Overview
- Montrose Properties says it will ask the B.C. Supreme Court to reopen the case and add it to the litigation, arguing it should have been heard before a ruling that touches about 300 acres of its holdings.
- In August, Justice Barbara Young recognized Cowichan Tribes’ Aboriginal title over roughly 800 acres in southeast Richmond, including private parcels, with the court’s declarations suspended for 18 months.
- The province, City of Richmond and federal government are preparing appeals, and B.C.’s attorney-general says the province will seek a stay of the decision citing the lack of private-owner participation.
- The company is the largest private landowner in the area, with affected sites that include major distribution facilities for Canadian Tire and Coca-Cola.
- Property owners and advisors report market disruption, with planned tax-assessment appeals, financing withdrawals and stalled projects, after the court declined to require formal notice to private owners.