Lytton cuts ribbon on first public building since 2021 wildfires

More than four years after a devastating wildfire ravaged the village, Lytton took a big step towards rebuilding Friday.

In June 2021, a wildfire destroyed 90 per cent of Lytton’s infrastructure. After a slow but steady path towards recovery, the village held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the completion of its new public works building.

Mayor Denise O’Connor says it’s been a challenge to reach this milestone.

“It was two years before anybody was even allowed onto their properties before the cleanup started. Some of the challenges, aside from just that slowness, is accommodations for workers or construction workers, tradespeople as they come in to do the rebuilding,” O’Connor told 1130 NewsRadio.

She says the public works building is the first of its kind.

“A number of private properties have rebuilt — homes and such — but this is the first municipal property to be rebuilt… and it really is a symbol,” O’Connor told 1130 NewsRadio.

“It’s a tangible sign that the village is not going anywhere. We are coming back. We are rebuilding.”

She adds that construction of the modular building was funded through a $1 million grant from the Provincial Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, as well as the village’s resources.

Minister Kelly Greene says the province remains committed to supporting B.C. communities through emergencies.

“The new Public Works Building provides a permanent and secure space for the municipality to better support the community with essential public services,” said Greene.