B.C. commits another $21 million to help rebuild Lytton infrastructure
The fire-ravaged community of Lytton, B.C., is getting $21 million from the provincial government to help it rebuild essential infrastructure and services.
The Public Safety Ministry says in a statement the new funding will support priorities identified in Lytton's recovery plan, including the hiring of staff and restoration of services, like fire protection, to allow construction to start.
The funds will also go to rebuilding municipal structures and assessing water and sewer infrastructure, and is in addition to almost $28 million in provincial funding announced earlier this year.
Two people were killed and much of the community was destroyed when wildfire ripped through Lytton almost a year ago.
The funding announcement comes after International Development Minister Harjit Sajjan visited the village site last week and announced $77 million in funding from the federal government to help Lytton rebuild a fire-resistant and energy-efficient community.
The B.C. government says the village site is expected to be ready for the next phases of rebuilding, including planning and permitting, this fall.
“We know there's a lot of work that still needs to be done, but this new funding is a significant step toward recovery,” said Roly Russell, Parliamentary secretary for rural development.
Lytton Mayor Jan Polderman said in a statement that, without the funding for infrastructure, a rebuild would be “impossible.”
“The funding is welcomed for upping our game on public communication and engagement and developing an economic recovery plan,” he said. “Now that most, if not all, the actions identified in the short-term recovery plan are flushed out, the funding also allows for us to move forward with the development of our medium-to-long term recovery plan.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 23, 2022.
Fire-damaged Lytton, B.C., is seen from the air on June 23, 2022. (Jordan Jiang / CTV News Vancouver)
Fire-damaged Lytton, B.C., is seen from the air on June 23, 2022. (Jordan Jiang / CTV News Vancouver)
Fire-damaged Lytton, B.C., is seen from the air on June 23, 2022. (Jordan Jiang / CTV News Vancouver)
Fire-damaged Lytton, B.C., is seen from the air on June 23, 2022. (Jordan Jiang / CTV News Vancouver)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Multiple bridges in Calgary shut down for police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Quebec judge orders bus driver to stand trial for 2023 daycare crash deaths
A judge has ordered a Quebec man to stand trial on charges of first-degree murder in the deaths of two children killed when a bus rammed into a Montreal-area daycare last year.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor qualifies Canada for Paralympics in rowing event
Former Humboldt Broncos goaltender and bus crash survivor Jacob Wassermann has qualified Canada for a rowing event for the 2024 Paralympic games in Paris.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
Krispy Kreme doughnuts coming to McDonald's in U.S., but not Canada
Canadians will be missing out on a sweet new partnership between McDonald's and Krispy Kreme, which will see doughnuts available at McDonald's locations across the U.S. by the end of 2026.
Calgary officer charged after allegedly assaulting handcuffed man
A Calgary police officer has been charged after allegedly assaulting a handcuffed man two years ago.
Trudeau's latest pre-budget pledge targets millennial moms, vowing $1B in loans for more child-care spaces
The federal government is launching a new loan program to help child-care providers in Canada expand their spaces, and will be extending further student loan forgiveness and training options for early childhood educators, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Thursday.