attracted many who were into ranching, and three ranches during the 1880's stood out from among the rest: Nicola and Coldwater Rivers, owned by Jesus Garcia, John Charters Estate, and William Voght.

Individuals who are into arts and culture would definitely find a group to help them pursue their creative and artistic passions. Among the community groups comprise: Centre Ballet, Communities in Bloom, Merritt Ambassadors, Merritt Community Choir, Merritt Toastmasters, Merritt Humane Society, Nicola Valley Community Arts Council, Nicola Valley Highland Dancers, Nicola Valley Heritage Society, Nicola Valley Community Band, Nicola Valley Quilter Guild, Nicola Valley Museum and Archives Society, Old Time Fiddlers Association, Rotary Club, and Sagebrush Spinners and Weavers.

Merritt hosts an annual Merritt Mountain Music Festival which attracts a lot of people every month of July. There are lots of tourism development activities which makes Merritt City the "Country Music Capital of Canada," and anyone will surely enjoy the Merritt Walk of Stars - a display of bronzed handprints of the Mountainfest artists who are community members. In 2008, the Walk of Stars Society is relocating the Canadian Country Music Hall of Honour and Museum from Calgary to Merritt.

Transportation, tourism, forestry, farming, ranching and mining are the most prominent businesses within the region. The Douglas Lake Cattle Company, Canada's largest working cattle ranch, makes its home in the city of Merritt. Also, there are a lot of mills currently operating out of Merritt City. Since the completion of the Coquihalla highway system in the year 1990, the economy of the city has developed significantly, especially in the areas of home-based occupations, tourism, recreation and transportation. There has been a continuous influx of people who are relocating from urban areas because of the affordable housings existing in the area. The service sector is likewise in full swing, and the population of the city of Merritt has already reached an estimated 20,000 in the whole service area. This has further expanded housing, entrepreneurial and the service sector in the region.