The B.C. government has announced a $1-million grant to support the economic recovery in Lytton after this summer’s wildfire while destroyed much of the Village.

Half of the funding – $500,000 – will support the community in its efforts to restart the local economy while the other $500,000 will be for operational costs that the Village incurs, so staff who are leading the wildfire recovery can continue to be paid.

“The people of Lytton, business owners and the local government are facing an enormous challenge, and our government is providing the support they need right now to rebuild,” Parliamentary Secretary of Emergency Preparedness, Jennifer Rice, said, in a statement.

“With homes and businesses shuttered or lost, the Village of Lytton is financially challenged to keep its operations going. With this funding, the village can continue its critical work on the ground to get the community back up and running.”

Rice and Parliamentary Secretary of Rural Development, Roly Russell, were named recovery liaisons between the Province and the village at the end of October to help support residents through the recovery process. The pair will be part of a virtual town hall held by the Village of Lytton on Thursday, Dec. 9.

“The provincial government is supporting the community of Lytton as it recovers and rebuilds the community,” Russell added. “By working closely with officials in Lytton, we will continue to do everything we can to overcome the challenges they identify and expedite recovery efforts.”

“I know from my own lived experience how helpful funds like these can be to help navigate a successful community recovery.”

In a statement, Lytton Mayor Jan Polderman, said the grant will help address some of the immediate critical needs in Lytton.

“We are hoping to rebuild as soon as possible,” he said. “Our village was devastated by this past summer’s wildfire, but our spirits remain strong.”