Thank you to the community, partners, and funders
As I reflect on 2025, I realize how far we have moved ahead in recovery and rebuilding, despite the challenges and roadblocks we have faced. I also recognize that we could not have done it without others, and want to express a thank you to the following:
- The Village of Lytton’s taxpayers for asking questions and keeping us accountable;
- Our Lytton area community members for your encouragement to rebuild and bring your town back;
- Village of Lytton, Nlaka’pamux, and Thompson-Nicola Regional District partners, community organizations, and neighbours for your collaboration; and
- The provincial and federal governments for funding and assistance with recovery and rebuilding.
I also want to express my gratitude and appreciation to my fellow Council members and Village staff and contractors who serve the community with such dedication and professionalism.
Our Council fully recognizes the immensity of our job, and we could not do it without all of you. We have spent 2025 staying focussed on moving forward and making decisions based on the best interests of both today and the future of Lytton.
I can honestly say that I am proud of the path we have taken and where we are today compared to three years ago, when this Council was first elected.
2025 highlights and accomplishments
Over the last year, we have focussed on the six areas of our strategic plan: rebuilding, organizational excellence, relationships, economic growth, safety and sustainability, and advocacy.
We are celebrating many accomplishments in 2025, including the following:
Rebuilding
- Completing the backfilling of all properties impacted by the fire
- Issuing occupancy permits for 17 homes
- Extending the deadlines to December 31, 2026, for the Village’s grant programs for property owners who are rebuilding including:
- a 50 per cent reduction in building permit fees
- up to $20,000 to help offset archaeology costs
- up to $100 reimbursement for planting trees
- Celebrating the grand opening of our rebuilt Public Works Building
- Signing the contribution agreements with the federal government for funding for the Community Hub and Fire & Emergency Services buildings
- Hiring architects to design the Community Hub building and new Village Office, which will be rebuilt in its pre-fire location
- Continuing repairs and upgrades to the Village’s water and sewer systems, including water main replacement on Station Road and East of Main water upgrades
Organizational excellence
- Continuing to modernize bylaws
- Continuing to modernize and streamline financial systems
- Implementing electronic billing for utilities and property taxes
- Continuing to improve communication through the Village of Lytton’s website (www.lytton.ca) and our Facebook page
- Publishing a Village newsletter every two weeks
- Implementing monthly Committee of the Whole meetings to discuss issues and projects in more detail
Relationships
- Consistently hosting Coffee with the Mayor at the Parish Hall every Monday throughout the year
- Hosting community engagement sessions with community members living in the Village of Lytton, Nlaka’pamux communities, and the Thompson-Nicola Regional District for projects like the Community Hub and Official Community Plan Update
- Reaching out to Nlaka’pamux Chiefs and Councils for Council-to-Council meetings
- Collaborating with federal and provincial ministries on funding announcements
Economic growth
- Continuing to engage the greater community in updating the Official Community Plan, focussing on drafting Lytton’s vision, objectives, policies, and actions to guide future municipal decision-making for land use and development
- Substantially completing the Year 1 initiatives in the 2024 Essentially Lytton Tourism Economic Development Plan
- Compiling a list of what’s open in Lytton and temporary workforce housing options
- Issuing requests for expressions of interest for potential mobile food services and mobile services or retail
- Developing an interim housing strategy to identify short- and medium-term housing needs and issuing a request for proposals to supply housing on Village-owned lots
- Supporting and celebrating festivals and events in Lytton including the May Day festival, Canyon Cruise, Lytton River Festival, Nlaka’pamux Remembrance Day Pow-wow, Remembrance Day ceremony, and Lytton Christmas parade
- Working on the ground with several businesses and property owners to help them understand what they can build, connect them with resources, apply for permits, and overcome obstacles to rebuilding
Safety and sustainability
- Receiving a donated fire truck from Seton Portage as an addition to our fleet
- Continuing with Lytton Fire & Rescue training and completing fire safety inspections
- Completing an emergency plan and continuing emergency training for Council, staff, and community members
- Continuing to participate in the TLKemchEEN FireSmart Collaborative activities, along with Lytton First Nation
- Purchasing an electric truck for Public Works use through the Local Government Climate Action Program
- Receiving the funding announcement from the federal government for a new Fire and Emergency Services Centre
Advocacy
- Continuing to advocate to have property owners’ archaeological costs covered (whether they are residential, commercial, or municipal) and to simplify the process for rebuilding
- Continuing to advocate for clarity and consistency with Heritage Conservation Act amendments to support and expedite rebuilding
- Meeting with various provincial ministers to advocate on behalf of the Village on topics, such as the medical centre, economic development, archaeology, and housing
Looking ahead
2026 is the last year of this Council’s four-year term. We look forward to more building activity and development in the Village and anticipate work including, but not limited to:
- Sharing the Community Hub designs with the community
- Moving ahead with construction on the Village Office, Community Hub, and swimming pool
- Planning the Fire and Emergency Services Building for construction
- Continuing to engage the community on the Official Community Plan Update
- Continuing to support the return of residents and businesses to Lytton and attracting new residents, businesses, and visitors to the community
- Continuing to strengthen relationships
As always, our Council and staff are open to discussion and questions. You can find our contact information on the Village’s website.
As 2025 comes to an end, I would like to extend a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.
- Mayor Denise O'Connor