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We are happy to announce that the 2026 Fall Recreation Guide is now available online. The City of Merritt would like to invite Nicola Valley residents to explore all the events, activities, and programs in this Recreation Guide that promote active lifestyles and build community connection. Some Highlights in the guide include: GYMNASTICS TINY TOTS SUNDAYS BALL HOCKEY UNPLUG AND PLAY MINDFUL STRETCH | MINDFUL CHAIR  YOGA CLASSES INTERMEDIATE TAI-CHI JUNIOR LIFEGUARD CLUB SWIMMING LESSONS FIRE SAFETY PROGRAMS SENIORS PROGRAMS ARTS PROGRAMS CITY + COMMUNITY EVENTS Register at merritt.ca/registration This recreation activity guide is brought to you by the City of Merritt Recreation Department. Print copies will soon be available. Notification will be sent out when printed guides can be picked up at the Nicola Valley Aquatic Centre, Merritt Civic Centre, and City Hall.

Mondays April 13 – June 1, 2026 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm Join us for a 1-hour, feel-good dance fitness class filled with toe-tapping, heart-lifting tunes that you grew up with. There’s plenty of room to add your own style, have fun, and enjoy moving in a way that feels right for you. Perfect for active older adults. Beginners always welcome! * No class May 18 * A minimum of 4 registered participants is required for the program to run. * Drop-ins are welcome after the program begins at $5 per session. Fee: $30 for 7 classes Location: Merritt Civic Centre, West Auditorium 1950 Mamette Avenue Phone: 250-315-1050

Fire Permits Required Under Bylaw 2272, Fire Safety Regulation, item 13 Outdoor Fires, “No fire may be lit unless a Permit has been issued for the parcel of land.” Any resident wishing to have a campfire or other small confined fire on their property (not exceeding 0.5 metres in height and at least 4 meters from any structure or property line) require a permit from the City of Merritt. Please also note that Category 2 and 3 open fires are not allowed at any time. And fireworks are only permitted between October 16 and November 1. Also note that Fire Permits must be renewed annually, and expire at the end of the calendar year in December 31 each year.  The annual renewal rate for 2026 remains at $50.  The cost for an initial application and inspection remains at $150. City of Merritt Fire Permits are NOT VALID during a fire ban, which typically occurs late summer to early fall. APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday, January 16, 2026

CANADIAN SWIM PATROL CANADIAN SWIM PATROL(CSP) is a 3-level pre-Bronze award progression that delivers “work hard/play hard” training for skilled swimmers 8-12 years old. Canadian Swim Patrol is designed to take young swimmers beyond the learn-to-swim program and provide them with basic lifesaving skills. Candidates earn recognition for success in content modules (stickers) and for overall award achievement (badges). ROOKIE PATROL- SWIMMER 7 MONDAY – THURSDAY MARCH 16 – 20, 2026 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM $31.50 / 5 classes Swimmers continue developing front crawl, back crawl and breaststroke. Swimmers develop individual fitness to meet a timed 100m swim and 350m workout. Water proficiency skills include swimming with clothes, ready position, and feet first/head-first surface dives. Demonstrating the ability to conduct a primary assessment and calling EMS are included as first aid skills. Victim recognition and throwing assists are other key elements.

Bronze Medallion Bronze Medallion, as our flagship certification, teaches an understanding of the lifesaving principles embodied in the four components of water rescue education: judgment, knowledge, skill, and fitness. Bronze Medallion challenges the candidate both mentally and physically. Judgment, knowledge, skill and fitness – the four components of water rescue – form the basis of Bronze Medallion training. Candidates acquire the assessment and problem-solving skills needed to make good decisions in, on and around the water. Bronze Medallion is a prerequisite for Assistant Lifeguard training in Bronze Cross. MONDAY – FRIDAY March 16 – 20, 2026 12:00pm – 4:30pm Cost: $183.50 (CLASS)  + $40 (TEXTBOOK) * Prerequisite:  Bronze Star OR 13+ years REGISTRATION

Summer Break Day Camps Ages 6–11 No school. No problem. Spend your break making new friends at our Summer Break Camps. Daily or weekly options are available. Our recreation leaders will have a day packed with fun games, crafts and activities! Items to pack: lunch, snacks, water bottle and swim gear. Camp Dates Week 1: July 6–10, 2026 Week 2: July 13–17, 2026 Week 3: July 20–24, 2026 Week 4: July 27–31, 2026 Week 5: August 4–7, 2026 Week 6: August 11–15, 2026 Week 7: August 17–21, 2026 Time: 9 AM–4 PM Location: Merritt Civic Centre Cost: $30/day or $130/week Register Online

FIRST AID PROGRAMS Emergency First Aid Emergency First Aid is a WorkSafeBC Occupational Level 1 equivalent and can be used in the workplace. Using hands-on training and practice, this basic first aid course will give you confidence to respond effectively in an emergency. You will learn lifesaving skills such as CPR/AED and obstructed airway procedures to respond to adult, child and infant emergencies. You will also learn to recognize and respond to respiratory and circulatory emergencies including asthma, allergic reactions, heart attack, stroke, and bleeding. SUNDAY March 1, 2026 9:00am – 5:30pm Merritt Civic Centre $105 REGISTRATION * Minimum 6 candidates CALL: 250.315.1050  |  EMAIL: recreation@merritt.ca

National Lifeguard Recertification Have you already received your Lifeguard Certification? Has it expired? Renew it for another 2 years with this one-day course. Saturday, February 21, 2026 9:00 am – 5:30 pm PREREQUISITES: Proof of National Lifeguard Certification (need not be current) Current Standard First Aid recommended COST: $119.05 LOCATION: NICOLA VALLEY AQUATIC CENTRE REGISTER ONLINE

Are you interested in operating the Central Park Concession? The City of Merritt is inviting expressions of interest to operate the City-owned commercial concession facility for four years (commencing from May 2, 2026) with the possibility of a further 2-year extension in Central Park at 2975 Voght St, Merritt, BC V1K 1G9. Details of the Concession Service Opportunity A food and beverage concession has operated from the City-owned space at Central Park for a number of years.  This Request for Expressions of Interest process seeks to select the concession service provider (the “Vendor”) for the next four-year term.  The Vendor will be required to meet the following minimum requirements for the concession service: The Vendor Operator will be operating out of the city-owned facility, and will not be the lone food vendor in the park, as other food vendors may be permitted as part of a Special Event or pursuant to City Bylaws. The Vendor will sell food and beverage items to the general public, in accordance with all applicable laws and standards. Sale or rental of items other than food or beverages will be considered, but must be pre-approved in writing by the City. Operating Dates/Hours:  The City requires the Vendor to operate at least some hours during each week of the year, year-round.  The exact schedule of Concession Service operating hours can be proposed by respondents; however, the City has a preference for the service to be open during the following dates/hours: April 1 to October 31: Weekdays 11:00a.m. to 9:00p.m. or dusk. Weekends 10:00a.m. to 9:00p.m. or dusk. November 1 to March 31: hours and dates of respondent’s choice. Concession Operator Requirements Respondents to this Expression of Interest should possess the following experience: Prior experience conducting a food and beverage business over a minimum period of 6 months, in accordance with Interior Health requirements or equivalent. Experience providing good customer service to the general public. How to submit an Expression of Interest A Respondent wishing to tender an Expression of Interest submission, should include the details listed below, via paper or email, to: David Zakall, Director of Community Services PO Box 189, 2185 Voght Street, Merritt, BC, V1K 1B8 Phone: 250.378.8618 Email: dzakall@merritt.ca  DEADLINE The deadline for submissions is 5:30 pm on Thursday, February 26, 2026. The submission should include: Name of Respondent (individual or business name) Contact Details: address, telephone, email. Details of the Respondent’s prior experience which demonstrates how the City’s experience requirements are met. A description of the proposed concessions service, including; Food and beverage items to be sold Operating dates and times How the service will create visually attractive and locally inspired cuisine options for locals and visitors Key team members and their experience/qualifications Process Next Steps The City will pre-qualify Respondents that meet the requirements stated herein.  Pre-Qualified Respondents will be notified via email by March 3, 2026, and invited to view the concessions facility between March 4 and 6, 2026. Pre-Qualified Respondents will then be invited to submit a full proposal for the concession service, including a sample menu of items for sale, operating details, and the proposed monthly Licence Fee payment (payable by the Vendor to the City) for use of the facility. The City will select one successful Vendor, based on pre-published evaluation criteria.  The successful Vendor will then be required to enter into a License of Occupation Agreement with the City of Merritt, to operate the Concession Service.