Richmond mayor in hot seat as residents press for answers about First Nation title ruling

Richmond residents confronted Mayor Malcolm Brodie during a public information session regarding a B. C. Supreme Court ruling that granted land title to the Quw’utsun Nation over a 7. 5-square-kilometre area. Many expressed outrage at learning about the ruling solely through a city letter, feeling Brodie avoided their questions.

One frustrated resident remarked, “I’ve gotten zero information aside from what’s on this piece of paper,” questioning the session's value. The city claims more than 100 residents are impacted and is appealing the ruling, asserting that Aboriginal land title cannot coexist with private property ownership. Critics argue this framing amounts to fear-mongering and advocate for negotiations instead of appeals. Brodie frequently deferred questions to representatives of the Cowichan Tribes, which only heightened residents' dissatisfaction. The court's ruling has sparked significant concern about property ownership ambiguity in the area.

Local officials are under pressure to clarify the situation and address community fears promptly.