LYTTON FIRST NATION - STEIN WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
Welcome
Welcome to the project website for the Lytton First Nation Stein Water System Improvement Project.
As part the recovery efforts following the Lytton Creek wildfire in 2021, 39 temporary modular homes were constructed on Inkluckcheen IR 21 and Nuuautin IR 2 in 2022, along with a new community centre and band office. Additional homes are still needed, and it is a significant priority for LFN to build more homes for community members that are still without housing. Therefore, Lytton First Nation (LFN) has contracted Aplin Martin to design a 56-lot subdivision, with 28 funded homes to be completed in fall 2026 (www.aplinmartin.com/lfnsubdivision) that will be located at Nuuautin IR 2B. The Federal government is funding this project through Indigenous Services Canada Community Initiatives.
The Stein Water System that services Lytton First Nation is nearing its limit for required water capacity and will need to be upgraded to service the new Nuuautin IR 2B Subdivision. Aplin Martin has been contracted by Lytton First Nation to design the water system improvements. This upgrade to the system will provide service to the new Nuuautin IR 2B Subdivision address existing and future capacity concerns, and increase the reliability of the existing system, ensuring long term sustainability and community safety.
Project Summary
A significant portion of development on LFN reserves, including existing housing and community facilities, receives domestic water and fire protection from the Stein Water System. The Water System draws water from the Stein River, treats this water, and delivers it across a vast area of LFN reserves on the west and east sides of the Fraser River. Upgraded and expanded infrastructure is needed to support community growth and disaster recovery effectively, in addition to meeting current and future demands, including fire protection.
In 2023, a feasibility study was undertaken that identified key upgrades needed for the Stein Water System, and following this work, LFN selected Aplin Martin to complete the improvements. Aplin Martin has completed a preliminary design of the Stein Water System Improvements, and is now completing a detailed design which will be followed by the preparation of a tender ready package for construction. The upgrades will include a new water reservoir southeast of the Nuuautin IR 2B development, a connection to the proposed development, a tie-in to the existing system, upgrades to the existing pump stations, and upgrades to the existing water treatment system. As part of a separate project, the Stein River intake will also be upgraded. These upgrades will address existing supply concerns, increase reliability of the system, and provide capacity for the next 20-years, based on the current rate of on-reserve population growth.
project timeline
A detailed copy of the Project Timeline can be found in the Presentation Boards on this webpage.
Project Team
your feedback
We highly value every voice and contribution to the project’s development. Your participation is important. There are multiple ways and opportunities to contribute and stay informed, including:
Open Houses (Another Open House will be held at a later stage in the project)
LFN community newsletter updates
This webpage
LFN Facebook page
Email: OpenHouse@AplinMartin.com
Information Kiosk (Installed at the entrance of Alkali Road)
A community open house took place on May 2nd, 2024, at Battlefield Community Centre, from 1:30 to 3:30 PM. Attendees had the opportunity to learn more about the project, ask questions, and provide feedback on the preliminary design concept. The opportunity to provide feedback took place between May 2nd and April 16th, 2024. Following the comment period, the project team utilized the community feedback that was received to finalize the project design. A few months later, another open house was held on September 26th at the Battlefield Community Centre where the project team shared the updated design with attendees.
An Open House was held on February 27th, 2025, from 2:30-5:30pm to update the community on the progress of the project. Attendees had the opportunity to learn more about our progress and ask questions about next steps.
Thank you to everyone who has shared thoughts, comments, and questions regarding the proposed application. Your insights have been shared with the Lytton First Nation in the Public Information Meeting summary and have been used to inform the project’s next steps. All community engagement sessions are held to gather valuable feedback with a commitment to prioritizing community voices, respecting cultural significance, and honouring traditional practices. Following all events, we share how the feedback has influenced the project.
The opportunity to provide feedback on the Preliminary Subdivision Design has passed, however, you may provide general feedback and ask questions at any time during the project.
Frequently asked questions
What is happening?
In the wake of the 2021 Lytton Creek Wildfire, numerous homes belonging to Lytton First Nation (LFN) members were lost in the Village of Lytton. Amidst the uncertainty surrounding housing in the Village of Lytton, 28 member households have communicated their desire to relocate back to the LFN community. LFN, Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), and Aplin Martin are collaborating on a development project that will provide 28 new modular homes for families that lost their homes in the fire. To support this project, improvements will be made to the Stein Water System, to ensure the system has the capacity to serve the new subdivision.
What is being proposed?
The Stein Water System Improvement Project is a project to upgrade the Stein Water System that currently serves LFN members. This upgrade is needed to service the community including recent developments from the wildfire recovery efforts, and the Subdivision Project (www.aplinmartin.com/lfnsubdivision).
The upgrades to the Stein Water System will include a new water reservoir, water main connection to the proposed development, a tie-in to the existing system, and upgrades to the current water treatment system.
How many units are being proposed?
A development of a 56-lot subdivision with 28-funded homes
How was the site selected?
The location of the subdivision was selected by LFN based on an initial feasibility study, consistency with LFN land use plans, and the apparent lack of archaeological concerns. This project originates from a previous community engagement and community approval of 2006. This area was known as East Fraser Subdivision (99-unit subdivision), referenced in the LFN land use plan (2016), also in every CCP, since starting CCP work.
Will this project create employment opportunities?
There will be a need for increased capacity/workers and equipment for the new subdivision in the Housing Department and Operations & Maintenance Department. The employee opportunities will be posted when we are closer to completion. To learn about possible work opportunities, please reach out to Leonora Thomas by email at Leonora.thomas@lfn.band or by phone at (250) 455-2304.
what is the expected timeline for completion?
Targeted completion date is fall 2026.
Q&A – Water System Improvement Open house
When is the water upgrade going to be complete?
Now that the Design Phase of the project has been completed, we are entering the Construction Phase. While the timeline depends on various factors including project progress, supplier availability, regulatory and ISC funding approvals, and resource availability, the projected completion is winter 2025/2026.
Will water system be brought down further to Botanic Rd? i.e. near G'wsep Gas Station?
There are currently no plans to extend the water system to Botanie Rd. We aim to ensure that the system is ready so that in future expansions, it will be possible to supply the area north of the Thomson River and Town of Lytton.
Will locals be hired? First Nations? Training needed?
There will be a need for increased capacity/workers and equipment for the new subdivision in the Housing Department and Operations & Maintenance Department. Employee opportunities will be posted when we are closer to completion. To learn about possible opportunities, please reach out to Leonora Thomas by email at Leonora.thomas@lfn.band or by phone at (250) 455-2304.
Areas where proposed water lines, are there owners involved? If near their, property?
Throughout the consultation process, many conversations have been had with community members living nearby, including the residents who live near the subdivision at the top of Alkali Road. In collaboration with the LFN recovery team, we are working to extend the water services to the residents that live near the proposed subdivision at the top of Alkali Road.
Will you be hiring locals for labour jobs?
To learn about possible work opportunities, please reach out to Leonora Thomas by email at Leonora.thomas@lfn.band or by phone at (250) 455-2304.
Will there be enough water to have lawns + gardens at the 28 sites?
Ensuring that there is enough water to sustain lawns and gardens at the 28 sites is an important consideration in the planning of the water system upgrade. The improvements are designed to increase capacity and reliability to meet the needs of the community for fire suppression, including any additional demands from the proposed housing development. However, specific details regarding water allocation for lawns and gardens at each site would depend on factors such as water usage patterns, conservation measures during drought seasons and climate change challenges, and overall water availability within the upgraded system.
How soon can this start – water system.
The timeline depends on various factors, including project progress, supplier availability, regulatory approvals, and resource availability. The plan is to start construction this year (2025).
Ensure the band receiver what is needed for the next 50 years.
Based on the feasibility study conducted on August 9, 2023, for the Stein Water System Upgrades project, we are considering the Band's needs for the next 20 years, from 2021 to 2041.
Put more fire hydrants when new intake is hooked up.
There will be two additional hydrants installed along Highway 12 as part of this project. Any further hydrant installations will be accommodated by the final design of the subdivision, required to align with fire suppression requirements.
Have enough water to gardens.
Ensuring that there is enough water to sustain lawns and gardens at the subdivision site is an important consideration in the planning of the water system upgrade. The improvements are designed to increase capacity and reliability to meet the needs of the community, including any additional demands from the proposed housing development and 20-Year plan. However, specific details regarding water allocation for lawns and gardens at each site would depend on factors such as water usage patterns, conservation measures, and overall water availability within the upgraded system.
Other BIC building that are build?
Increasing water supply for community use, and fire defense is a priority for Lytton First Nation (LFN). LFN have received funding through Indigenous Services Canada to upgrade the Stein Water System, and increase the system's capacity.
Employment for Band Members
To learn about possible opportunities, please reach out to Leonora Thomas by email at Leonora.thomas@lfn.band or by phone at (250) 455-2304.
Subcontract work for Band equipment? Subcontract work for LFN Dev. Corp Equipment
As we enter the Construction Phase, we will know the construction work needed and when a general contractor for the water system improvement project is contracted, the opportunities for LFN members and businesses like Dev. Corp. will be included.
Water pump house, below George Brown's place, house 1416 will the water pipe, make it with a lot of good pressure?
Including provisions to support future water access for homes and ranches on Alkali Road that were lost to the fire, is under discussion.
No gallons showing in drawings
In the upcoming community engagement sessions, we will incorporate the measurement unit US gallons. This project is in design phase to provide accurate information.
PRESENTATION BOARDS
The full presentation boards are available to view below in case you were unable to attend our most recent open house, which took place on February 27th, 2025, from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM at the Battlefield Community Center.
