Le Président et Syndics de la Commune de Berthier v. Denis

Le Président et Syndics de la Commune de Berthier v. Denis

The majority held the 1768 concession created a real servitude on l'Île du Milieu for the benefit of the Common: the clause obliging the grantee to suffer the animals of the Common and to construct a good and sufficient fence when necessary imposed a charge on the land, not merely a personal obligation. The optional...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
(1897) 27 SCR 147
Parties
Appellant / Plaintiff: Le Président et Syndics de la Commune de Berthier; Respondent / Defendant: Paul Denis
Court
Supreme Court of Canada
Jurisdiction
Canada
Judgment Date
25 January 1897
Procedural Posture
Appeal (title to Lands / Action Confessory) / Appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada From Court of Queen's Bench for Lower Canada (appeal Side)
Outcome
Appeal allowed; judgment of Court of Queen's Bench reversed
Legal Topics
Construction of Deed, Condition Si Voluero (facultative Condition), Charges Running With Title, Fencing Obligations, Prescriptive Title, Renewal of Title
Source Language
english
Property Law Real Property Servitudes / Easements Seignorial Tenure Construction of Deed Condition Si Voluero (facultative Condition) Charges Running With Title Fencing Obligations +2 more

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Summary, issues, holding and outcome

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Parties

Le Président et Syndics de la Commune de Berthier

Appellant / Plaintiff

Paul Denis

Respondent / Defendant

Procedural Posture

Appeal (title to Lands / Action Confessory) / Appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada From Court of Queen's Bench for Lower Canada (appeal Side)

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the clause in the 1768 seignorial deed created a real servitude on the island in favour of the Common or only a personal/facultative obligation
  2. 2 Whether a condition phrased s'il le juge nécessaire (if he deems it necessary) can create an enforceable servitude or is a void potestative condition
  3. 3 Whether non‑contiguity (separated by marsh/channel) prevents creation of a servitude

Ratio Decidendi

The majority held the 1768 concession created a real servitude on l'Île du Milieu for the benefit of the Common: the clause obliging the grantee to suffer the animals of the Common and to construct a good and sufficient fence when necessary imposed a charge on the land, not merely a personal obligation. The optional phrasing was interpreted as a suspensive condition tied to the need to protect habitation/crops (triggering the obligation when necessary), and long usage together with contemporaneous ordinances supported creation and continuance of the servitude; accordingly the Court reversed the lower court and recognized the servitude and right to a renewal title.

Court Disposition

Appeal allowed; judgment of Court of Queen's Bench reversed

Orders

  • Appeal allowed
  • Judgment below reversed and writ of action confessoire sustained to recognize a real servitude on l'Île du Milieu in favour of the Common of Berthier