Port Coquitlam stresses transparency on decade-old Aboriginal title claim
The City of Port Coquitlam is fighting back against a nearly decade-old Aboriginal title claim by the Kwikwetlem First Nation, vowing to “vigorously defend” public land ownership.
The City of Port Coquitlam is fighting back against a nearly decade-old Aboriginal title claim by the Kwikwetlem First Nation, vowing to “vigorously defend” public land ownership and private property rights.
The City of Port Coquitlam is stressing transparency regarding a decade-old Aboriginal title claim.
In a statement issued Wednesday, the city said the 2016 claim names several publicly held sites, including Gates Park — a major recreation area — and a number of undeveloped lots known as South Shaughnessy. All are owned in fee simple by the city.
In a statement issued Thursday, the city repeated that the 2016 claim names several publicly held sites, including Gates Park, a major recreation area, and a number of undeveloped lots known as South Shaughnessy, all of which are owned in fee simple by the city.
Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West said the municipality will defend its public-land holdings and the private-property rights of residents, noting the claim is currently “in abeyance” as part of a provincially led negotiation process.
“We have, and will continue to, vigorously defend public ownership of these lands, along with private property rights in our jurisdiction,” West said, adding the city will keep the public informed throughout the process.
West also noted that the Kwikwetlem claim extends beyond municipal boundaries. “Alongside the city, the Province of B.C. and the Metro Vancouver Regional District are also subject to claims for lands they own,” he said in a Wednesday post on X.
Port Coquitlam’s announcement comes amid heightened public concern following a landmark B.C. Supreme Court ruling this year granting Cowichan Tribes Aboriginal title to more than 700 acres in Richmond.
As previously reported by True North, that ruling has raised broader questions about fee-simple ownership, including the case of a Richmond homeowner who says his mortgage lender has refused to renew his mortgage because of the decision.
True North interviewed that homeowner during a town hall hosted by Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie to discuss possible implications of the ruling.
The issue of “notification” took centre stage at the town hall, with several residents saying they were not aware of the court proceedings until after Justice Barbara Young had issued her decision.
“It would have been a common courtesy!” one resident shouted when questioning why homeowners were not informed in advance.
As Mayor Brodie explained to concerned town hall residents, a 2017 decision from the Court declined to order Quw’utsun Nation provide formal notice of the case.
In contrast with Richmond, Port Coquitlam officials say they are closely monitoring the case and any related developments, will work to defend both public and private property rights, and are committed to ensuring residents are kept informed as the matter progresses.