Ongoing heavy rain in Metro Vancouver caused a landslide in Port Coquitlam on Sunday, highlighting the risks posed by extreme weather events in the region. The slide came to rest near a townhouse complex in the city’s Citadel area, north of Argue Street. City officials are advising residents to avoid the area, though they emphasize there are no immediate safety concerns.
Joshua Fredrick, Port Coquitlam’s director of Engineering and Public Works, explained that the landslide consisted of two simultaneous slides. The city responded immediately to ensure that residents and nearby properties were safe, acting as a first responder until the Ministry of Transportation could take over. “These are Ministry of Transportation lands, but as a first response, the city acted to make sure everything was okay,” Fredrick said.
The ministry is now on-site, assessing the situation and planning further steps to stabilize the affected area. Fredrick noted that the city has completed its initial responsibilities, securing the surrounding area and confirming that no residents were in danger. The Ministry of Transportation will continue with mitigation measures and any necessary repairs.
Local residents were startled by the event. Wendy Marr, who lives nearby, was in her kitchen when the slide occurred. She described the hillside as “always a threat,” but added that the slide did not appear severe since it was not a full mudslide. Other residents in the Citadel area have been asked to remain alert and report any signs of erosion or instability in the hillside.
The landslide coincided with a period of heavy rainfall caused by an atmospheric river moving across southern B.C. According to Environment Canada, Metro Vancouver recorded between 54 and 68 millimetres of rain from Saturday afternoon to Monday morning. In the Fraser Valley, Agassiz received 68 millimetres, while Chilliwack Airport recorded 54 millimetres of rainfall. Port Mellon in Howe Sound saw 86 millimetres, and Cape Beale Lighthouse on West Vancouver Island reported 134 millimetres. Lennard Island Lighthouse recorded 102 millimetres of rain.
The rainfall has prompted Environment Canada to issue a warning for the Fraser Valley, including Hope, which remains in effect as authorities monitor the situation. Total rainfall amounts in some areas of the region are expected to reach 80 millimetres, raising concerns about further landslides, flooding, and other weather-related hazards. Residents are advised to exercise caution when traveling and to avoid areas prone to erosion or water accumulation.
City officials and emergency responders continue to monitor the situation closely. The Port Coquitlam Fire Department and Engineering Department coordinated with the Ministry of Transportation to ensure that access to the landslide site is restricted and that any potential hazards are clearly marked. Public safety messages have been distributed to local residents, and officials encourage anyone living near hillsides or slopes to stay alert during heavy rainfall.
This incident underscores the growing importance of infrastructure preparedness in areas prone to extreme weather events. With atmospheric rivers becoming more frequent and intense, municipalities like Port Coquitlam face increasing challenges in protecting residents, monitoring vulnerable areas, and responding quickly to natural hazards. The city plans to review the landslide once the site is stabilized and may implement long-term mitigation strategies to prevent future occurrences.
The rain is expected to gradually ease on Monday afternoon, transitioning to periods of light rain, and taper off by early Tuesday morning. Despite this, officials warn that saturated soil and residual instability on hillsides could continue to pose risks. Residents are urged to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel near slopes, and follow updates from city authorities and Environment Canada.
The Port Coquitlam landslide serves as a reminder of the effects of climate change on weather patterns and the need for ongoing investment in monitoring, emergency preparedness, and public awareness campaigns. Authorities continue to coordinate with local, regional, and provincial agencies to ensure that any remaining hazards are addressed promptly and that residents receive timely information about potential risks.
Officials also stressed the importance of reporting any signs of further land movement, including cracks, unusual water flow, or small soil slides, which could indicate heightened risk areas. The combined efforts of city staff, provincial agencies, and residents are critical to managing the impacts of heavy rain and atmospheric rivers in Metro Vancouver.
The city remains committed to keeping the public informed and ensuring that the area around Citadel is safe for residents. Emergency services will continue to monitor the landslide site, and any further updates will be shared with the community as conditions evolve.
