Port Coquitlam Defends Public Lands Amid First Nations Claim Uncertainty

The City of Port Coquitlam has reaffirmed its commitment to defending publicly-owned lands while a land claim by the Kwikwetlem First Nation is currently suspended. This statement follows a growing focus on land claims in the region, particularly after a recent court ruling that has implications for property rights across British Columbia.

In a social media announcement, the city addressed concerns regarding a 2016 claim made by the Kwikwetlem First Nation. This claim allegedly involved lands owned by the province, Metro Vancouver, and the city itself. The city emphasized the need for transparency, especially in light of inquiries from residents about the status of the claim.

Mayor Brad West highlighted the importance of proactive communication. “We’ve had the Richmond-Cowichan decision, which has generated a number of inquiries to the city from residents with respect to the status of the claim in Port Coquitlam,” he stated during an interview with 1130 NewsRadio Vancouver. He noted that the decline of local media coverage has made it more challenging to keep residents informed.

In August 2023, the British Columbia Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Cowichan Tribes, granting them rights to approximately eight kilometres of land along the Fraser River in Richmond. This decision invalidated several Crown and city land titles in the area, creating uncertainty for nearly 150 private property owners and raising questions about fee simple land ownership throughout the province.

To address community concerns, West stressed that there is no private property involved in the 2016 land claim. “It was important to provide residents with an update on the status of the claim and to let people know that there’s no private property associated with this land claim,” he said. This message has been a significant focus of inquiries from residents, many of whom are worried about the implications for their own properties.

Port Coquitlam officials affirmed their commitment to monitoring the ongoing proceedings related to the Cowichan land claim and any associated developments. The city remains dedicated to protecting both public and private property rights within its jurisdiction.

As this situation evolves, city officials will continue to engage with the community, providing updates and clarifications as needed. The commitment to transparency and proactive communication is expected to help alleviate concerns among residents regarding the claims and their potential impacts.

This is an ongoing story, and further developments will be reported as they arise.