Tensions flare at Richmond meeting over Cowichan title decision

Hundreds packed the Sheraton hotel ballroom on Tuesday night for a meeting called by the City of Richmond to give information to landowners whose properties are affected by a court ruling granting Aboriginal title over about 750 acres on the Fraser River.

Several speakers blasted Mayor Malcolm Brodie and city officials for not notifying landowners of the case as it was unfolding over the years and had the potential to negatively impact the ownership of their properties.

“Listen, they’re entitled to feel the way they feel. I would be very angry if I was one of those landowners and found that I woke up one morning and found that there was this Aboriginal title, which affected my property,” said Brodie to reporters at the end of meeting.

Tony Capuccinello Iraci, the city’s general manager