Like many municipalities, Lytton has a tough problem to solve: how to provide enough housing for its workers. In the short-term, housing is needed for construction workers to rebuild homes lost in the 2021 fire and public infrastructure like the Village Office, Community Hub, Fire and Emergency Services Building, and water and sewer services. Longer term, Lytton also needs housing for essential workers, such as firefighters, teachers, RCMP members, Village staff, and medical personnel. An interim housing needs assessment in October 2025 identified shortfalls of 33 to 46 units of temporary worker housing and 2 to 4 units of permanent housing needed this year and next year.
To help address these needs, the Village has been pursuing a range of housing solutions. These include developing housing on two Village-owned lots, updating zoning regulations to allow secondary suites, permitting temporary RV accommodations on properties with active building permits, and incorporating essential worker housing units into the design of the new Community Hub.
When the Village issued a request for proposals (RFP) to develop housing on small Village-owned lots, staff were not certain that they would receive any submissions. In response, the Village received 23 proposals, 13 of which met the RFP requirements, generating far more interest and a wider range of housing solutions than anticipated.
Director of Planning Caroline Lamont said, “When we issued the RFP to develop housing on small lots owned by the Village, we weren’t even sure if they could be affordably developed. We were pleasantly surprised, and frankly, overwhelmed with the number of innovative, creative, and viable building proposals that we received.”
The proposals included modular homes, manufactured homes, and traditional stick-built homes. Two proposals were ultimately selected: a modular duplex with two 786-square-foot, two-bedroom suites and a 960-square-foot, three-bedroom house to be located on lots at 701/703 Station Road and 500 Fraser Street, respectively. These projects, funded by the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, will provide accommodation for workers during rebuilding and create long-term housing for essential workers in the future.
The Village has completed preliminary work with Lane One Homes recently starting the modular duplex and South Pier starting construction mid-summer. The homes will be completed by early 2027.
Inspired by the breadth of proposals received, Village staff created a Builders Showcase to help property owners explore housing and rebuilding options.
Mayor Denise O’Connor said, “Our staff were so impressed with the submissions that they shared the information that was received through a Builders Showcase to show the range of design options and builders available.”
The Builders Showcase highlights a range of housing designs and building approaches and answers frequently asked questions about modular homes, manufactured homes, and recreational vehicles. It also provides rough pricing estimates to help property owners begin planning their rebuilding projects.
“So far, there are 20 homes rebuilt in the Village of Lytton and other building permits and homes in progress,” said O’Connor. “The Builders Showcase is intended to provide inspiration and practical information to property owners who want to build or rebuild their homes and move back or rent them to workers.”
Beyond Lytton, the Village believes the Builders Showcase could help other communities facing housing shortages. The strong response to the Village’s RFP demonstrates that even small sites may be capable of supporting a wider range of housing solutions than expected. By showcasing those options, the Village hopes to make rebuilding easier for local property owners, while encouraging other communities to explore innovative opportunities to increase their housing supply.
Read the Builders Showcase: www.lytton.ca/Builders-Showcase. The Village looks forward to adding other contractors to the Showcase in the future.
For any questions about the Builders Showcase or building in Lytton, contact the Village of Lytton’s Planning Department at planning@lytton.ca.
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