Court decision sparks mass challenge over property values and uncertainty on land caught in Cowichan dispute (Business in Vancouver)
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 question private 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 BC office. “I don’t think these properties are saleable" ... CLICK HERE for the full story