Rubble remains in the downtown core of Lytton (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

LYTTON ANNIVERSARY

‘(Lytton) doesn’t seem to be a priority for this provincial government’: Fraser-Nicola MLA

Jun 29, 2022 | 4:20 PM

LYTTON B.C. — Residents in the Village of Lytton are still struggling to rebuild their homes and their lives, one year after the devastating wildfire ripped through the downtown core.

The province of B.C. has pledged millions of dollars to the Village of Lytton to support rebuilding the community. That includes $21-million announced last week to help rebuild essential infrastructure and services. The NDP also announced $28-million earlier this year.

While the dollars are beginning to add up, Fraser-Nicola MLA Jackie Tegart hasn’t been impressed with the response from the government on the important file. She noted repair work completed across B.C. following the November floods as evidence that the province can work quickly.

“I begged the provincial government to put a team together to go into Lytton. Good god, we have rebuilt the Coquihalla, we have almost rebuilt Highway 8, we are well on our way on Highway 1. And there sits Lytton, and it doesn’t seem to be a priority for this provincial government. And shame on them for where we are today,” said Tegart.

The downtown core of Lytton was lost in the fire, but a large majority of the surrounding area survived the devastating fire a year ago. While it’s easy to see the rubble on the ground and speak to the rebuild of homes, those still living in Lytton are still waiting for essential services to return.

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“The people in Lytton deserve better and shame on us for not providing appropriate services for those people who live in the area. This is a file that seems to be forgotten by government. The provincial government in my view is the huge gap that is missing in the leadership and support,” added Tegart.

Thursday (June 30), the Village of Lytton will hold a private ceremony to mark the anniversary of the fire. Residents will bury a time capsule in the village filled with letters about their harrowing experiences one year ago.

“I know that the anniversary is going to very tough on people and I hope that the media and that the people of British Columbia respect how difficult this anniversary is. The people of Lytton, please know that you are in our thoughts,” concluded Tegart.