1 Body Recovered After Landslide Displaces Home in Lions Bay, B.C.

Emergency crews in Lions Bay, B.C., have located the body of one resident after a devastating landslide swept a home off its foundation, prompting an extensive search and rescue operation. The incident occurred Saturday following a severe windstorm that battered B.C.'s South Coast, leaving widespread damage and power outages.

In a statement issued Sunday evening, B.C. RCMP spokesperson Cpl. James Grandy confirmed that the search for a second person, also believed to have been in the home at the time of the landslide, remains ongoing.

Landslide and Highway Closure

The landslide occurred in an area above two residential streets in Lions Bay, a village of about 1,400 residents located along the Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99). The slide swept one home off its foundations, damaged power lines, and crossed over train tracks.

Search-and-rescue teams, including canine units and drones, have been deployed to assess the damage and locate missing individuals. On Sunday morning, Lions Bay Mayor Ken Berry announced that several residents had been evacuated, with ongoing efforts to assist others who remain cut off.

The Sea to Sky Highway, a critical route connecting Vancouver to Whistler, was closed following the incident but reopened in both directions early Sunday morning, according to DriveBC.

Windstorm Impacts

The landslide followed a powerful windstorm that saw gusts of up to 100 km/h, leaving hundreds of thousands without power across the region. The storm also claimed a life in Surrey, B.C., where a woman was struck by a falling tree.

Continued Search and Recovery

Firefighters and emergency personnel continued working in the affected area Sunday morning, clearing debris and addressing reports of downed trees. Barrett Germscheid, Lions Bay’s fire chief and emergency coordinator, emphasized the challenges posed by the storm’s aftermath and the difficult terrain.

“We’ve called upon Canada Task Force One Search and Rescue to assist with a thorough search,” said Berry.

Environment Canada had issued warnings ahead of the storm, advising residents of the potential for hazardous conditions, which played out with destructive consequences across B.C.’s South Coast.

The recovery efforts in Lions Bay are ongoing as the community grapples with the impact of this sudden and tragic event. Further updates are expected as the search progresses.