This Sunday will mark three years since a destructive wildfire tore through Lytton, B.C., reducing most of the village to ash.
The fire, which ignited during a period of record-setting heat in June 2021, killed two people, destroyed more than 100 properties, and left hundreds displaced.
For years, there seemed to be little headway in rebuilding the once cohesive community.
However, that perception may have shifted on Tuesday.
Lytton’s mayor, Denise O’Connor, said there has been “significant” progress in recent months, with the village issuing permits for 12 homes and two commercial buildings.
O’Connor, who lost her home in 2021, noted that municipal services for water and sewers had been restored, plans are underway for a grocery store, and there are discussions about Scotiabank seeking a location for a branch in Lytton.
The village has also begun rebuilding municipal buildings and public spaces like museums, community meeting rooms, and pools, using some of the roughly $64 million in federal funds that were announced in January.
But it’s not all good news. O’Connor noted that former residents, along with the village, still face substantial financial challenges.
“Many have had to request extensions for insurance claims, not once, but twice,” O’Connor said.
“The federal funding that was announced in June of 2022 for rebuilding net-zero and fire-resistant homes is unfortunately inaccessible to many property owners.”
Two years ago, the federal government allocated $6 million for insured homeowners. However, the funding is earmarked as reimbursement, contingent upon owners adhering to those specified building standards.
O’Connor added that another major obstacle has been the cost of the required archaeological work, with estimates ranging from $20,000 to $80,000.
“These costs are not covered by insurance and must come out of property owners pockets.”
O’Connor said one resident who had planned to rebuild decided not to return due to the financial constraints. She added that others have also chosen to permanently relocate, for reasons such as trauma from the wildfire and displacement.
Ground has yet to be broken for a pharmacy, urgent care center, or permanent RCMP detachment.
‘I’m happy that we can move forward’: Lytton resident provides rebuild update
After losing their home to destruction in 2021, Judith Urquhart and her husband now stand among the select few who are rebuilding.
“We should be in our new home by the first of September,” Urquhart told CityNews. “Things didn’t go fast or smooth till about October of last year,” she added.
Urquhart describes the effort to reach this point as an “everyday” endeavor, recalling numerous moments when she couldn’t envision a future in Lytton.
“It’s been one roadblock after another, and you have to figure out who put the roadblock there and work your way around it.”
“It’s been very difficult…there were so many different things that had to be dealt with and understood.”
Recognizing her fortunate financial position, Urquhart acknowledges the hardship faced by others who cannot afford to return.
“It’s sad that the level of support that was needed wasn’t there for these people,” she said.
“There will always be a level of questions that have to be addressed over time and the anger about some of the things that have happened, but overall I’m happy that we can move forward. I hope that everyone who wants to rebuild can be in their homes by Christmas.”