A big step forward for people who lost homes and other buildings during this summer’s wildfires in the Shuswap.

The Columbia-Shuswap Regional District has now lifted its blanket moratorium on the issuance of building permits in the south Adams Lake and North Shuswap fire zones.

“On September 14, 2023, the Board of the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) unanimously agreed to place a temporary building moratorium on the fire-impacted areas of the Shuswap until the results of an overview geotechnical assessment was complete,” noted the Regional District in its announcement this morning. “As a result, BGC Engineering Inc. was retained by the CSRD to better understand the risks posed by wildfire-related geohazards to residents in the area or those seeking to rebuild.”

The CSRD says the review is now complete, meaning property owners who lost their homes or cabins in the Bush Creek East fire are able to start applying to rebuild.

The Regional District does note the review has found new geotechnical instabilities in some areas due to the fires.

“These risk factors may affect the building permit process, including the possible requirement for additional property-specific geotechnical assessments,” stated the CSRD. “If landowners want to build any structures on their property, they are strongly advised to contact CSRD building staff early in their planning process.”

Over 170 homes and cabins were completely destroyed by the Bush Creek East fire, while over 50 others were partially damaged.

“Our hearts are with those that have lost so much, and we thank all these affected residents for their patience,” Marty Herbert, the CSRD’s Manager of Building and Bylaw Services said in a release.

“We are very pleased that this geohazard report can be used by the residents to help make safe and informed decisions during the rebuilding process.”