Over $25 million in federal funding confirmed for the project
LYTTON, BC – Yesterday, the Village of Lytton’s Council gave their approval to proceed with the Village’s Community Hub project. Envisioned as an accessible and inclusive gathering space for residents of the Village of Lytton and surrounding areas, the Community Hub will replace community infrastructure lost during the devastating 2021 fire that destroyed 90 per cent of the structures in downtown Lytton.
Council’s endorsement of the project follows the February 19, 2025 funding announcement from the federal Ministry of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities confirming and investment of over $25 million for the Community Hub project through the Green and Inclusive Buildings Program. This project funding falls under the $64 million commitment from the federal government in June 2022 towards rebuilding Lytton through the construction of net-zero and fire-resistant public buildings.
Background
In August 2024, the Village of Lytton applied for funding through Infrastructure Canada’s Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) Program for a Community Hub. This federal program funds inclusive community, culture, and recreation centres that are accessible, open to the public, climate-resilient, and built to Net Zero carbon standards.
The concept plan for the Community Hub, located on Fraser Street in Lytton, includes the following components:
- Community-sized pool/ fire reservoir
- Festival/gathering/local markets/recreation space and related storage
- Accessible bathrooms
- Museum/Library (if the Thompson–Nicola Regional District reestablishes library services in Lytton)
- Multi-purpose room/ Net Zero learning space
- Multi-purpose space/ future flex space
Next steps
With Council’s endorsement of the project, the Village can proceed with additional planning, including issuing a request for proposals for an architect to design the building. The designs will incorporate feedback from the community and Project Advisory Committee.
The Village will continue discussions with neighbouring First Nations, the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, and other potential partners around shared uses and sustainable operations for the Community Hub.
Quotes
Mayor Denise O’Connor:
We are grateful for the confirmation of federal funding for this project, which is a significant milestone in the planning process.
We have heard how important it is for the community to replace essential infrastructure lost during the 2021 fire and to have a place to gather and come together to celebrate and recreate.
Recent community engagement through an open house and survey confirmed overwhelming support for proceeding with this project and a desire to move ahead collaboratively and efficiently.
We look forward to continuing to develop design and operational plans for the facility with the community, and ultimately to starting construction.