The Village of Lytton has marked a milestone in its rebuilding process by issuing the first building permit.

According to the village, the permit – for an address on Station Street – was issued to Jerry and Lilliane Bannister. It comes about four months after backfilling work on properties that were destroyed by the June 2021 fire began.

“The Village marked a significant milestone last Friday [Oct. 20] with the approval of the first building permit for a single-family dwelling on Station Street,” the Village said in a newsletter that went out to residents on Friday, Oct. 27.

“We are streamlining some of the website content and checklists to make it easier to apply for a building permit.”

Earlier this month, residents took to the streets to protest what they say were delays that have hampered their ability to rebuild over the past two years.

Mayor Denise O’Connor told Radio NL the Oct. 18 rally – which was initiated by residents – was aimed at raising awareness about the slow rebuilding process. She says many residents feel “totally neglected” since the fire destroyed their homes.

“We’ve just heard on the news that other areas in B.C. are allowed to get on with their clean-up. Lytton’s clean-up didn’t start for a full year after,” O’Connor said. “We fear other communities will be rebuilt before us.”

In Friday’s newsletter, the Village of Lytton says provincial government representatives were in the community last week to meet with residents and business owners.

“They are gathering information about barriers being experienced to proceed with rebuilding, particularly as it relates to provincial government programs and requirements,” the newsletter said.

“For property owners who were not in the area this week or were unavailable to meet, feel free to reach out to them to share your experiences and concerns.”