Eby sends letters to soothe Richmond homeowner panic over Cowichan decision

The B.C. government has finally reached out to Richmond homeowners and small businesses rattled by the controversial Cowichan Title Lands decision, sending a letter promising “direct support."

Source: Facebook

The B.C. government has finally reached out to Richmond homeowners and small businesses rattled by the controversial Cowichan Title Lands decision, sending a letter promising “direct support” straight from the Premier’s office.

The letter, signed by a provincial outreach representative identified as Kristine (no last name), says she will be “in the area throughout November” to meet residents, answer questions, and “ensure your concerns are heard by the Province.”

Kristine has since been identified as Kristine Ciruna, the “community contact” for the premier’s office.

According to the letter, her role includes explaining the Cowichan decision’s implications for private property owners, connecting residents with government contacts, and tracking issues such as mortgages, refinancing, and land sales potentially affected by the ruling.

“Your voice matters,” the letter reads, inviting recipients to call or text a local number or email the government’s new Richmond outreach address for assistance.

True North reached out to Kristine to inquire about the experiences shared so far.

Kristine redirected our questions to someone named Jimmy, who did not answer or return our call.

As Juno News previously reported, the judgment has prompted confusion in the Lower Mainland, with some residents and businesses in Richmond uncertain about the implications for property titles and financing.

The outreach effort follows months of concern among homeowners after the B.C. Supreme Court’s Cowichan Tribes v. Canada decision recognized Indigenous title over a broad area that includes parcels of private and municipal land.

The ruling by B.C. Supreme Court Justice Barbara Young was the first time a Canadian court affirmed Indigenous title over mixed private and Crown lands in a densely populated urban area.

The premier’s office said the community contact initiative will run throughout November, and that information gathered through the outreach program will be used “for the purpose of obtaining feedback about your experiences” related to the court decision.

Last week, Montrose Properties, the largest landowner in the title area, announced it will submit a request “in the coming days” to be named a party in the litigation and have the case reopened by the B.C. Supreme Court.

The company owns distribution facilities and warehouses operated by Coca-Cola, Wayfair and Canadian Tire in the area.