Mystery Solved

Vehicle owner saving airport parking fees?

After a multi-day search that involved a number of agencies, the mystery of the abandoned Jeep in Lions Bay School parking lot has been solved.

Local residents were concerned that the abandoned vehicle could belong to a backcountry visitor who had not returned from a hike. However, RCMP did not receive any reports of missing persons or hikers.

Squamish RCMP Constable Adam Koehle said that after investigation, the police have learned that the owner of the vehicle is currently travelling in Europe.

Koehle said that after following up multiple reports made by concerned local residents, the owner was discovered to be on holiday in the United Kingdom. "I know there's been a number of theories about what's happening, but the owner left the vehicle there while they are in the UK," Koehle added.

RCMP would not identify the owner, but did confirm they are not a resident of Lions Bay.

The school parking lot is clearly signed, prohibiting overnight parking.

Koehle, who was formerly stationed on Bowen Island, said that all the municipalities along the Sea to Sky have been subject to a huge increase in travellers over the past several years.

"Every municipality is running into the same issue with non-stop daily visitors," he said. "When you are not local to the area, it's easier to get lost."

Regarding the concern about hikers who may not know the area, or underestimate the length of time a hike may take, Lions Bay Search and Rescue (LBSAR) members say it pays to be cautious. In 2025, LBSAR responded to a record 35 calls, which they say reflects the growing use of the backcountry area. As one of the organizations involved in the search, they spent two days on the hunt for the Jeep's owner.

While standard practice for many hikers is to leave a note on the dash as to where they are headed and when they plan to be back, not everyone agrees.

LBSAR member Brent Calkin says he likes the idea of leaving a note, but understands the concern some hikers have of leaving such specific information in plain view.

"I also appreciate the apprehension of those who worry that a note gives passersby a template of the perfect time to break into the vehicle, or worse, break into the vehicle, read the home address off the insurance papers and break into their home. I think the traditional 'tell a friend or family member your plan' is still the best," he says.

Calkin adds for those who have no backup, but also don’t want to leave a note on the dash, a note can be left on the passenger seat under another piece of paper, or tucked under the driver's seat or in the trunk. That way, when the police enter the vehicle, the information will be there, but away from unscrupulous eyes.  

There's no word as to when the vehicle owner plans to return to collect their Jeep.

A representative from West Vancouver School District 45 said they have not come to a decision yet as to any further action.

photos by kc dyer

May 4 Editor Update: Representatives of West Vancouver School District #45 contacted The Watershed to say the vehicle was towed from the Lions Bay School parking lot in the last week of April.

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