Vaughn Palmer: Two years after Lytton burned, not a single building permit has been issued

VICTORIA — On the first anniversary of the fire that destroyed Lytton, the New Democrats predicted that the village would soon begin to re-emerge from the ashes.

“We know that for people waiting to get back to their properties and to rebuild their homes and lives, the recovery process can’t move fast enough,” said Premier John Horgan and Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth in a joint statement on June 30, 2022.

“On this sombre anniversary, we reaffirm our commitment to all those affected by last year’s wildfire that we will not stop working until everyone can see the pathway to returning home.”

In a followup interview, Farnworth told The Canadian Press that “residents are going to be able to start rebuilding in September,” 2022.

He further predicted that most of the 150 homes, businesses and other buildings destroyed in the fire would be rebuilt by the time the second anniversary rolls around this June 30.