Mayor Denise O’Connor concedes that Lytton, B.C., looks “pretty empty” these days, aside from the homes of about 75 residents and a couple other buildings.

It’s almost five years since a wildfire killed two people and nearly wiped the village off the map. There are plans for major infrastructure — including a $26-million community hub — but for now there’s no grocery store, no playground, and the health centre, bank and post office are in temporary facilities.