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4w ago

Richmond Warns Homeowners After Aboriginal Title Ruling as Eby Rejects Call to Halt Indigenous Talks

The premier rejects a freeze on negotiations, saying clarity should come through the appeal courts rather than a Supreme Court reference.

Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie argues that fee simple and Aboriginal title are incompatible, and that the uncertainty that has arisen could have a devastating impact on property interests.
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The ruling gives the Cowichan Nation title to 7.5 square kilometres of land in South Richmond, including city and port lands, farms, golf courses and commercial properties.

Overview

  • Richmond hand-delivered letters to more than 150 property owners saying the court decision could negatively affect title and set an Oct. 28 city hall information session.
  • The August B.C. Supreme Court ruling recognized Cowichan Tribes’ Aboriginal title over roughly 732–800 acres in southeast Richmond and suspended invalidity of certain Crown and fee-simple interests for 18 months.
  • The province, City of Richmond and several First Nations, including Musqueam, have filed appeals, while Cowichan Tribes plan their own appeal to seek recognition over a larger 1,846-acre area.
  • Premier David Eby said the court declined to notify private owners before the decision and confirmed the government will pursue a Court of Appeal challenge rather than seek a Supreme Court reference.
  • Attorney-General Niki Sharma said the government will uphold fee-simple rights and prefers negotiated solutions, as First Nations leaders condemned BC Conservative John Rustad’s demand to pause talks as alarmist.