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Port Coquitlam Says No Private Homes in Kwikwetlem Title Claim as Province-Led Talks Pause Case

Officials describe a 2016 suit focused on public parcels, now on hold during negotiations.

Overview

  • The claim targets publicly owned sites including the former Riverview Hospital, the Colony Farm Forensic Psychiatric Hospital, ƛ̓éxətəm (Colony Farm) Regional Park, Gates Park, and undeveloped South Shaughnessy lots.
  • The litigation has been in abeyance since a 2021 trial date, with the province pursuing a negotiated resolution outside court, according to city officials and Attorney General Niki Sharma.
  • Port Coquitlam says there are no First Nations civil claims involving private property in the city, and Kwikwetlem states it is not seeking privately owned homes.
  • Premier David Eby says the province is appealing the Cowichan/Richmond ruling with emphasis on the private property findings, while continuing talks with Kwikwetlem.
  • Kwikwetlem’s lawyer says the case focused on public land because private parties do not carry governments’ obligations to First Nations, as public concern continues while Cowichan appeals proceed.