The federal government is investing more than $14.9 million to rebuild the Chief Spintlum Elders Lodge in Lytton, a key step in the community’s long-term recovery following the devastating 2021 wildfire.
The funding announcement was made Friday by Wade Grant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Member of Parliament for Vancouver Quadra, alongside Chief Jordan Spinks of the Kanaka Bar Indian Band.
The investment will support the reconstruction of the Elders Lodge on its original site after the previous facility was destroyed in the Lytton Creek wildfire. Once complete, the new Chief Spintlum Elders Lodge will include six assisted living units—matching the original capacity—as well as seven new independent assisted Elder living units. The lodge will be open to Elders across the community and is designed to provide culturally appropriate care and wellness supports.
In addition to expanding housing options for Elders, the building will be constructed using fire-resistant materials to reduce future wildfire risk. It will also meet net-zero standards by maximizing energy efficiency and incorporating renewable energy sources.
Federal Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Gregor Robertson said the project reflects a broader commitment to rebuilding Lytton in a way that strengthens resilience and community well-being.
“Once complete, the new Chief Spintlum Elders Lodge will be a welcoming community space for Elders to receive care, foster connections, and live comfortably in a culturally supportive environment,” Robertson said.
Grant emphasized the project’s role in climate adaptation and reconciliation, noting that it combines cultural preservation with environmentally responsible design.
“This investment reflects our governments’ shared commitment to climate change resilience, cultural preservation, and environmentally conscious building designs,” he said.
B.C. Health Minister Josie Osborne highlighted the importance of safe, stable housing for aging populations, particularly within Indigenous communities.
“This federal investment will help ensure more Elders in the Lytton area can access culturally safe care that is rooted in community, connection, and Indigenous ways of knowing,” Osborne said.
Chief Jordan Spinks called the project a major milestone for local First Nations and the Village of Lytton, noting that the original lodge played a critical role in allowing Elders to remain in their home communities.
“With this build we are committed to having the building be net zero and fire resistant,” Spinks said, adding that the lodge will include renewable energy systems and battery storage to help protect Elders from future climate-related events.
The $14,937,829 investment is being delivered through the federal Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program. The project is part of a broader $64 million federal commitment announced in June 2022 to rebuild Lytton using net-zero, fire-resistant public infrastructure.
The GICB program supports Canada’s climate plan by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing energy efficiency, and strengthening community resilience to climate change.
A new fire-resistant and energy efficient Elders Lodge will be constructed as part of the recovery of Lytton #BC, with the help of #GC funding.
Learn more: https://t.co/XkqBE7j3kv pic.twitter.com/sYPoPHyYz2
— Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (@HICC_ca) December 19, 2025
