FAQs
Community Meeting Questions and Answers
You can read the answers to the questions asked at the Community Meetings by visiting the Community Meeting archives.
Questions, Communication and Participation
When is the next Community Meeting?
The see the
Community Meeting section for the next meeting date.
How do I sign up for email updates?
Residents who would like to receive email updates directly from the Village of Lytton are encouraged
to sign up/
How should residents stay informed?
- Subscribe to the newsletter
- Check our News page for the latest newsletters, updates and Community Meeting Information
- See the Recovery page for project updates
- Visits Rebuilding page for the latest on building requirements and re-entry.
Who should residents contact for more information?
Please contact
communication@lytton.ca or 778-254-5004 if you have any additional questions or concerns.
Response and Recovery Actions
How do I read the Short Term Recovery Plan?
Read the Draft Short Term Recovery Plan
online here.
What work onsite has been completed so far?
The latest updates can be found on the
Recovery page.
How do I complete the Resident Needs Survey?
The Resident Needs Survey is now complete.
Supports and Resources for Residents
Where can I go for assistance and support?
Please refer to the Resources and Supports page to learn more about available assistance and support.
What are Emergency Support Services (ESS)?
Emergency Support Services (ESS) are designed to provide short-term basic support to British Columbians impacted by disasters ranging from a single house fire to larger events, such as wildfires. These supports enable those impacted to re-establish themselves as quickly as possible after an emergency or disaster.
To register with British Columbia ESS and for more information on your nearest reception centre, visit Emergency Info BC or call 1-800-585-9559.
The program is financed by Emergency Management BC (EMBC) and administered by First Nation Governments and Local Authorities.
In many cases homeowners or tenant insurance held by the evacuees will provide greater support than what is available through this program. If you are evacuated please consult with your insurance provider to determine what may be available to you.
If you have any questions about registration, please visit Evacuee Registration and Assistance (ERA) (https://ess.gov.bc.ca).
For specific details on ESS eligibility see the Evacuee Living Assistance Policy (PDF)
How long will Emergency Support Services (ESS) continue?
Emergency Management BC (EMBC) will continue to support households who have experienced the loss of their primary residence and those under an evacuation order until November 30, 2021. Read the details
online here.
If you have been evacuated due to wildfires, you are encouraged to register with ESS at https://ess.gov.bc.ca/or call 1-800-585-9559.
How do I register with the Canadian Red Cross?
All residents under evacuation order are encouraged to register with the Red Cross by calling 1-800-863-6582, Monday to Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. PST.
What is the one-time Financial Assistance from the Canadian Red Cross?
The B.C. government is teaming up with the Red Cross to provide Lytton-area households impacted by the wildfire with one-time $2,000 payments.
The news release can be read online.
Support is also being offered to people under an evacuation order for more than 10 days due to wildfires and to eligible households whose primary residence has been severely impacted by this season’s wildfires, based on structural loss information provided by EMBC. Direct financial assistance helps people cover immediate needs related to their evacuation and allows people to make decisions on what is best for themselves and their families. Thanks to the Province of British Columbia and the generosity of Canadians, the Canadian Red Cross is able to provide this support to people affected by the wildfires.
You can register with the Canadian Red Cross by calling 1-800-863-6582, Monday to Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. PST.
You can find more information about the services and support offered by the Red Cross at www.redcross.ca/2021bcfires.
How do I access personalized support for recovery with the Canadian Red Cross?
The Canadian Red Cross continues to offer support to Village of Lytton residents impacted by the wildfires to discuss their needs and next steps in their early and long-term recovery. The Red Cross case management team can support planning for return to home, understanding insurance and community resources, and help with goal setting and making informed decisions as you progress in your recovery journey. Understanding your needs will also help Red Cross determine additional programs and support that may be helpful to you and other community members.
Canadian Red Cross can meet with you to discuss your unique needs and support you in the following ways, as needed:
- Provide emotional support
- Review your personal situation and explain the recovery supports available to you
- Assist you in navigating the recovery process and making informed decisions in your personal recovery plan and efforts
- Identify next steps and prioritize the actions to be taken
- Support with forms and processes (sorting papers, obtaining a permit from the municipality, etc.)
- Suggest referrals to other services (legal advice, financial advice, mental health and psychosocial supports, etc.)
Please note:
- Canadian Red Cross personnel will not take any steps without your participation or consent, nor make any decisions on your behalf.
- Although Red Cross will not provide clinical mental health support, our team can connect you to appropriate resources if requested.
If you have been impacted by the 2021 B.C. fires and would like to speak with someone, please contact the Red Cross by calling 1-800-863-6582 from Monday to Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. PST, to request support. A private and confidential appointment will then be arranged with your family representative. Due to COVID-19 regulations, appointments may take place over the phone or virtually.
What other supports are available to residents?
A list of additional resources and supports available to residents is
available here.
How do I donate to the Village of Lytton?
The Lytton Rebuild Fund enables donors to assist with the rebuilding of the Village. Individuals, businesses and organizations are encouraged to donate online. Learn more or donate at https://lytton.ca/rebuild-fund/.
If you’d like to donate goods or services to the Village of Lytton, please email donations@gov.bc.ca and indicate that the donation is for Lytton.
Supports and Resources for Businesses
What supports are in place for businesses?
Community Futures has created a website to provide resources, support and direction to local businesses who have been impacted by the wildfire: https://cfwildfire.ca/. They also have a team of experts ready and available to speak with you regarding your unique business challenges. Connect with an advisor through the toll-free line at 1-800-670-9058 or email vision@cfsun.ca.
Where can businesses get help with insurance questions?
Join the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) for a virtual presentation outlining business insurance basics, and next steps in the claims process for BC small and medium sized businesses impacted by the recent wildfires. Following the presentation, IBC will be present for a question-and-answer session. The next workshop session will be held Nov. 9.
To register visit www.cfwildfire.ca/resources/workshops.
Site Access
What is the latest information on viewing properties and sifting?
Viewing and sifting of properties is now complete. If you would like to arrange a time to view your property, please contact Owen Collings at sitesupport@lytton.ca.
When will residents be allowed onsite?
The Village of Lytton and properties that have been impacted by fire remain an extreme hazard area. The site is currently not stable as there are many hazards that could cause illness or physical harm. When materials like ash get disturbed, they can irritate lungs, eyes, and can cause lasting health concerns. Some contaminants will not be able to be removed, and based on the contaminant level that comes back, there will be corresponding safety measures (such as specific types of personal protective equipment) that will be required.
For questions about site access, please contact sitesupport@lytton.ca.
Who has access to private property?
The evacuation zone is monitored by ESM Security staff who are providing security at this time around the perimeter and conducting roving patrols within the space. The RCMP are also conducting patrols within the evacuation zone.
Neither Village of Lytton nor ESM Security are providing authorization to access Private property without consent from homeowners.
How do I report a trespassing concern?
If there are concerns about someone entering private property, this is considered trespassing, and should be reported to the RCMP.
Why are insurance adjusters allowed onsite?
Insurance adjustors representing property owners who have filed a claim have been granted access in the evacuation zone on public roadways only in order to perform assessments. Insurance adjusters are NOT permitted access to private property.
These adjustors are trained professionals who have specialized training in how to avoid hazards in a disaster zone that might cause illness and harm. They are required to wear proper PPE (personal protective equipment) for the area.
To access the site, the Insurance Adjuster needs to register themselves and their vehicle with the Village of Lytton in advance of their visit before they get a pass from security. They do not share information about which homes they are surveying in the interest of the privacy of their insured(s). Once on site, all adjustors have to remain on the road and sidewalk only. They are not granted permission to enter onto private property as this is trespassing and against safety protocols.
If you have concerns about someone entering private property, this is considered trespassing, and should be reported to the RCMP.
Who is allowed to return home?
On August 20, an Amended Evacuation Order was issued by the Village of Lytton Emergency Operations Centre (EOC). The Evacuation Order was downgraded to an Evacuation Alert for:
- Kumsheen Secondary School – 365 Trans Canada Hwy
- Pines Motel – 150 Trans Canada Hwy
- Ponderosa Heights
- Loring Way
- Kent Road
The Evacuation Order remains in place for The Village of Lytton with the exception of the above-mentioned areas. For more information contact communication@lytton.ca.
How do I plan for my return home?
Once the Evacuation Order is rescinded and when it’s safe to do so, residents planning to return home should review the
Returning Residents Handout.
What is the Citizen's Advisory Committee?
The Village of Lytton
Citizen’s Advisory Committee will advise on Lytton’s recovery plan to Mayor and Council.
