Image: B.C. RCMP / Nearly three years after a devastating fire burned 90 per cent of Lytton, including its RCMP detachment, Mounties in this rural community north of Boston Bar now have a new building they can call home for the time being.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Lytton RCMP

Lytton RCMP opens temporary detachment nearly 3 years after its previous building burned

Apr 26, 2024 | 4:16 PM

LYTTON — Nearly three years after a devastating fire burned 90 per cent of Lytton, including its RCMP detachment, Mounties in this rural community located approximately a half hour north of Boston Bar now have a temporary new building they can call home for the time being.

According to a news release from the B.C. RCMP, the Village of Lytton and residents of the surrounding communities welcomed the new RCMP detachment on Thursday, April 25 where more than 60 people attended the opening of the interim detachment.

The Lytton RCMP detachment burned to the ground along with 90 per cent of the properties of the Village of Lytton as a result of the devastating June 30, 2021 wildfire. The new interim Lytton detachment was the first public building returning to the village.

“The Village of Lytton is pleased to see the opening of the interim Lytton detachment,” said Lytton Mayor Denise O’Connor. “Having [an] RCMP presence in the community supports safety and resilience. This is a significant step forward to restoring essential services for Lytton, and we look forward to the permanent detachment being rebuilt.”

Image: B.C. RCMP / Lytton Mayor Denise O’Connor attended Thursday’s grand opening of the new RCMP detachment in Lytton. She said having an RCMP presence in the community supports safety and resilience.

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John Brewer, assistant commissioner and criminal operations officer for core policing, said the opening symbolizes a bridge to the residents of both Lytton itself and the many First Nations surrounding it.

“Defending the law may be our role as police officers, but we live and raise our families here,” Brewer said. “We are part of this community and you have welcomed us into your homes. We now serve at the behest of the community and the official opening of this Detachment symbolizes this wonderful connection to the people of Lytton and the many First Nations in the area.”

South East District Commander, Brad Haugli, spoke about the commitment to the region.

“There were many heroes on that day in June 2021, making efforts to evacuate multiple communities at a moments’ notice,” Commander Haugli said. “The many heroes included several RCMP members. B.C. RCMP then immediately came from surrounding communities to ensure public safety and this continued for weeks, demonstrating once again how effective the BC RCMP are with quickly mobilizing in the spirit of public and police safety.”

Even after the June 2021 fire, police continued to patrol the area while stationed in the Lillooet detachment, making the drive 64 kilometres between the village of Lytton and the Lillooet police station.

“This structure will also serve as a Command Post for any major event in the area from Boston Bar to Ashcroft,” said Sgt. Scott Clay. “While this is an interim detachment, BC RCMP is planning a permanent solution for the future, in consultation with the community. The presence of an operational police station and the return of RCMP members and their families to their new homes in the community offers hope and re-enforces our commitment to the Village of Lytton and the Indigenous communities of this area.”