The controversial Spring Bank development received final adoption at the May 11 regular council meeting, following two public hearings during which Merrittonians voiced their opposition to the project. The development will see the construction of a 40-unit building that will provide affordable housing to indigenous individuals, families and elders. The project is a joint effort between BC Housing, the Nicola Native Lodge Society, and Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AMHA), and will see 15 studio units, six two-bedroom units, six three-bedroom units and 17 elder-specific one-bedroom units added to the community. Two units will be designed to be wheelchair accessible. During the Mar. 23 council meeting, the development at 2640 Spring Bank was given vocal support by the chiefs of the five First Nations bands in the Nicola Valley.