Delays and rebuilding costs frustrate Lytton residents, province looking for solutions

The day after Lytton residents rallied against the delays and costs of rebuilding their community, the province is promising to look for solutions.

The day after Lytton residents rallied against the delays and costs of rebuilding their community, the province is promising to look for solutions.

But Thursday marked 841 days since the devastating fire, and residents say they don’t want more talk. They want action.

“There’s still people homeless. The archeological work has put a big red tape along things and people are getting really frustrated,” said Lytton resident Brittannia Glasgow.

The archeological work, required on every site in Lytton before rebuilding can take place, has been a source of delays and cost.

Recently, one property owner learned they were facing a hefty bill for required archaeological monitoring so a trench could be dug.

“I think that just got people panicking a bit,” said Lorna Fandrich, who owned the Lytton Chinese History Museum that burned during the devastating fire in June of 2021.

“We are underinsured, most of us. We’re having a difficult time building, and now they’re just going to add another $20,000 ticket to what we’re trying to do? So, I think that’s what kind of brought it to a head,” said Fandrich, who plans to rebuild the museum.