Lytton, British Columbia, has historically been called the rafting capital of Canada, with various outdoor activities and natural beauty to enjoy.
Postcard: Lytton, B.C., 1956
However, in June 2021, most of the community was destroyed by an out-of-control wildfire mapped at over 2,000 hectares in size.
This fire was worsened by global warming, with record high temperatures of 49.6℃ the day before, creating hot and dry conditions. This tragedy destroyed roughly 90% of Lytton, including many homes and local businesses.
Photo: facebook.com/lytton.ca
Photo: Antti Lipponen, flickr, CC BY 2.0
Although the evacuation order remains in place, there have been tremendous efforts from Lytton residents, municipal leaders, as well as the British Columbia government to rebuild. With the community rebuilding, there is a long-term disaster mitigation plan which includes using fire-safe materials and energy-efficient building standards. To reduce human contributions to climate change, local councils also push for requirements that homes are net-zero emissions.
While this ambitious project is still in the early stages of clearing debris, Lytton is already setting an example for building practices that are environmentally conscious and that reduce fire risk.
There is hope that the community will return to its original beauty, that residents are able to return to their homes, and that local businesses can re-open in the nearest future.
Photo: Andybremner2012, CC-BY-SA-4.0
Places in Lytton BC we could not add to the town map
Hyak Wilderness Adventures Inc
176 Trans-Canada Hwy, Lytton, BC V0K 1Z0
Stein Valley Nlaka’pamux Heritage Park
Lytton, BC V0K 1Z0
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/stein_val/
Kumsheen Rafting Resort
1345 BC-1, Lytton, BC V0K 1Z0
Lytton Chinese History Museum
145 Main St, Lytton, BC V0K 1Z0
http://lyttonchinesehistorymuseum.com/
Klowa Art Cafe
350 Main St, Lytton, BC V0K 1Z0
Nahatlatch River and Provincial Park
Nahatlatch Rd, Fraser Valley A, BC V1K 0B2
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/nahatlatch/
Spapium “Little Prairie” Farm
Spencer Rd S, Lytton, BC V0K 1Z0
Lytton Creek
Lytton, BC V0K 1Z0