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3h ago

Richmond Owners Push Tax Appeals as B.C. Seeks Stay in Cowichan Title Case

Financing setbacks, mortgage hurdles, uncertainty over Aboriginal title’s effect on private deeds drive calls for relief.

Richmond, B.C., residents look at a map of the Cowichan land title area during an information session for property owners who may be affected by the recent B.C. Supreme Court decision.
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Overview

  • Tax consultant Paul Sullivan says his firm will file mass BC Assessment appeals to lower valuations for properties in the Richmond claim zone.
  • Premier David Eby says the province is pursuing a Court of Appeal stay and is asking affected owners to submit evidence of market impacts.
  • Reports include a bank pulling financing for a $100‑million project, homeowners facing mortgage issues, and a forthcoming Richmond council motion to seek government backstops.
  • The Cowichan Tribes have filed their own appeal to expand title beyond the 40% granted, while a First Nations leader criticized political rhetoric and emphasized the Crown’s duty to reconcile title.
  • The original ruling recognized Aboriginal title over more than 5.7 km² and declared certain Crown and city fee‑simple titles invalid, prompting appeals by all levels of government.