A group of Richmond property owners have started a sweeping appeal of their property taxes in the wake of a Cowichan Nation court ruling that has thrown into questionprivate property rights.

Property tax expert Paul Sullivan said he’s spearheading a “mass property tax appeal” on behalf of affected homeowners and businesses, whose land values and ability to sell their properties may be impacted by the Cowichan’s recent Aboriginal title victory in BC Supreme Court.

“We’re going to appeal on behalf of everyone to BC Assessment and say, ‘Hey, guys: the value of my property isn’t what you say it is, it’s far less as a result of uncertainty,’” said Sullivan, who is the regional lead of Ryan Tax Firm’s B.C. office.

“I don’t think these properties are saleable.”

There are more than 100 homes, businesses and commercial properties valued at more than $2 billion in the area, he said.

Sullivan currently represents the largest commercial taxpayers in the almost 800 acres in Richmond now under Aboriginal title for the Cowichan Nation, which includes major........

© BIV