Merritt

Merritt is a city in the Nicola Valley of the south-central Interior of British Columbia, Canada. Its initial years were largely used by early pioneers and local settlers of the First Nations groups. The grasslands within the area attracted a lot who were really interested in 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 interested in arts and culture will definitely find a group to help them pursue their creative and artistic passions. Among the community groups comprise: Communities in Bloom, Centre Ballet, Merritt Community Choir, Merritt Ambassador, Merritt Toastmasters, Merritt Humane Society, Nicola Valley Highland Dancers, Nicola Valley Community Arts Council, 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.

The Merritt Mountain Music Festival is a yearly event held within the city, which draw thousands of people every month of July. The city of Merritt has been known as the "Country Music Capital of Canada," with lots of tourism development activities that helps makes this city great. Many likewise visit to enjoy the Merritt Walk of Stars - a display of bronzed handprints of the Mountainfest artists who are community members. During the year 2008, the Walk of Stars Society is relocating the Canadian Country Music Hall of Honour and Museum from Calgary City to Merritt City.

The most prominent industries in Merritt are transportation, tourism, farming, forestry, mining, and ranching. Merritt is known to house the Douglas Lake Cattle Company, Canada's biggest working cattle ranch. There are likewise many mills that operate from Merritt. Since the completion of the Coquihalla highway system in 1990, the economy of the city has developed very much, especially in the areas of tourism, home-based occupations, recreation and transportation. There has been a continuous influx of people who are relocating from urban areas due to the affordable housings obtainable within the area. The service sector is also in full swing, and the population of the city has already reached an anticipated 20,000 in the whole service area. This has further expanded housing, entrepreneurial and the service sector within the region.