B.C. seeks court stay in Cowichan Tribes Aboriginal title case amid concerns from Richmond residents

Premier David Eby says the British Columbia government will ask the courts to delay implementation of a ruling that recognized Aboriginal title for the Cowichan Tribes over land in Richmond. The province is requesting a stay while the B.C. Court of Appeal reviews the landmark decision, which has raised questions about its impact on private land ownership.

In August, the B.C. Supreme Court declared that the Cowichan Tribes hold Aboriginal title to about 750 acres along the Fraser River. The court found that Crown grants of private titles on that land were an unjustified infringement of Cowichan rights. The declaration was suspended for 18 months to allow the First Nation, the province, and the City of Richmond time to make necessary arrangements.

Eby said a stay would allow the Court of Appeal to provide “clarity and assistance” as the province and affected residents navigate the implications of the case. He acknowledged that the decision has been “very troubling for many people,” particularly for about 150 property owners within the title area.

The premier noted that Attorney General Niki Sharma’s office is collecting information from affected landowners, including any issues with mortgages or financing since the ruling. Eby urged residents to share their experiences to help inform the government’s response.

Members of the Cowichan Tribes have accused provincial officials of spreading misinformation, saying their legal action never sought to overturn private property ownership. The dispute was a key topic at a tense public meeting hosted by the City of Richmond this week, where homeowners expressed frustration about the lack of early communication regarding the case.