RCMP say no criminal charges after deadly landslide in Lions Bay, B.C.

The clean up effort is pictured after a Dec. 14 landslide in Lions Bay, B.C.

The Squamish RCMP says it has completed its investigation into a landslide in the Sea to Sky community of Lions Bay that killed two people in late 2024.

The Dec. 14, 2024, slide claimed the lives of longtime residents David and Barbara Enns, after the debris flow of trees, rocks and mud swept away their house.

In a statement Friday, Mounties, who have never said whether any specific individuals were under investigation nor accused anyone of wrongdoing, said they would not be recommending criminal charges.

“As part of the investigative process, (investigators) consulted with industry experts to examine the circumstances surrounding the landslide,” police wrote. “Following a comprehensive review of all available evidence and expert analysis, investigators determined that the available evidence did not establish a basis to support criminal charges.”

What exactly caused the landslide remains unknown. When asked by CTV News if there were any updates on the province’s investigation, the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship said it would not comment while the matter is before the courts.

A civil lawsuit filed by the Enns’ family and neighbours is still pending, alleging negligence on the part of the B.C. government, the Village of Lions Bay, and landowner Steven Vestergaard.

The allegations laid out in the suit pertain to a road and water reservoir the plaintiffs refer to as “illegal works”.

In their statement of claim, the plaintiffs allege the slide was “caused, or alternatively contributed to,” by construction of the road and reservoir up the slope from where the Enns’ home was swept away.

Vestergaard previously told CTV News all the work done on his land was permitted and that province cleared him of wrongdoing after the slide. The municipality and province have denied the allegations in the lawsuit, arguing the landslide was an “act of God.”

None of the claims in the lawsuit have been proven in court.

“Our investigation into this tragic incident has been completed,” said Sgt. Jeff Shore, in the RCMP’s statement. “Our thoughts remain with the family, who have endured so much throughout this tragedy.”

With files from CTV News Vancouver’s Ben Miljure