Real estate can be a complex field, especially for those who aren't familiar with its terminology and systems. One such example is the cadastral plan, something that's not widely known outside of real estate and land surveying circles.
While experts are available to guide us and answer questions, having a basic understanding of key concepts is always helpful.
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What is a cadastral plan?
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What purpose does it serve?
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Who is responsible for creating it?
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What does the cadastre look like in Quebec today?
This article explores these questions to help you better understand the unique role and importance of cadastral plans.
The cadastre: what is it?
The Cadastre of Quebec is a public registry managed by the provincial government. It presents cadastral information for all land properties in the province in the form of detailed plans.
The main goal of the cadastre is to make property titles publicly accessible, helping to protect ownership rights. It also plays a key role in property assessments and in defining property boundaries through various analyses.
The Government of Quebec defines the cadastre as follows:
This registry maps private land properties in Quebec, assigning each one a unique seven-digit number. It displays the measurements, area, shape, and location of each property, referred to as a 'lot' in the registry.
A unique identifier for each lot
Every property shown on the cadastral plan is assigned a unique lot number, which serves to precisely identify it.
This number is referenced in the cadastral identification found on a property’s certificate of location. However, it’s important to note that the cadastral plan and the certificate of location are not the same, the information they contain differs significantly.
Unlike the plan included in a certificate of location, a cadastral plan does not show any buildings. Instead, it offers a graphic representation of the land itself, showing:
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The property’s measurements
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Its total area
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The shape of the lot
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Its position relative to neighbouring properties
What is the role of the cadastral plan?
In addition to precisely identifying every property within a given area, the cadastral plan plays several important roles:
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It records land ownership rights
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It helps municipalities calculate property taxes and manage their territory
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It supports the planning and installation of public utility networks (such as gas, water, and electricity)
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It contributes to the enforcement of laws related to land use planning, urban development, cultural preservation, and territorial protection
While the cadastral plan is primarily an informational document, it can be extremely useful for property owners in many situations, such as when buying or selling a home, to get a clear visual overview of the property, the land it sits on, and its surrounding lots.
It can also be consulted before undertaking any expansion or renovation work on the property.
Who creates the cadastral plan?
Land surveyors are the only professionals with the expertise required to handle tasks related to the cadastre. They are uniquely qualified to gather and provide all the technical information necessary for producing an accurate cadastral plan.
How to access the cadastral plan for your property
Homeowners can easily view the cadastral plan for their property through Infolot, an online service that offers access to Quebec’s interactive cadastral map.
For a more personal approach, you can also reach out directly to provincial government representatives. Call toll-free at 1-866-226-0977 or email services.specialises@mrnf.gouv.qc.ca for assistance.
Online Access via Infolot
Infolot is a digital service provided by the Government of Quebec, allowing citizens to easily access the cadastre online.
Once on the website, you can search using a civic address, lot number, or even the property owner's name. Be sure to have this information ready to streamline the search process.
The platform not only lets you view cadastral plans but also provides the option to download relevant documents.
Is there a fee?
Infolot provides both free and paid search options. Whether or not there is a fee depends on the type of search you wish to conduct and your specific needs.
Cadastral renovation in Quebec
For some time now, the Government of Quebec has been working on renovating the cadastral register. The original register, created in 1860, was not only imperfect but also incomplete. Back then, property owners were not legally required to register their properties or any modifications in the cadastre before selling.
The government estimates that “750,000 lots already represented in the cadastre contained anomalies” and that “at least 850,000 properties were not properly registered in the cadastre.” To address these issues, the government enlisted several land surveyors to update and correct the cadastral plan, focusing on one area at a time.
This cadastral renovation, which was expected to be completed by 2021, involved updating nearly 3.8 million lots across Quebec. It could affect your property, any changes to its status, including its cadastral details, may require the creation of a new certificate of location.
Please note that an incorrect cadastral representation can lead to complications when selling a property. Additionally, it’s important to understand that the official cadastral plan of your property is not automatically provided to the owner once the renovation is complete.
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