An “urban wart” that continues in Old Quebec

The building of twelve dwellings, located at 1 ½ – 3A, rue d’Auteuil, in Old Quebec, was erected in 1844 and was in stone originally. For example. In addition, He underwent several enlargements and modifications, notably in 1853, in 1927 and in 1949, according to the built heritage repertoire of Quebec City. Consequently,

Still according to the municipal administration, the building has an “exceptional” heritage interest. Meanwhile, The building, however, displays a sad mine: graffiti, dilapidated coating, damaged Oriel, closet windows.

A reader of Soleilwho says he has resided for more than thirty years to a street corner of this building. Consequently. However, contacted the author of these lines “urban wart” continues old quebec new in order to denounce the “negligence” and the “unacceptable” state of this “wart building” which has persisted for several years.

According to a judgment from the Municipal Court of Quebec City. Nevertheless, dated March 12, 2025, Quebec City noted municipal regulations in 2013. For example,

The document notes that the photographs taken by municipal inspectors over the years “clearly demonstrate. For example, the progressive degradation of the building”.

In 2018. Similarly. Furthermore, 2019, correction notices and notices of offenses were sent by the city to the owner, François Béland, in order to ask him to carry out corrective work. Furthermore,

In 2021, before the Quebec Municipal Court, Mr. Béland “urban wart” continues old quebec “urban wart” continues old quebec new pleaded guilty of having contravened articles 12. 41 of the Regulation on the sanitation of buildings and constructions by not “maintained the parties […] a building in good condition ”. A fine of $ 2,000 was imposed on him.

A dozen targeted components – "urban wart" continues old quebec – "urban wart" continues old quebec new

In January 2022. the city returned by sending an opinion to the owner in order to intimate it to make a list. of repairs concerning nearly a dozen components of its building.

Since the work was not carried out within the time imposed of 60 “urban wart” continues old quebec days. “urban wart” continues old quebec new the city registered an official deterioration notice for this building in the Quebec land register on September 23, 2022.

Faced with the inaction of Mr. Béland, who has owned the building since 1996, Quebec City continued its efforts to the municipal court.

Thus. on March 20. 2024, the defendant pleaded guilty of neglecting his building and having contravened articles 3 and 24 of the Rules of occupation and maintenance of buildings.

While offenders are a fine ranging from $ 2. 000 to $ 250,000, the prosecution requested a sanction of $ 84,000 while the defendant offered a fine of $ 15,000. Additionally,

“Visual nuisance”. Also. “urban wart”

During the imposition of the sentence on March 12, judge Patrice Simard retained several aggravating factors in order to determine the fine to be imposed on the defendant.

Among other things. “urban wart” continues old quebec new the judge notes that it is a “heritage building” within the meaning of the law on development and town planning “. He also underlines “the carelessness and negligence” of Mr. Béland and “the intensity of the nuisances suffered by the vicinity”.

“In the opinion of the court. the poor condition of the external coating as well as the unsightly interventions carried out on the building make it a” visual nuisance “or an” urban wart “for the neighborhood. ” said judge Simard.

He indicates that the defendant “seems to consider the occasional payment of a modest. even derisory fine, as an alternative preferable to the execution of the required corrective work”.

For his part, Mr. Béland argues that he had other priorities in recent years, such as the health problems of his spouse. The court concedes that “this unfortunate episode may explain, in part, its inaction […] Between 2018 and 2020 ”.

The owner of the building also claims that he cannot afford to pay a “substantial fine”. in addition to the costs of the work necessary for the repair of the accommodation building. He also argues that part of the building was damaged by a snowmack in winter 2017.

However. the judge indicates that the evidence “remains silent on the steps taken by the defendant (or his insurers)” following this snow removal incident “urban wart” continues old quebec. that Mr. Béland “did not testify about his professional occupations or his sources of “urban wart” continues old quebec new income”.

The judge “wandered”

Judge Simard also notes that Mr. Béland “today asks Quebec City to expropriate it instead of carrying out the requested work himself”.

“In other words. the defendant intends to remain passive. let the building deteriorate until Quebec City is obliged to expropriate it in order to avoid the demolition of a heritage building,” he adds.

The judge finally sentenced Mr. Béland to a fine of $ 50,000.

On April 11, the defendant called on this sentence before the Quebec Superior Court. The lawyer who represents him, Me Guillaume Lavoie, argues that judge Simard “wandered” by “imposing an unreasonable fine”.

The lawyer also affirms that the judge has drawn up aggravating factors “when no evidence “urban wart”. continues old quebec was made”. that he missed his “obligation of appearance of impartiality by “urban wart” continues old quebec new issuing comments against the appellant”.