B.C.’s auditor general will be looking into the Provincial Government’s ongoing efforts to rebuild the community of Lytton.
In a video statement, Michael Pickup says his investigation will focus on three key areas.
“The province of B.C.’s roles and responsibility for disaster recovery, the province of B.C.’s support for Lytton including the funding it contributed, and the challenges faced in rebuilding Lytton and the Province of B.C.’s opportunities for improvements,” Pickup said, adding his office expects to issue a report in early 2025.
Two people were killed and most of the Village of Lytton was destroyed by a wildfire on June 30, 2021, just one day after the community set a Canadian temperature record of 49.6 C.
Efforts to rebuild and return people to their homes have been slow, leading to protests from residents.
“The Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness coordinates the provincial response to emergencies and disasters. It works with other ministries to help local governments repair and restore affected communities,” Pickup added.
“Recovery efforts can include environmental rehabilitation, infrastructure repairs, the return of evacuees, or the reopening of businesses and services.”
The probe comes nearly a year after Fraser-Nicola MLA Jackie Tegart reached out to Pickup’s office, asking that he look into the delayed recovery efforts in Lytton.
“For three years, Lytton residents have been forced to live outside of their community with no clear timeline for when they will be able to return to their homes,” Tegart said, in a statement. “While the initiation of this investigation is promising, it is deeply disappointing that the NDP government has not prioritized the return of residents to Lytton on top of voting against an audit in October 2023.”
“To date, not a single home has been rebuilt. The government’s lack of action speaks volumes about its commitment to those affected.”
The Village of Lytton issued its first building permit last year, four months after backfilling work began on properties destroyed by the fire.
“This investigation must be a turning point,” Tegart added.
“I hope it sheds light on the delays from this government and provides a clear path forward. I will continue to press for accountability to ensure that the community of Lytton can return home.”