Cowichan title ruling covers Richmond mansions, golf course, and farmland as B.C. vows appeal

A landmark court ruling has recognized the Cowichan Nation’s Aboriginal title over a swath of land along No. 6 Road in Richmond, B.C., an area now home to blueberry farms, luxury estates, and the Country Meadows Golf Course.

The B.C. Supreme Court decision confirmed Cowichan title and fishing rights in this section of Lulu Island, where the nation historically maintained a summer village and harvested salmon from the south arm of the Fraser River. The claim area includes both Crown- and city-owned properties, as well as private holdings such as an 11-bathroom, 10,600-square-foot mansion valued at $7.78 million.

Justice Barbara Young noted the Cowichan did not seek to invalidate private titles but ruled that the province must negotiate with the nation regarding these lands, which were granted in a way that unjustifiably infringed on Aboriginal title. The Ministry of Attorney General said it is assessing how many private properties fall within the claim area and promised to protect private property rights while pursuing reconciliation.

Reaction among residents has been mixed. Some property owners said they were unaware of the ruling, while others pledged to oppose it. Co-owner of the golf course, Harry Hogler, acknowledged the decision but said he was “not worried.”

Attorney General Niki Sharma warned the case could have “significant unintended consequences” for property rights and confirmed the government will appeal. Indigenous law expert Robin Junger said the decision, if upheld, could have far-reaching implications for land ownership across B.C., though he expects it to be challenged up to the Supreme Court of Canada.

The Cowichan Nation’s legal team emphasized that their claim was against the Crown, not individual homeowners. Lawyer David Robbins said the nation has “no direct relationship” with private titleholders and did not seek to disrupt their ownership in this case.

Some residents, including one in a $4.1-million home, vowed to “fight” the decision, while others, such as an elderly woman selling blueberries outside a large stone property, said their families were unaware of the title ruling. The uncertainty now hangs over a neighbourhood where farmland and luxury homes stand on land recognized by the court as part of the Cowichan’s traditional territory.