Lytton, B.C., notes confusion, clarifies role in notice of civil claim

The Village of Lytton in B.C. has clarified its role in a notice of civil claim filed against CN Rail, CP Rail, and Transport Canada that was reported in the news last week.

“We aim to build trust through openness and transparency with the community and apologize for the confusion,” the village said in a statement on Friday.

Lytton said the notice of claim filed on June 16 this year was by the Municipal Insurance Association (MIABC) – the property insurance company for both the village and the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD).

“As the insurance provider, MIABC will pay damages to the Village of Lytton and TNRD for insured losses resulting from the Lytton Creek Fire on June 30, 2021. After paying out claims to the Village of Lytton and the TNRD, the MIABC has the right to subrogation, where they can seek reimbursement from any at-fault parties. The statute of limitation period for civil claims is two years, and the MIABC has filed this Notice of Civil Claim to extend the timeline by an additional year, up to June 30, 2024. This would allow MIABC to potentially recover costs from any party named in the Notice of Civil Claim that may be deemed to be at fault in the future.

“MIABC has no current intention to pursue the lawsuit and will not be serving any of the parties named in the lawsuit at this time,” the statement said.

Lytton said it was in discussions with MIABC, but was unaware that they filed the June 16 notice of civil claim.