The Squamish Nation has filed a lawsuit in B.C. Supreme Court asking the court to grant it possession of the lands currently occupied by Capilano RV Park next to the Lions Gate bridge in West Vancouver.
According to a statement of claim, the Squamish and the 208-site RV park had an agreement up until October 14, 2008, whereby the park paid Squamish council a percentage of its revenue monthly in exchange for use of lands on Squamish’s Capilano Indian Reserve No. 5.
Since then, the Squamish and the park have co-existed, according to the Squamish, under the same agreement while the park considered a new contract offered by the Squamish.
But according to the native band, Capilano RV has not, since May 26 of this year, made any monthly payments and has refused to engage in talks with the nation about a new contract.
The nation alleges the trailer park, which is referred to as Capilano Mobile Park in the lawsuit, “threatens and intends to remain in unlawful possession of the lands and premises.”
A call to Capilano RV was not returned by press time.
In the suit, which was filed December 2, the native band is seeking, among other things, damages and a declaration the lands occupied by the RV Park are unallotted reserve lands set apart for the use and benefit of the Squamish.
As well, the Squamish Nation wants “mesne profits” (profits earned on occupied lands) from May 15 of this year until Capilano RV delivers possession of the lands to the nation.
Failing the latter, the Squamish Nation is seeking any monies found to be due and owing from the defendants by the court.