Fires
On June 30, 2021, a wildfire swept through the village of Lytton, destroying more than 90% of the town and killing two people. The fire wiped out the town’s infrastructure, including the fire hall, police station, grocery stores, restaurants, town hall and records, museum, and approximately 100 homes. Quite miraculously, St. Barnabus Church, Rectory and Parish Hall survived the fire. On June 29, Lytton broke the all-time record for Canada’s highest temperature at 49.6C. The next day, the majority of the town was destroyed by wildfire.
MDS volunteers built one new home in 2024 and will focus on building one new home in spring 2025, with the possibility of more homes in the future.
Lytton is a village located on the east side of the Fraser River and the south side of the Thompson River. The community includes the village of Lytton and the surrounding community of the Lytton First Nation, whose name for the place is Camchin (also spelled Kumsheen, which means “river meeting”). In the 1850s, Lytton became an important stop for those involved in the Gold Rush. In recent years, Lytton has been referred to as the river rafting capital of Canada. During heat waves, Lytton is frequently the hottest spot in Canada.
On June 14, we said our goodbyes to the last two scholarship students who left at 4:30 am so that they could see the ocean before their flight. Mark was so kind to take them to White Rock. Thanks Mark! Painting the inside of the house was well on its...
Another week of building completed by a small group with big hearts! Since the drywall and taping were contracted out, we did not have to worry about that. Nikiah, the homeowner, had purchased rough cut lumber to prepare for the casing and baseboard...
This week the new cook and Office Manager arrived, and we said our goodbyes to Judy who had been at the project as cook for the past month. Work on the home is progressing on schedule. Our focus has been on finishing touches to the siding and trim to...
