Government of Canada launches program to help Lytton homeowners rebuild resilient homes
The $6 million Lytton Homeowner Resilient Rebuild Program provides top-up grants for the design and construction of fire-resilient and Net Zero Homes
May 31, 2023 – Lytton, British Columbia – PacifiCan
On June 30, 2021, the Lytton Creek Wildfire destroyed the Village of Lytton and surrounding areas, causing tragic loss of life and forcing residents to flee their beloved community. In the first days of disaster response, the Government of Canada was there to help get people out and equipment in to save lives. And now, as the Village begins to assess building permit applications, the Government of Canada is ready to help again.
Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced that the Lytton Homeowner Resilient Rebuild Program is now open for applications. Through this $6 million program, PacifiCan will provide top-up grants to eligible Lytton homeowners who wish to rebuild their home to fire-resilient or fire-resilient and Net Zero standards.
This investment will help the community of Lytton build back stronger and more resilient. Fire-resilient construction helps prevent damage to homes and belongings, and buys valuable time for evacuation in the event of a fire. Net Zero Homes are highly energy efficient and produce as much energy as they use. They also significantly reduce heating and cooling costs for homeowners and improve indoor air quality.
All eligible homeowners accepted into the program could receive a grant of $10,000 toward a fire-resilient rebuild. Grants for rebuilding to Net Zero standards will vary based on home size, however a fire-resilient and Net Zero rebuild of 1,100 square feet could receive a grant of approximately $84,000 in PacifiCan funding.
In response to local needs, Minister Sajjan announced that the program is open to both homeowners who held home insurance at the time of the fire, and those who did not. The program is open to those who lost homes located in the Village of Lytton and within 15 kilometers of the Village boundaries.
PacifiCan is one partner supporting Lytton’s recovery, alongside provincial ministries, other federal departments, the Village of Lytton, Indigenous communities, and leadership in the region. PacifiCan is also working in partnership with the Canadian Home Builders’ Association’s (CHBA) Net Zero Home Labelling Program. The CHBA will help connect potential applicants with local certified Net Zero builders to help guide the building process.
By focusing on building back better, the Government of Canada is helping protect communities against climate disasters now and for the future.
Applications for the Lytton Homeowner Resilient Rebuild Program are now being accepted. For more information, visit the PacifiCan website at www.canada.ca/pacifican-lytton-programs.
Potential applicants are encouraged to reach out to the PacifiCan team at [email protected] for a one-on-one consultation to discuss their rebuild plans and receive an application form.