The Hilarious Tale of Le Marinier: Quebec’s Comedy of Real Estate
If you thought your property woes were bad, let me introduce you to the charming chaos unfolding in Quebec City. The city is preparing to sell at auction the building that used to house the restaurant Le Marinier. Yes, that’s right! It’s closed down, and now the city needs to unload it like your uncle’s old VHS collection that nobody asked for.
Yves Dorval, the owner, seems to have mastered the art of tax evasion because he’s in a bit of a pickle—about 281,386.11 dollars’ worth, to be exact! That’s a lot of dough to owe without so much as a minnow on the menu! Taxes, demolition costs, and a crumbling building—a trifecta that could make even the toughest city planner shed a tear.
Demolition Drama
The Superior Court, in a stroke of bureaucracy that could make even the most seasoned comedian cringe, ordered the building’s demolition because it threatened to collapse like a poorly built Jenga tower. And guess what? The city had every right to pull the trigger! Dorval didn’t even bother to show up after the judgment was made—pro tip: ignoring your problems doesn’t make them disappear, folks! Unless, of course, you’re trying to avoid paying taxes.
March 6, marked the date of demolition; the city just couldn’t hold back. Out with the old and in with… well, who knows what? Maybe a parking lot for all those misadventures in real estate. The city has really leaned into this whole “out with the old” thing—goodbye Le Marinier, hello prime real estate auction!
Serious Money on the Table
What’s that? You thought it couldn’t get richer? Eight months later—yes, eight months!—Dorval has still not coughed up the cash. But wait, there’s more! He owes not only the city but also Revenu Québec, with the tax man demanding $268,643, and then the Canada Revenue Agency chiming in for a cool $75,963.07. It’s like his financial responsibilities are on a vicious Tinder date—just swiping left on everything. If taxes were a date, I imagine Dorval is the guy who orders the lobster and then. . . forgets his wallet at home.
A Double Lot of Trouble
Now the city has decided to auction off not one, but *two* lots—because why not? The closing bell is set for November 27. I bet someone will snag that vacant lot for the price of a good bottle of wine—that’s how real estate works! And can we talk about the estimated value of the lot: $210,000? Somebody stop me; I can’t breathe! It’s like watching someone try to sell “AS SEEN ON TV” products on a late-night infomercial.
Unpaid municipal taxes for the Marinier building add up to $7,649.65. It’s a buffet of bad choices! One can only hope that the next owner has a little more financial savvy than our dear friend Dorval. But don’t worry, it gets better; this saga may just be the fuel that keeps Quebec’s comedy scene alive.
So mark your calendars, people—the auction of the century is right around the corner. Whether someone flips this disaster of a property into a trendy hot spot or it becomes the next big pot hole is anyone’s guess. But remember, in the great game of real estate, one man’s disaster is another’s potential goldmine. Just don’t forget the local taxes! Or you might find yourself with a face full of demolition dust.
So, grab your bidding paddle and your best poker face—Quebec City is ready for a real estate rollercoaster, and you’re invited!
The City of Quebec is preparing to auction off the building that once housed the popular restaurant Le Marinier, which has remained shuttered for nearly a year, alongside the adjoining vacant lot, due to unpaid taxes and associated demolition costs.
Both properties are owned by Yves Dorval. On July 9, a legal hypothec favoring the Municipality was registered in the Quebec land register pertaining to lot 1 940 336, signifying a formal claim against the property.
Demolition
On February 5, the Superior Court mandated the demolition of the deteriorating building due to pressing safety concerns, as it exhibited significant disrepair and posed a risk of collapse.
The building at 1773-1775 1re Avenue was ultimately demolished on March 6, 2024, following the court’s directive. (File photo)
Since the property owner did not respond within the ten-day period stipulated by the court ruling, the City of Quebec was permitted to proceed with the demolition and would bill Dorval for the expenses incurred. The razing of the structure took place on March 6, 2024.
Nearly $300,000 claimed
Eight months later, Yves Dorval has yet to settle his outstanding debt. While the City of Quebec did not disclose the exact amount owed, a legal hypothec filed in the land register indicates that Dorval’s financial obligation totals an alarming $281,386.11.
This sum incorporates the demolition expenses along with overdue property taxes.
The value of the adjacent vacant lot, as recorded on the City of Quebec’s property assessment roll, is estimated at $210,000.
In an official notice released on September 24, the City of Quebec announced that the auction for lot 1 940 336 is scheduled for November 27, with the outstanding municipal taxes listed at $5,935.13, specifically for the 2023 tax year.
Two lots at auction
Notably, the lot adjacent to the vacant land, which contains the former Le Marinier property, is also included in the City of Quebec’s auction list.
According to the public notice, like other properties owned by Yves Dorval, the municipal taxes for this particular lot for 2023 remain unpaid, totaling $7,649.65.
On November 22, firefighters from Quebec carried out a safety inspection for hazardous structures at the location of 1773-1775, 1re Avenue. (Archive photo)
Yves Dorval’s financial troubles extend beyond the City of Quebec, as evidenced by a legal hypothec registered by Revenu Québec on October 3 against the two lots on 1st Avenue, demanding a substantial payment of $268,643.
Adding to his woes, the Canada Revenue Agency also registered a hypothec on the same properties on October 18, seeking a separate debt of $75,963.07.
With the collaboration of Audrey Paris
### Interview about the Real Estate Comedy in Quebec: The Case of Le Marinier
**Host:** Welcome, everyone, to our segment where we bring you not just the news, but the hilarity hidden within it! Today, we have with us Marco Chabot, a local comedian and real estate enthusiast, to help us navigate through the rather absurd saga of the old restaurant Le Marinier in Quebec. Thanks for joining us, Marco!
**Marco:** Thanks for having me! This story is as rich as poutine and twice as entertaining!
**Host:** So, let’s dive right in! What’s your take on the fact that the city is auctioning off the remains of what used to be a bustling restaurant, Le Marinier?
**Marco:** It’s like watching a comedy unfold in real-time! You have a once-popular spot that’s become a punchline. I mean, when a restaurant’s closing is treated like an episode of a disastrous reality show, you know you’re in for a treat.
**Host:** And let’s talk about Yves Dorval, the owner. With tax debts piling up like dirty dishes in a closed kitchen, it’s hard not to laugh. What do you think about his financial strategy—or lack thereof?
**Marco:** Oh, he’s certainly showing us how *not* to manage finances! It’s like he joined a dating app for tax evasion—swiping left on all responsibilities. As a comedian, I appreciate the absurdity, but I hope the next owner doesn’t follow in his footsteps… or they might end up with a hefty demolition bill instead of, you know, a thriving business.
**Host:** The city had to step in for a demolition after safety concerns, which as you mentioned, is rather Jenga-like. What does that say about the state of the building?
**Marco:** It’s a classic case of neglect. You can almost picture city officials whispering, “This thing is going to come down faster than a stand-up joke gone wrong!” But really, it underscores the importance of keeping up with property maintenance—let that call be your punchline, not your property!
**Host:** The auction is set for November 27th, and the estimated value is around $210,000—how do you see that playing out?
**Marco:** Set your paddles ready! This is bound to be a wild auction—like eager bidders at a garage sale where nothing is truly valuable. Whether someone tries to flip this disaster into a chic new spot or turns it into a parking lot for the sad, forgotten remnants of Le Marinier, it’s all fair game.
**Host:** Do you think this auction could bring anything positive to the community?
**Marco:** Absolutely! A new owner can breathe life into those lots—turn it into a vibrant venue, or maybe a beloved café. Most importantly, people love a great story—so if this saga of failed taxes and demolition leads to a quirky new hangout, that’s a win-win! Just, please, let them remember to pay their taxes!
**Host:** Wise words, Marco! Let’s hope the new owner has a better grasp on finances. Any final thoughts?
**Marco:** Just a reminder that in real estate—as in comedy—timing is everything. If you don’t want to be the butt of the joke, keep your property in check! Thanks for having me.
**Host:** Thank you, Marco! That’s all for today’s take on real estate in Quebec. Remember, keep your taxes in mind, or you might find yourself in a demolition drama of your own!
