Ontario Construction News staff writer
Ontario’s Home Construction Regulatory Authority (HCRA) has charged a Markham-based developer accused of illegally selling homes. This is the first such action by the HCRA, which began operations in February of this year.
Ideal (BC) Developments Inc. is not licensed to sell new homes in Ontario and the HCRA says it launched an investigation after receiving complaints that the company had illegally entered into sales agreements.
“Selling new homes without a license is a serious offence,” Wendy Moir Acheson, the HCRA’s Chief Executive Officer and Registrar, said in an Aug. 4 news release. “Illegal activities can represent high risks – obviously hurting consumers, and also creating an unfair marketplace.”
Ideal (BC) Developments Inc. is charged with 10 counts of alleged illegal vending – entering into an agreement of purchase and sale without a licence and without being registered with Tarion Warranty Corporation. The 11th count is for allegedly failing to produce evidence during a search warrant. The charges relate to freehold properties on Bostwick Crescent in Richmond Hill.
“The HCRA is determined to protect Ontario consumers from illegal and unethical conduct,” Moir Acheson explains. “At the same time, our message to new home buyers is: make sure your builder is licensed with the HCRA before you sign an agreement of purchase and sale.”
All regulatory activities and enforcement are disclosed on HCRA’s website.
“The Ontario Builder Directory – hosted by the HCRA – is a vital resource for confirming that a builder or vendor is operating legally, as well as providing other background detail to help people make these important decisions”, says Moir Acheson. “We strongly believe that transparency regarding charges is important and helpful for consumers when evaluating and researching a builder.”
The HRCA is responsible for regulating and licensing the people and companies who build and sell new homes in Ontario. The HCRA enforces high professional standards for competence and conduct in the homebuilding industry, and maintains consistency across the sector, curtailing unethical and illegal builders.