3 years and a record $239M in recovery funding later, Lytton still hasn't rebuilt

When Lytton First Nation elders George and Sharon Brown fled their family home near the village three years ago, they never imagined their community would remain displaced this long.

"We were scattered all over and we just hurt," said Sharon Brown.

Only a handful of people have returned to the village after a catastrophic fire reduced Lytton, B.C., to ash on June 30, 2021.

Despite more than $239-million in provincial and federal funding committed to help rebuild, so far only five homes in the village that was home to around 250 people are close to completion, and about 15 building permits have been approved. 

According to the press secretary for the Minster of Indigenous Services Patty Hajdu, more than $120 million of that money went to Lytton First Nation to support recovery, plus an additional $1.3 million to fast-track 20 homes and help construct more than 175 homes using the Housing Accelerator Fund.

On top of that, the Insurance Bureau of Canada estimates the Lytton fire cause more than $102 million in insured damage in 2022. Plus Canadian Pacific Kansas City railway committed more than $1 million to help with the rebuild.

On adjacent and nearby reserve lands — where close to triple the village population live — about 36 temporary trailers were set up to temporarily house about 50 people. 

But hundreds of people remain displaced, asking why Lytton hasn't recovered at the pace of other towns impacted by wildfires, such as in the Shuswap area. The community services about 2,500 people who live around it.

B.C. Auditor General Michael Pickup is investigating how provincial recovery money — more than $41 million — was spent and why the rebuild is taking so long. That report is due Sept. 1.

Lytton First Nation spiritual leader Nkixwstn James spoke out at a recent meeting, asking: "Where is all that money going?"

She was told millions were spent removing debris and sifting soil for archaeological artifacts. She says she refused to let them sift her lot, and refused a government offer of $80,000 to buy her land.

"They wanted the artifacts. I told them, that is my ancestors'," she said. "You cannot take it."

For James, at almost 80, the wait to return home has taken a toll. She's moving to a senior's residence in Chilliwack. B.C.

Lytton's Mayor Denise O'Connor says it's heartbreaking to lose any community members.