The Lytton fires of 2021 devastated the Lytton area, severely impacting our community two kilometers South of Lytton. We relied on services and employment in Lytton. Before those fires, Skuppah was not focused on road safety improvements. Since then, construction of evacuee housing and a Food Security Centre on Skuppah Reserve has commenced and a Food Relief Centre, a Doctor’s Office, and other fundamental community needs have been established. This new development has increased use of facilities by our community members and the surrounding region, so we now are prioritizing transportation safety to provide equitable access to our facilities. Historically, design and construction of roads on reserve lands have not included accommodation for pedestrians. This is the case at Skuppah as we have narrow gravel roads connecting our houses and community buildings. Our community members and regional users of facilities and employment having no safe place to walk.
Community members and Band leadership have expressed the need for more accessible and safe transportation routes throughout the community, and more specifically between the community buildings. A paved walkway spanning from the Band Office community building to the Food Security Centre community building will increase accessibility and safety for community members wishing to access the necessary services provided at these two buildings by separating walkway users from motor vehicle traffic using the road. People will be able to visit the Doctor’s Office in the Band Office and then walk down to the Food Security Centre for access to the Food Relief Centre there. From the Food Security Centre, the access to short term evacuee housing park, recreation facilities, employment centres, school bus stop, and residential neighbourhoods is easy. Making this connection between the two buildings, opens up safer access to all of the community’s services.
Photo source: Pixabay. Photo is shown for illustration purposes only and may not be an accurate representation of the project.
