Future Development: Gateway 286
The site of the former Visitor Information Centre at Exit 286—where the Coquihalla Highway meets the Okanagan Connector—is being reimagined as Gateway 286, a brand-new 47,000-square-foot commercial centre. This exciting new development will sit on approximately seven acres of a larger 25-acre site and is being brought to life by a private partnership between Troika Developments, PR Petroleum, and Spayum Holdings LP.
The new Gateway 286 will include a variety of restaurants, quick-service food, smoothie bars, convenience retail, basic groceries, a dollar store, a liquor store, a gas bar (anchored by Canco Petroleum), electric vehicle charging stations, picnic spaces, and a transit stop — all designed to serve the estimated 20,000 vehicles passing by each day.
Rooted in Reconciliation
This project is the result of more than 30 years of work toward reconciliation. The land, which lies within the traditional territories of the Nlaka’pamux and Syilx peoples, was transferred to the five Nicola Valley First Nations in 2019 as part of a long-standing commitment to reconciliation. Today, it is held by Spayum Holdings LP, the development corporation representing the five Nations, and leased to the development partners.
Privately Funded Development
With a total project value of approximately $40 million, all on-site development and construction is being privately funded by the development team.
City-Led Infrastructure, Developer-Funded
To get the site ready for development, the City of Merritt led the extension of water and sewer services—but all costs are being paid by the developers, not local taxpayers.
This work, completed in late 2024, brought new water and sewer infrastructure to the area and added reservoir capacity to support both Gateway 286 and future growth. The City managed the design and construction, while the developers are covering the full cost through repayment.
This approach ensures that Merritt can grow in a smart, sustainable way—creating jobs and opportunities without burdening city budgets.
Current Project Status (as of March 2025)
- Subdivision: Roadwork and servicing are underway but not yet finished.
- Permits: Development and building permits are still in progress.
- City Services: Off-site water and sewer systems are complete and ready to service the project.
The team is targeting a grand opening in 2026, depending on final approvals and construction progress.
What’s Next?
The long-term vision for Gateway 286 includes expanding beyond the first seven acres. The remaining 18 acres on-site offer space for more commercial and community development, led by the Nicola Valley First Nations and their partners. In addition, 200 nearby acres owned by Palomino Ventures could one day support future residential growth.
Economic Impact
Gateway 286 will be much more than a highway stop. It will be a modern, welcoming gateway to Merritt, offering new businesses, creating local jobs, and celebrating Indigenous culture and community. With strong partnerships, smart planning, and community at its heart, Gateway 286 represents the future of sustainable regional growth.
Water + Sewer Expansion to Gateway 286
APRIL 2024 (UPDATED)
The City of Merritt has furthered its implementation of the City’s Official Community Plan by providing water and sewer services up to the Coquihalla Highway Exit 286, in support of a future Ranchlands Village development.
This City project includes the installation of sewer and water lines from about 1900 block of Sage Place near Clapperton Avenue and up through Thorpe Avenue, crossing under Nicola Avenue/Highway 8, following the road right of way along Highway 8 through the Joeyaska Reserve, reconnecting again with City lands around exit 286, ultimately servicing private properties in the Ranchland Villages area, otherwise known as Gateway 286 and the site of Destination BC’s former Visitor Information Centre (closed in January 2018).
In addition to sewer lines, the City will be working on potable water supply to the area. This project involves two reservoirs east of the Coquihalla Highway. The existing southeast reservoir will get a new water supply main to the Gateway 286 area. An additional reservoir will be built above the Ranchlands Village project site, and will include a water main to the new development area.
This is a Local Area Service project, where the improvement is paid for by the developer, not the taxpayer.
CITY SERVICES SITE PLAN
