Heavy rain from an atmospheric river moving through Metro Vancouver sparked a landslide in Port Coquitlam on Sunday.
The slide stopped near a townhouse complex in the city’s Citadel area, just north of Argue Street. Authorities have urged residents to stay clear of the site, but no immediate safety concerns have been reported.
City officials confirmed that the Ministry of Transportation is present and assessing the situation. Joshua Fredrick, Port Coquitlam’s director of Engineering & Public Works, said the landslide actually involved two simultaneous slides.
“The city responded first to ensure safety,” Fredrick said. “Although these are Ministry of Transportation lands, we acted quickly to make sure residents and properties were protected.”
Fredrick added that city crews have completed safety checks for nearby homes, and the ministry will now take over monitoring and repairs.
Wendy Marr, a resident living close to the hillside, said she noticed the event while in her kitchen.
“We all know that hillside is always a threat, but it didn’t look too severe because it wasn’t a full mudslide,” Marr said.
Southern B.C. experienced heavy rainfall over the weekend, with Environment Canada reporting 54 to 68 millimetres of rain across Metro Vancouver between Saturday afternoon and Monday morning.
In the Fraser Valley, Agassiz recorded 68 millimetres of rain, while Chilliwack’s airport measured 54 millimetres. Port Mellon in Howe Sound saw 86 millimetres, and Cape Beale Lighthouse on West Vancouver Island recorded 134 millimetres. Lennard Island Lighthouse measured 102 millimetres.
A rainfall warning remains in effect for the Fraser Valley, including the town of Hope. Environment Canada has warned that total rain in some areas could reach 80 millimetres.
Forecasters expect the heavy rain to gradually ease to light showers on Monday afternoon and taper off early Tuesday morning. Residents in affected areas are advised to stay alert for potential flooding or landslide risks.
Officials continue to monitor the situation in Port Coquitlam and the surrounding communities. The city urges residents to avoid the landslide area until authorities confirm it is safe to return.
The atmospheric river has been a key driver of the unusual rainfall, which has put parts of southern B.C. under heightened alert. Emergency teams remain on standby to respond to further slides or flooding if necessary.
Authorities remind the public that even minor landslides can be dangerous. Residents should remain cautious, especially in low-lying areas or near slopes that have been saturated by the heavy rain.
The city’s swift response and coordination with provincial authorities have so far prevented injuries or property damage. Monitoring will continue as water levels stabilize and rain decreases over the next 24 hours.
