The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan announces funding of over $77 million to support resilient rebuild of infrastructure, homes and businesses.
June 14, 2022 - Lytton, British Columbia - Pacific Economic Development Canada
Last June, devastating wildfires tore through the Village of Lytton, causing catastrophic damage to the community, including tragic loss of life. In the first days of disaster response, the Government of Canada was there to help get people out and equipment in to save lives. Now, as the village rebuilds, the Government of Canada is showing its commitment to supporting recovery.
Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister for International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada announced over $77 million in new funding to help Lytton rebuild, while also becoming a leading example of resilient, net-zero design.
This funding will provide:
· $64 million, through Infrastructure Canada, to support the rebuilding of Lytton through the construction of net-zero, fire-resistant public buildings.
· $6 million for the new Lytton Homeowner Resilient Rebuild program to support insured homeowners who will rebuild to net-zero and fire-resistant standards; and
· $7.2 million to create the Lytton Business Restart program to help small- and medium-sized businesses get back on their feet. This funding, delivered by PacifiCan, will include support for Indigenous businesses and those operated by women, youth and other underrepresented groups.
The funding announced by Minister Sajjan recognizes that rebuilding requires focusing on community infrastructure, housing for people, and restarting businesses that provide jobs and goods and services to the community. With a focus on building back a community even stronger and more resilient than before, this funding will ensure the community becomes a model for recovery after a climate change related disaster.
Last year's fires also showed that fire spreads from one building to another. Fire resistant housing benefits the whole community and building net-zero homes benefits everyone, two key pieces of this investment. Minister Sajjan also recognized the critical importance of the local entrepreneurs who, through job creation and local trade, are the foundation of Lytton's economy.
