Court Fines Home Renovators $20,000
July 7, 2011
NEWS
On July 5, 2011, Marty Garson and Quality Remodelling-Renovations Ltd. of Thornhill, Ontario were convicted of an offence under Ontario's Consumer Protection Act, 2002 after pressuring a Hamilton couple to make payments on uncompleted renovations to their home. Garson and the company were each fined $10,000.
In April 2008, a Hamilton couple signed an agreement with Quality Remodelling-Renovations Ltd. to replace their roof and repair the front porch of their house. The total charge for the work was $27,540. However, the work started later than was agreed. The roof was never finished. The front porch was not completed to the agreed upon design, creating a safety hazard. A city inspector later found the couple were overcharged by about $10,000, and the contract they signed did not comply with the requirements set out in the Consumer Protection Act. Despite these issues, Garson pressured the couple to pay for the work in full.
In February 2011, Garson pleaded guilty to engaging in an unfair practice and to failing to provide a contract that met the requirements of the Consumer Protection Act, 2002. He later paid $10,000 in restitution to the couple.
The court also imposed a 25-per-cent victim fine surcharge on each of the fines, as required by the Provincial Offences Act. The surcharge is credited to a special provincial government fund to assist victims of crime.
QUICK FACTS
- Ontario’s Consumer Protection Act provides for fines of up to $250,000 for corporations and $50,000 for individuals convicted of offences. It also provides for jail terms of up to two years less a day for each offence. The act also empowers the court to order offenders to pay compensation or make restitution to victims.
LEARN MORE
- Visit Ontario Ministry of Consumer Services for tips and advice on how to be a smart consumer.
