The federal government announced Tuesday that it will spend just over $ 77 million to help rebuild Lytton, BC, in a way that can better withstand future fires, almost a year after the village was destroyed by the flames.
More than three-quarters of the new funding ($ 64 million) will go to new, fire-resistant public buildings, such as community centers and libraries. The remaining $ 13.2 million goes to small and medium-sized businesses and homeowners insured to rebuild fire-resistant homes.
“These investments will position Lytton as a leader, demonstrating that sustainable, resilient and zero construction is not the way of the future, it is the way of today,” International Development Minister Harjit Sajjan wrote in a statement.
The announcement comes before the anniversary of the disaster on June 30, 2021. The entire village, about 150 miles northeast of Vancouver, was destroyed by a forest fire after enduring four days of record heat. Two people were killed.
Hundreds of houses were reduced to charred rubble. Reconstruction is likely to begin in September, depending on the province.
Through the new Lytton Homeowner Resilient Rebuild program, announced with funding on Tuesday, the government will provide $ 6 million in grants to homeowners “who have basic rebuilding insurance who want to rebuild clean or fire-resistant homes.”
“As evidenced by last year’s fire, the fires spread from one building to another. Having the most fireproof homes benefits everyone in the community and clean zero is good for everyone.” , said Sajjan.
On Friday, Ottawa also announced a $ 207 million advance payment to BC as it finalizes applications from the Federal Disaster Assistance Fund for communities affected by the wildfire season. The complete application is more than double.