Working for Healthy, Safe, Durable, Energy Efficient Housing for Canadians since 2004

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Where it all began for Ontario

1976: Ontario Government passes legislation creating a non-profit corporation responsible for new home warranties and builder regulation – an action without precedent in Ontario consumer protection.

June 19, 1976 Globe and Mail – University of Toronto Law Professor  – Bill being rushed so consumers won’t be heard

2025

June 11, 2025 Brockville Recorder and Times – Ontario – Brockville will make developer pay for incomplete subdivision

May 13, 2025 CTV – Structurally unsound condo building in north Edmonton sold to investment company

Apr. 16, 2025 CTV – Embrun, ON – Flood leaves tenants homeless and homeowners seeking accountability

Mar. 13, 2025 Toronto Star – Tarion deposit payout expected to hit $80 million for 2024 – the highest in its history

Feb. 14, 2025 Toronto Star – Ontario has a new rule to fight illegal home sales by rogue developers

Jan. 8, 2025 CTV – “I’m in financial ruin – Canadian homeowners sound alarm over contractor accused of fraud

Jan. 2, 2025 The Tyee – How to build more homes quicker

 

2024

Nov. 22, 2024 Toronto Star – Alleged mafia boss had close ties to Toronto

Nov. 11, 2024 Toronto Star – Tarion proposal that would penalize pre-construction buyers is fatally flawed

Nov. 8, 2024 Toronto Star – A baffling ‘loophole’ – He was denied a warranty for his new house because its alleged problems left it too incomplete to qualify

Oct. 27, 2024 St. Catherines Standard – Lack of transparency over Welland condo collapses concerning, MPP says

Oct. 20, 2024 Hill Times – An election province for a questionable consumer advocacy office is all but dead

Oct. 23, 2024 Ottawa Citizen – Ashcroft Homes loses control of troubled Eastboro development

Oct. 22, 2024 Toronto Sun – Illegal building problematic in Ontario for decades, must be stopped

Oct. 22, 2024 CBC – 117 homebuyers out millions, as Ontario builder admits to selling homes without legal approvals

Sept. 25, 2024 CBC – Couple on the hook for over $500K say 4-year-old Ontario home is a teardown, so they’re suing the builder

Sept. 12, 2024 Toronto Star – Ontario home construction regulator lays 124 charges

July 2, 2024 CBC – Doug Ford’s ‘red-tape’ cuts save Ontario developers $400M a year

June 17, 2024 Toronto Sun – Want to sell more new homes – Listen to consumers

June 15, 2024 Global News – An Ontario company lost its licence to build homes

May 25, 2024 Toronto Star – Tarion says it’s reformed. These homeowners disagree.

Feb. 28, 2024 Toronto Star – Tarion facing ‘largest claim event’ in its history as builders walk away from projects – and home buyers lose deposits

Feb. 28, 2024 Edmonton Journal – Edmonton looks to spur energy-efficient construction after Alberta revokes city green building powers

Feb. 14, 2024 CBC – Imagine a furnace that heats the whole neighbourhood

Feb. 12, 2024 CBC – His dream home had it all – except enough heat to keep him warm

Feb. 10, 2024 CBC – Mike Holmes responds to CBC news story on demolished homes

Jan. 30, 2024 National Post – What the $8M lawsuit involving celebrity contractor Mike Holmes is about

 

2023

Dec. 20, 2023 Welland Tribune – Construction work on partially collapsed Welland condo to resume

Dec. 4, 2023 CBC – Beautiful and modern apartment building has a rash of problems tenants say

Sept. 11, 2023 The Narwhal Investigation – In its push to build houses, Ontario says energy efficiency has to wait

Sept. 6, 2023 Policy Options – Why green construction is needed to affordably increase housing supply

Sept. 5, 2023 CBC – Residents of Edmonton condo building ordered out over concerns of collapse

Aug. 31, 2023 Vancouver Sun – Nanaimo bans natural gas as primary heat in new homes as of July 2024

Aug. 23, 2023 National Observer – Heat pumps can should be the new AC

Aug. 8, 2023 Storeys BC – Lawsuit alleges nearly 80 defects in Grosvenor’s 39-story Pacific

July 21, 2023 CBC – How do you solve many problems at once – Train marginalized people to fix houses

July 14, 2023 CBC – Construction labour crunch leaves Canada in need of boosting ranks of home builders

July 14, 2023 CTV – Cleanup begins after tornado hits Ottawa suburb

July 12, 2023 CTV – Alberta family’s battle against homebuilder over mould continues

June 29, 2023 The Trillium – Doug Ford’s right-hand man, PC MPP went to Law Vegas with Greenbelt developer in 2020 – sources

Apr. 22, 203 Toronto Star – Homebuyer’s regret – Should there be a cooling-off period for buyers in a hot market

Apr. 19, 2023 CBC – Water kept seeping into new condos north of Montreal. Now, more than 160 owners could lose their homes

Apr. 14, 2023 Welland Tribune – People want to know what’s going on, says resident of building next to collapsed Welland condo

Apr. 13, 2023 Welland Tribune – Records obtained through FOI point to collapsed condo in Welland not being inspected by city since November

Apr. 1, 2023 Welland Tribune – Labour Ministry has issued 18 orders to developer since first collapse at Welland condo building

Mar. 16, 2023 The Canadian Press – Board of health calls for Ontario to upgrade to building code ventilation standards

Mar. 3, 2023 CBC – GTA developer behind collapsed condo in Welland, Ont., facing $10M lawsuit for issues at other condo

Mar. 3, 2023 Welland Tribune – Did unstable soil conditions contribute to partial collapse of Welland condo

Mar. 1, 2023 Toronto Star – ‘We may have reason to fear for our lives,’ say neighbours of partially-collapsed Welland condos

Feb. 28, 2023 Toronto Star – Welland council clashes over closed-door meeting on condo collapse

Feb. 28, 2023 Ottawa Citizen – Why Ottawa should look to Calgary when converting office space to housing

Feb. 27, 2023 Globe and Mail – Canada’s building codes and standards need to get with the times

Feb. 26, 2023 The Standard – Second collapse at Upper Vista Welland Condominiums

Feb. 21, 2023 CBC – Ontario needs 1.5 million new homes. But the province faces a generational labour shortage

Feb. 6, 2023 CTV – Homeowners left with unfinished projects after Ottawa construction company suddenly closes

Feb. 6, 2023 CBC – Turning empty offices into housing is a popular idea. Experts say it’s easier said than done

Jan. 31, 2023 Toronto Star – Heavy finds to apply to unethical homebuilders under new provincial rules

Jan. 31, 2023 Globe and Mail – They waterproofed their homes. Quebec’s outdated building codes left them vulnerable

Jan. 23, 2023 Toronto Sun – Opinion – Ontario’s new builder regulator off to a weak start

Jan. 19, 2023 National Observer – Canada’s lobbying and ethics laws a sad joke that favours corporations over ordinary people

2022

Dec. 14, 2022 Toronto Star – Doug Ford appointed unqualified party loyalists to to fill key tribunal spots. Now Ontarians are paying the price as wait lists swell

Dec. 11, 2022 CBC – N.L. urges buyers to get a home inspection, but province won’t commit to regulating industry

Dec. 8, 2022 CBC – N.L. home inspector leaves unhappy customers, as advocates call for industry regulation

Dec. 5, 2022 Toronto Star – With so many questions, Ontario’s Greenbelt housing plan must stop

Dec. 2, 2022 The Canadian Press – Ontario won’t allow homes to be built on floodplains, Ford says after fed warning

Nov. 29, 2022 Globe and Mail – Ontario Housing Minister won’t say if he tipped off developers over Greenbelt changes

Nov. 28, 2022 Toronto Star – An ‘unfathomable’ fallout – Municipalities lash out at Doug Ford’s housing bill

Nov. 25, 2022 The Narwhal – More green construction, less gravel mining – Ford walks back some environmental changes in Ontario housing bill

Nov. 22, 2022 CTV – Elevators in an emergency – Councillor wants city to support NDP bill

Nov. 17, 2022 The Narwhal – Six developers bought Greenbelt land after Ford came to power. Now they stand to profit.

Nov. 9, 2022 Toronto Sun – Pre-construction new home sales in Ontario the Wild West

Oct. 26, 2022 CBC – $8M lawsuit alleges defects in Mike ‘Holmes approved homes’

Oct. 19, 2022 CTV – New house becomes ‘disaster’ for Ontario couple who skipped home inspection

Aug. 15, 2022 CBC – Ontario homebuyers stunned by extra $175K charge from developer, call for government action

Aug. 9, 2022 Vancouver Sun – By 2025, new Victoria builders can’t use natural gas or other fossil fuels, council decides

July 21, 2022 Vancouver Sun – B.C. slaps three-day cooling off period on real estate sales, starts Jan. 1

July 20, 2022 City News – Buyers of pre-construction townhomes in Mississauga hit with 6-figure closing costs

July 16, 2022 Toronto Sun – Another missed opportunity – Tarion’s annual public meeting

July 4, 2022 CBC – Regina couple injured in deck collapse wants builder, developer to take responsibility

May 26, 2022 Canadian Press – Tony Accurso, former Quebec construction magnate, loses appeal and heading to prison

May 24, 2022 CBC – Sudbury ON, buyers say housing market pressure made them lead into bad purchase

May 3, 2022 CBC – Is timber the future for highrise buildings – Lakehead researchers develop patent to help make it happen

Apr. 21, 2022 Global News – Trudeau offers no timetable on promised homebuyers rights bill as prices soar

Apr. 14, 2024 Ottawa Citizen – ‘More Homes,’ more problems – City hall grappling with potential impacts of new provincial housing bill

Apr. 13, 2022 Corporate Knights – Why is Ontario making new buildings less energy efficient

Apr. 13, 2022 CBC – Prefabricated modular condos can help address Toronto

Apr. 13, 2022 Global News – 51 charges laid against Calgary home developer for building code violations

Apr. 8, 2022 Toronto Star – New bill means more expensive homes for everyone

Apr. 8, 2022 CTV – Ontario woman charged $280,000 extra for condo despite having signed contract

Mar. 31, 2022 Toronto Star – Tough words, weaker action from Ontario on housing

Mar. 16, 2022 CBC – They were promised refunds. Instead, seniors are still waiting on $15M from a failed development

Mar. 9, 2022 Toronto Sun – A consumer protection law would benefit all Ontarians

Feb. 28, 2022 Canadian Press – Federal council says key housing programs doing little to help those in deep need

Feb. 28, 2022 Ottawa Citizen – Ottawa can tackle climate change with home-energy labelling

Feb. 25, 2022 Elora Fergus Today – Lawyer now representing 14 disappointed homebuyers who had agreements cancelled

Feb. 24, 2022 CBC – BC – Cities are abandoning homes that will be destroyed by climate change

Feb. 23, 2022 Vancouver sun – Developers build more housing to maximize profits, not to help affordability

Feb. 21, 2022 The Canadian Press – BC prepares to remove some housing approval powers from local governments – minister

Feb. 19, 2022 SaltWire Nova Scotia – Home sprinklers are life-savers

Feb. 15, 2022 Livable – Dwindling reserve funds pose increasing risk for owners

Feb. 8, 2022 Canadian Press – Ontario housing task force recommends ways to boost home supply

Feb. 5, 2022 Global News – N.B. tiny home community settles its first residents

Feb. 1, 2022 CBC Ontario – It took 8 years to build this house out of shipping containers. Now the owner is considering changes

Jan. 27, 2022 CBC – Ontario housing market so red-hot most buyers are skipping inspections, say home inspectors

Jan. 26, 2022 CTV – Empty office tower to become affordable housing complex, shelter in Calgary downtown core

Jan. 24, 2022 CBC Toronto – Condo owners in aging building face $14M in repairs. If they can’t pay their part, they risk losing homes

Jan. 23, 2022 CBC – Desperate owners of poorly built homes in Alberta say industry advocate let them down

Jan. 19, 2022 Ottawa Citizen – The pipes froze, burst, flooded the basement – Wendy’s woes continue

2021

Dec. 2, 2021 Mechanical Business – Quebec phases out residential oil-fired heating

Nov. 26, 2021 CBC Marketplace – Up to 10% of homes could now be ‘uninsurable’ because of flood risk. Yours may be one of them

Nov. 25, 2021 CBC – Ottawa – City urged to hire more inspectors to catch ‘construction horror stories’

Nov. 9, 2021 CBC – Toronto – Ontario condo developer suddenly cancels years-long sales deal – unless buyers pay $100K more

Nov. 3, 2021 CBC – Home warranty program failing to protect Albertans from shoddy builds, advocate warns

Oct. 30, 2021 CBC – Canada’s new housing minister faces complex, cross-jurisdictional challenges

Oct. 18, 2021 Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows News – Home sprinklers limit fire damage to Maple Ridge home

Oct. 15, 2021 The Hamilton Spectator – ‘I don’t care what the minister says’ – Mayor responds to provincial official’s take on Hamilton’s boundary debate

Oct. 15, 2021 CTV – Ontario couple ‘bullied’ by window company over bad reviews awarded $166,000

Oct. 13, 2021 CBC New Brunswick – 96 tiny homes get go-ahead from Fredericton council

Oct. 11, 2021 CBC – What does the future hold for Calgary’s empty office towers

Sept. 29, 2021 CBC – Mould, leaks, air quality issues plague Ontario Aboriginal Housing units, tenants say

Sept. 11, 2021 Toronto Sun – New Ontario regulation creates more pitfalls for consumers

Aug. 4, 2021 Toronto Star – Ontario’s new home regulator charges Markham developer with allegedly illegal home sales

July 26, 2021 CTV – Canada’s building codes need more tornado-specific protections – engineering experts

July 21, 2021 Toronto Star – Inside the busted dreams and court fights surrounding a Markham developer with ties to more cancellations than builds

July 21, 2021 CBC – Ontario stopped enforcing credentials in skilled trades, right after Doug Ford took power

July 17, 2021 Global News – Barrie tornado – Engineering professor calls for building code changes, review of damaged homes

July 15, 2021 Ottawa Citizen – CMHC ‘affordable’ housing project won’t help city’s housing crisis – McKenney

June 29, 2021 The Intercept – Miami building collapse shows tragic costs of neoliberal deregulation

June 26, 2021 NBC – Engineer warned of ‘major structural damage’ years before Florida condo collapsed

June 26, 2021 Eagle Feathers News – Award winning heating system solves mould, health issues for Starblanket family

June 22, 2021 CTV – Toronto dream home becomes nightmare for Ontario family who passed on home inspection

June 18, 2021 Ottawa Citizen – Councillor Jan Harder should be removed as planning chair over conflict with developer, watchdog says

May 19, 2021 Toronto Sun – Homeowners need right to record Tarion home inspections

May 2, 2021 Toronto Star – The invisible threat inside your home – Dangerous levels of radon gas are being found in more houses across Canada than ever before

Apr. 15, 2021 CBC Toronto – Incident involving stripper at job site ‘entirely unacceptable’, Mattamy Homes says

Mar. 13, 2021 Toronto Star – They spent their savings on condos and townhomes in the heart of Richmond Hill. Then, as developers fought in court, they saw their homes being sold again

Mar. 4, 2021 Ottawa Citizen – Canada ‘failed to protect whistleblowers’, ranks last among nations with protection laws – Report

Feb. 24, 2021 Real Estate Magazine – Township liable for failing to inspect construction

Feb. 11, 2021 The Lawyer’s Daily – Consumer group concerned about effectiveness of new home construction regulator

2020

Dec. 16, 2020 CBC – Rogue builders have Peel councillors looking to Queen’s Park for help

Dec. 10, 2020 CBC – Alberta Fort McMurray builder charged in California after more complaints from fire victims

Dec. 10, 2020 National Post – Taxpayers are getting million-dollar lunch tabs, but not much work from Ontario’s ‘authorities’

Oct. 14, 2020 Toronto Sun – Ontario courtrooms aren’t the answer to new-home defects

Aug. 22, 2020 CTV – MP visits homes across Nunavut, says people are ‘basically living in mould boxes’

Aug. 12, 2020 Ottawa Citizen – Afghanistan Memorial Hall in Ottawa damaged by water – repairs planned for later this year

Aug. 4, 2020 CBC – After 10-year wait, Trois-Rivieres homeowners get payout for pyrrhotite nightmare

July 27, 2020 Ottawa Citizen – Broken dreams – They signed on to buy condos in Hintonburg, Almost three years and many delays later, the units were put up for rent

July 22, 2020 CTV – Orleans home buyers have contracts for new builds cancelled by Ashcroft Homes

July 16, 2020 Canada’s National Observer – Democracy Watch starts legal fight with Doug Ford over appointments to tribunals

July 10, 2020 Toronto Star – Tarion plan reveals reforms are still a work in progress

July 8, 2020 Ottawa Citizen – City taxpayers in deep to buy out more homeowners on shaky ground in Orleans

July 6, 2020 Toronto Sun – Missed opportunity to fix a broken system

July 2, 2020 Vancouver Sun – B.C. condos built to fix leaky problem with overhangs now facing bigger problem

June 16, 2020 100 Mile Free Press – Poor construction, maintenance driving up B.C. strata insurance rates

May 20, 2020 Law Times – Tribunal system ‘in crisis’, group says

April 6, 2020 Toronto Star – Cresford receivership crushing for condo buyers

Mar, 2, 2020 CBC Nova Scotia – Indigenous housing group getting $3.7M for much-needed repairs

Feb. 6, 2020 CTV – Lawsuit filed against Calgary homebuilder alleges mould contributed to 24-year-old’s death

Feb. 5, 2020 CBC – Home energy efficiency begins at the library checkout in Kelowna

Jan. 31, 2020 CBC Edmonton – Firefighters raise concerns about safety of proposed 12-storey wood buildings

Jan. 23, 2020 CBC – Homeowners, advocates call for end of Tarion monopoly

2019

Dec. 19, 2019 Times BC – Questions raised about the structural safety of new Vancouver Island tower: tenants given option to move

Dec. 19, 2019 The Toronto Star – Owners of pyrrhotite-damaged Quebec demand money from SNC-Lavalin settlement

Nov. 14, 2019 Muskoka Region Com – Tarion agrees to $300K payout to Port Sydney homeowners

Nov. 4, 2019 National Observer – These building rules could be our climate solution

Oct. 30, 2019 – Toronto Sun – New home warrant paid the execs, screwed the homeowners

Oct. 16, 2019 CBC – Advocate slams Tarion salaries

Aug. 21, 2019 CBC – Ottawa homeowners forced out over construction flaws call for reform

July 18, 2019, CBC News, Laura Osman — Why your new home may come with a dirty, used furnace

July 8, 2019, REMonline  – Climate change and the Real Estate Industry h

July 18, 2019, Press Progress – Doug Ford is quietly planning over 100 million in cuts to housing and rent support programs

July 13, 2019, CTV News – City of Winnipeg suspends 3 employees accused of slacking on the job

June 29, 2019, CBC News – ‘Developers control city hall,’ city councillor charges

June 28, 2019, CTV News – Ontario family buys dream home to find it’s infested with toxic mould

June 23, 2019, CBC News – Safety put ‘in jeopardy’ by some companies shoring up shaky homes, industry complaint alleges

June 18, 2019, Global News Elderly Alberta couple says dream home is now a nightmare to live in

June 18, 2019, Ottawa Citizen NRC invests in floating homes research as part of flood mitigation strategy

June 13, 2019, Global News 15 units evacuated at downtown condo building due to structural issue

June 12, 2019, CBC News These Cree Students are bu8ilding homes for their elders – while earning school credits at the same time

June 6, 2019, YorkRegion.com/Metroland Media GroupDeveloper clears legal hurdle to build Vaughan condos on same site as its cancelled Icona project

June 10, 2019, Ottawa Citizen Way behind: September tornado victims still waiting for insurance settlements to rebuild

June 7, 2019, Ottawa Citizen Tornado victims sue insurance company: ‘This is an integrity issue’

June 6, 2019, CBC News 9 months later, Dunrobin tornado victims still can move back home

June 4, 2019, CTV News Insurance headaches after September’s tornado

June 3, 2019, Huffington PostOttawa Tornado Tears off Roofs, Topples Trees in Suburb

May 30, 2019, MSN.com Here’s the truth about those $7,000 tiny houses for sale on Amazon

May 29, 2019, Canadian Real Estate Magazine Manitoba’s housing regulation badly need an overhaul report finds

May 27, 2019, The Agenda with Steve Paikin, TVOOntario’s leaky sewer problem

May 27, 2019, The Agenda with Steve Paikin, TVOWhen houses float instead of flood

May 21, 2019, CBC News –   Dishwasher that came with house catches fire, and owner lears it was subject of Whirlpool class action

May 13, 2019, Toronto Sun Protect consumers from shoddy builders

May 9, 2019, Real Estate Professional$5 billion laundered through B.C. real estate in 2018

May 9, 2019, CBC News City hikes fees for developers, closes loophole

May 8, 2019, CBC News Engineer banned from working in B.C. after Surrey tower fails to meet building code

May 4, 2019, CBC News Who are the winners – and losers – in the Ford government’s new housing supply plan?

May 2, 2019, Toronto Star Province restores omb rules for development disputes

May 2, 2019, CTV News Health Canada warns mould is a serious concern in floor-hit homes

April 30, 2019, Global News Bracebridge, Ont. residents frantically sandbag as flood waters threaten homes, cottages4

April 29, 2019, CBC News 2,000 military personnel supporting volunteers in Ontario, Quebec, N.B flood zones

April 29, 2019, Global News First Nations leaders call for action as Kashechewan grapples with annual flooding

April 28, 2019, Ottawa Citizen As flood fatigue sets in, psychologist warns mental health impact can be severe

April 23, 2019, CTV News O’Regan says ‘jurisdictional issue’’ delaying poison treatment facility for Grassy Narrows

April 23, 2019, CTV News Montreal Home owners in flood zones could get up to $200,000 to move: Legault

April 21, 2019, MSN.com Insurance company won’t cover Falmouth, N.S., house ruined by sinkhole

April 19, 2019, CBC News 18 in hospital after deck collapses during pre-wedding celebration in Langley, B.C.

April 19, 2019, CTV News It’s been 16 years, and these homeowners will never get their deposit back

April 14, 2019, CTV News Northern Ontario First Nation could face ‘catastrophic flooding’: MP

April 19, 2019, Toronto Star Step condos joins growing list of cancelled Toronto

April 11, 2019, CBC News ‘We’re living in a war zone’: Crews tear down Surrey mobile park with seniors still living there

April 6, 2019, Hamilton Spectator How do you stop developers from cancelling condos? Buyers, lawyers and builders weigh in

April 5, 2019, CTV News O’Regan says none of $12.8M for Cat Lake housing will go to consultant fee

April 3, 2019, Ottawa Citizen Aubry and company: Canada’s no longer a leader in effective housing policy

April 5, 2019, Toronto StarOttawa pledges $1.3 billion for Toronto Community Housing repairs

April 4, 2019, CBC News Consultant says he’s owed $1.2M for helping First Nation obtain emergency housing cash from Ottawa

April 2, 2019, CBC News Insurance costs soar at tornado-battered condo

March 30, 2019, Toronto StarThe builder of these 17 million modern houses repurposed 98 per cent of the home they replaced

March 29, 2019, Task & Purpose Private housing companies are forcing military families into silence if they want their problems addressed

March 28, 2019, CBC News Homes on remote First Nations are mouldy before they’re even built, experts say

March 25, 2019, CBC News Man still paying off ‘predatory’ contracts his father signed with HVAC company funded by big financial lender

March 21, 2019, Toronto Star Dirty money is driving up Toronto real estate prices report says

March 21, 2019, CBC News 6 months after tornado, Gatineau neighbourhood remains a ghost town

March 19, 2019, Toronto Star – Danforth condo cancelled by developer

March 2019, CBC News Toronto: Ontario contractors say shortage of skilled labour slowing growth of companies

March 2019, BC GOV News: Code changes create jobs, opportunities in B.C forest communities

March 2019, KJZZ.com: Less time to escape: New homes burn up to 4 times faster than 1976

June 2 2015 Toronto Star – Couple fights Tarion for home warranty Rosemanolder homes.

March 2019, CBC News Manitoba: Manitoba scraps legislation that would have made home warranties mandatory

February 2019, Western investor: Mass-timber, modular homes aim to fill a housing need

February 2019, CBC News Ottawa: Coach home builder leaves customers in the lurch

February 2019, The Globe and Mail: Canadian, U.S regulators asleep at the switch as monopolies thrive

February 2019, CBC News Calgary: Leaky condo owners wonder: Where’s the accountability?

February 2019, The Star Halifax: In the wake of deadly Halifax blaze, fire professionals call for sprinklers in all new homes

February 2019, National Observer: Doug Ford shuts service that helps Ontario citizens fight wealthy developers

February 2019, CBC News Thunder Bay: Federal government, Cat Lake First Nation reach agreement to repair, replace substandard housing

February 2019, CBC News Thunder Bay: ‘She lived on a hill of mould’: Family raises concerns after Cat Lake First Nation woman’s death

February 2019, The Star: Province says it will fix ‘broken’ new home warranty program, may open Tarion up to competition

February 2019, Ontario NDP: New home buyers deserve better than vague promises to improve consumer protection: NDP MPP

February 2019, CTC News: Liberals promise $638M for urban Indigenous housing

February 2019, CBC News Calgary: Calgary condo owners, facing millions in repair bills, find out their builder isn’t who they thought it was

February 2019, CBC News Indigenous: ‘Nothing has been done ‘to save remote First Nation from mould, leaders complain

February 2019, CTV News: ‘I trusted them’: Tiny homes-maker accused of scamming customers of hundreds of thousands

February 2019, CBC News Toronto: Falling glass shuts down area near downtown tower

February 2019, azfamily.com: Newer houses burn faster than older homes

February 2019, CBC News Indigenous: Widespread mould causing ‘health disaster’ in remote First Nation, MP says

January 2019, Fox News: Former Olympic hockey player says radon caused stage 4 lung cancer

January 2019, CBC News Ottawa: Fresh funding for Gatineau groups providing long-term tornado relief

January 2019, The Star: Developer behind cancelled Icona condos applies to build similar project on the same site

January 2019, The Hamilton Spectator: Burlington reaches $2-million settlement with condo owners

January 2019, CBC News Nova Scotia: There’s $97M waiting for homeowners with Kitec plumbing. Why don’t they claim it?

January 2017, REMonline.com: Home inspector ordered to pay $18,645 to buyer


2018

Toronto Star, Dec 14, 2018: McGibbon project officially cancelled due to ‘circumstances beyond our control,’ developer says

CBC News: Dec 05, 2018: Ontario safety agency failing to do its job properly, says auditor general Lysyk said the province is falling short in its oversight of the Technical Standards and Safety Authority

CBC News Ottawa, August 22, 2018: Cardinal Creek homeowners locked in battle with builder: Mould, cracks, leaks, mice among new homebuyers’ complaints

Canadian Contractor, November 28, 2018: When it comes to building codes, we get what we tolerate Casey Edge questions Canada’s building code review process

November 28, 2018, CTV News: British Columbia invests in 1,100 new homes for Indigenous residents

CBC News, Nov 22, 2018: Igloolik children covered in sores because of black mould in public housing unit: Nunavut gov’t has spent $12M to date inspecting hundreds of houses in the territory

Nov 17, 2018, The Guardian: Is there a crisis of quality in new-build homes? Is there a crisis of quality in new-build homes?

Nov 12, 2018, The Hamilton Spectator: Don’t kill the College of Trades Abolition would be a mistake and disrespectful of employment potential

Nov 9, 2018, Ottawa Sun: Almost a hundred Gatineau families are still homeless in the wake of the tornado

CBC News Ottawa, Mar 8, 2018, video: Advocate on Homeowner Stress: Karen Somerville, president of Canadians for Properly Built Homes, describes what she’s seen.

Ottawa Sun, Nov 7, 2018:  The only elevator in this 10-storey apartment building hasn’t worked since

CBC News, Mar 23, 2018: Health Canada rejects claim that new radon gas standards put Canadians at risk Canadian Home Builders’ Association warns of ‘severe and immediate health problems … even death’

CBC News, Oct 28, 2018: Quebecers indifferent to dangers of radon, need to protect their homes, expert warns

The radioactive gas is a leading cause of lung cancer, yet few willing to take its dangers seriously

The Globe and Mail, Oct 19, 2018: For some, buying a presale condo is a gamble

CBC News, Oct 1, 2018: Asbestos found in storm-damaged Gatineau building Rain that came with Sept. 21 storms would have hindered its spread

Toronto Star, Sept 27, 2018:This condo developer collected millions in deposits — and hasn’t built anything

Global News, Sept 11, 2018: This small metal bracket could mitigate tornado damage

Toronto Star, Sept 19, 2018: Condo buyers call for better protections as second major Vaughan condo project killed

CTV News, Sept 19, 2018: A new condominium development in the City of Vaughan has been cancelled, leaving more than 1000 buyers in limbo

CBC News Ottawa, Sept 19, 2018: Developers holding fundraiser for councillor on planning committee

CBC News, Sept 18, 2018: More inspectors needed to meet demand, building chief says

September 12, 2018, NBC News Brad Pitt built dozens of homes in New Orleans after Katrina. Now they’re falling apart and residents are suing.

Ottawa Citizen, Sept 5, 2018: Ottawa’s desperately short of building inspectors after deciding to cut fees rather than hire building inspectors

CBC News, Aug 24, 2018: “It was just very shocking”: Faulty pipes cause headache for Toronto condo owner

CBC News Ottawa, Aug 22, 2018: Cardinal Creek homeowners locked in battle with builder: Mould, cracks, leaks, mice among homebuyers’ complaints

CBC News, Aug 23, 2018: Tips on how to buy a newly built home: Homebuyers can’t rely on inspections or warranties, argues Karen Somerville

CTV News, Vancouver, Aug 3, 2018: Police investigating pre-sale development; condo buyers out hundreds of thousands

CBC News, Edmonton, July 11, 2018: Six months before move-in date, condo developer backs away from Edmonton Tower project

July 1, 2018, Chek News, Victoria, BC – Passing on home inspection turns into nightmare for Nanaimo family

Toronto Sun, July 6, 2018: City auditor general “raising the alarm” over fire inspections

CHEK News, British Columbia, July 1, 2018: Passing on home inspection turns into a nightmare for Nanaimo family “This house is ruining our lives”

CBC News, Edmonton, May 23, 2018: Alberta becomes 1st province to allow wireless electricity control in new homes

CBC News, Manitoba, May 30, 2018: SkyCity condo buyers suing to get deposits back

Evening Standard, London, UK, April 17, 2018: Leaked Grenfell dossier reveals how disastrous refurbishment turned tower into a ‘tinderbox’

Ottawa Citizen, May 9, 2018: Landlord demolishing more homes in Heron Gate, displacing 105 residents

Ottawa Citizen, May 7, 2018: Ottawa buyer frustrated by 15-month delay in condo move-in date

Real Estate Professional Magazine, May 4, 2018: CMHC made $1.8 billion from mortgage operations in 2017

CBC News, April 29, 2018: Fired up: Why Ottawa’s deputy fire chief wants builders to use less flammable materials “These floors burn through in as little as six minutes from direct exposure to a fire.”

Ottawa Citizen, April 13, 2018: Shortage of building inspectors leaves city at risk for flawed houses

March 21, 2018, Kingston Whig Standard Home inspection licensing: Final consultations are done


2017

December, 2017 The Star: Justice of the Peace slams Toronto Community Housing for latest fire code violation

CTV Windsor: Renovation Hell

December 2017, Ottawa Citizen: Black mould drives teams out of Kanata fire station

December 2017, Financial Post: Regulatory overkill is driving Canada’s biggest homebuilder south

December 2017, Business Insider Inc.: Home prices in Canada falling, and some homeowners could be in serious trouble

December 2017, CTV News: Ontario offering thousands in rebates for energy-efficient home renovations

October 2017, The Star: HVAC problems?

December 2017, CBC News: Affordable housing provides build Canada’s greenest apartments

November 2017, Reuters: Special Report: Canada regulator ignored warnings on risky mortgage investments

November 2017, Bracebridge Examiner: Purchasers of Bracebridge high school condo units may be reimbursed

January 2017, CBC News: Manitoba home warranty act hits another delay, won’t come into effect until 2020

CTV News Toronto: Four condo elevators fail in 49 story building: repeated problems since the building opened

November 2017, Global News: Exclusive: Port Hope homeowners in the dark about dangerously high levels of lead on their property

May 2017, GLobal News: Mattamy Homes, City of Markham under fire over new home occupancy

November 2017, CBC Radio: ‘Absolutely Historic’: Federal government launches ‘human rights-based’ housing strategy

November 2017, The Tyee: Federal Housing Policy ‘Step in the Right Direction,’ says Horgan

November 2017, The Tyee: Federal Government Back with Big Dollars for Housing

November 2017, CBC News: Ottawa to build 100,000 new affordable units, recognize housing as ‘fundamental right’

November 2017, Financial Post: Tighter building codes are Ottawa’s next climate target – and it could cost homeowners up to $35,000

November 2017, The Star: Cancellation leaves buyers of pre-constructions condos prices out of market

November 2017, CBC News: Hundreds of Toronto condo buyers lose homes after development fails

November 2017, Canadian Real Estate Wealth: This could cut 70m from cost of Ontario homes

November 2017, WHIG STANDARD: Licensing home inspectors in Ontario, the final leg

October 2017, Northern Ontario Business: Proposed bill would legalize 14-storey wood buildings

October 2017, CTV News Kitchener: Tarion to give more protection to new homebuyers’ deposits

August 2017, CityNews: Video: Residents demand repairs at Downsview development fraught with problems

October 2017, Canadian underwriter: Ontario government pledges ‘further study’ on insurance-type products covering new home warranties

October 2017, Global News: Alberta introduces rules around sale, deposits on new and converted condos

October 2017, CBC News: Why tiny homes could become a big thing in Nova Scotia

October 2017, Vancouver Sun: B.C real estate watchdog issues public alert as Langley condo development ordered into receivership

October 2017, The Star: Province to fast-track settlement of Tarion home warranty claims

September 2017, Western Investor: Construction worker shortage drives up residential development costs

July 9, 2017, Global NewsIs there too much radon in your home? Only 6 per cent of Canadians test for dangerous gas

September 2017, Ottawa Sun: Impossible to have an ombudsman to police industry, homebuilders say

September 2017, Markets insider: Great Gulf & Westmount Guarantee Services Inc. – first in Ontario to offer extra deposit protection at no cost to new home buyers

August 2017, The REMI NETWORK: Tarion coverage for condo conversions anticipated in 2018

August 2017, CTV Vancouver: Woodward’s building concrete crumbling: $1M lawsuit

2017, The Star: Downsview Park’s enormous potential is being squandered: Hume

August 2017, Mississauga News: Luxury Lakeview townhome development cancelled, buyers frustrated

August 2017, ebmag.com: Jail time and $50K in fines for illegal work in Milton homes

July 2017, The Globe and Mail: Ontario’s new energy-efficient rules could save homeowners money in the long run

July 2017, CBC News: Falling glass from King Street East building closes portion of sidewalk, road

July 2017, CBC News: ‘There was no clue’: Woman certain radon found in basement caused her lung cancer

May 2017, YorkRegion.com: New home buyers want answers after builder cancels sales in Georgina

July 2017, Is there too much radon in your home? Only 6 percent of Canadians test for dangerous gas

June 2017, CBC News: Is developer-sponsored golf tourney a hazard for councillors, or par for the course?

Ottawa Citizen, June 8, 2017: City hall’s planning boss heads out, celebrated by developers

Ottawa Citizen, June 13, 2017: Jan Harder spits fire at Jeff Leiper over chief planner’s retirement party: “Next time…shut it!”

June 2017, CTV News Toronto: Mayor Tory asks fire chief to conduct review in wake of London fire

June 2017, The Star: Death toll from on-reserve fires rises to 175 after death of First Nations elder

June 2017, Global News: Vancouver renter warns about shoddy condo construction

June 2017, Global News: Mattamy homeowners furious with builder

June 2017, CBC News: Robert Wood not guilty on Elliot Lake mall collapse trial

May 2017, Canadian Real Estate Wealth: 1 in 4 homebuyers had issues after purchase says insurer

May 2017, energy vanguard: Building enclosures control freaks still needed

May 2017, CTV News Toronto: Stretch of Bay Street reopens in Yorkville after glass fell from Four Seasons

May 2017, CBC News Toronto: Elevator mishap reports reveal litany of misery, injury and frustration

May 2017, CBC News: ‘Rebuild better:’ Justin Trudeau says Canada must brace for more devastation from climate change

March 2017, CBC News Toronto: Real estate lawyers say new regulator will better protect buyers

April 2017, Windsor Star: Nightmares as home buyers skip inspections in hot market

April 2017, CBC News Manitoba: Owners of condos with structural problems question city’s role in approving building plans

April 2017, CBC News Manitoba: Engineer disciplined over condos with structural issues but public not informed

April 2017, CBC News Ottawa: New bill regulating Ontario home inspectors lauded by industry as ‘terrific’ news

April 2017, 680 News Video: Action being taken on forced occupancy

April 2017, CBC News Toronto: CBC News Toronto: Dreams of homeowners dashed but Urbancorp buyers in court seeking damages

March 2017, TVO, The agenda: Protecting Ontario’s New Home Buyers

April 2017, CBC News Toronto: More than 200 condo buyers may lose homes after development fails

April 2017, Global News: Construction of new homes in Canada hits highest level in nearly a decade

March 2017, ABC News: Leaking buildings, mould and court battles: the dark side of the apartment boom

March 2017, CBC News Ottawa: ‘Never buy new’: Real estate expert warns of pitfalls of buying unbuilt condos

March 2017, The Star: Ex-Montreal mayor Michael Applebaum jailed for one year for corruption

March 2017, Financial Post: Ontario to set up new regulator for homebuilders after conflict of interest concerns under old regime

April 2017, The Globe and Mail: Ontario to replace Tarion with new regulator for home builders

March 2017, The Star: A sensible solution to Ontario’s elevator problem: Editorial

March 2017, CBC News Toronto: Son is back to couch surfing a mom’s after condo buy goes south

March 2017, CTV News BC: Beware of mould in Vancouver’s hot condo market

February 2017, The Hamilton Spectator: ‘Band Aid’ settlement reached in Burlington condo lawsuit

February 2017, Global News Exclusive: Building codes across Canada to be updated to reflect climate change

February 2017, CBC News Manitoba: ‘Why did we buy this place?’: Condo owners want developer to fix problems in new build

February 2017, The Star: $2 million in water damage not covered by insurance

CTV News Video: Toronto home buyers foregoing inspection in hot real estate market

January 2017, Macleans: How a real estate developer’s efforts to silence a critic failed

January 2017, Toronto Life Magazine: Screwed


2016

Jan. 7, 2016 Canadian Press – Saskatchewan’s Big River First Nation – Tiny home for homeless

Jan. 11, 2016 Global – BC couple says home warranty insurance offers little protection

Jan. 11, 2016 Law Times – Tarion home warranty review is long overdue

Jan. 2016 Windsor Ontario News – Tarion review “long time coming”

Feb. 1, 2016 Canadian Press – First Nations housing called “ticking time bomb” in Manitoba

Feb. 19, 2016 CBC – Developer sold Ajax homes 5 years ago, hid reason for building delay

Mar. 12, 2016 Toronto Sun – Bizarre ban at PEO

 


2015

February 21, 2015 – Toronto Sun – Shine the Light on Tarion

April 2, 2015 Reuters – Financial Post insurers pushed away by concerns over shoddy condos in Canada

July 31, 2015 Tri-City News – BC Letter to the editor by CPBH advisor John Grasty

Aug. 19, 2025 Toronto Star: Legal battle pushing Vaughan, ON homeowner into poverty

Aug. 26, 2015 Toronto Star – Vaughan ON family facing poverty – CPBH facilitated opening of bank account for this family

June 2, 2015 – Toronto Star – Couple fights Tarion for home warranty

Sept. 25, 2015 National Post – Homeowner’s Kafka-esque legal battle with builder and warranty agency

October 13, 2014 CBC – Fears that shoddy Toronto condos could become future slums

Oct. 27, 2015 NY Times – Approx 2,000 homes near Quebec City with foundations that are falling apart have bankrupted some homeowners

Nov. 5, 2015 Toronto Star – Retired judge to probe homebuyer complaints on Tarion

Nov. 5, 2015 Law Times – Ontario appoints advisor to review Tarion

Nov. 9, 2015 Toronto Star – We need more protection for homebuyers: Roseman

Nov. 28, 2015 CBC – White collar crime – Many homeowners who purchased homes with construction defects and were unable to get their problems resolved feel that they have been victims of white collar crime

Nov. 28, 2015 – Toronto Sun – Review of Tarion long overdue

Dec 14, 2015 – Shoddy construction in Halifax

Dec. 2, 2015 – CBC – Inspect your home inspector

 


2014

Jan. 29, 2014 Calgary Herald: Alberta’s mandatory home warranty legislation finally takes effect Feb. 1

April 12, 2014 Global News – Leaky condos in Vancouver

April 18, 2014 CTV – Shingles blowing off roofs in Kanata neighbourhood

June 20, 2014 Toronto Star – Tarion needs more accountability

June 27, 2014 Toronto Star – Letter to the editor: Make Tarion’s ‘case study’ public

Aug. 26, 2014 Toronto Star – Lawyer charged with failing to return $15 million in condo deposits

Sept. 12, 2014 Edmonton Journal – Owners ordered to demolish condemned Fort McMurray condos

Sept. 19, 2014 Windsor Star – Who’s responsible for newer home problems

Sept. 22, 2014 Toronto Star – Condo developer hit with $29 million class-action suit

Sept. 22, 2014 Toronto Star – Homeowners inspectors don’t catch all problems

Sept. 26, 2024 Toronto Star – The lawyer who is taking on Toronto’s condo developers

Oct. 13, 2014 Reuters – Canada condo boom rolls on as buildings fall apart

Dec. 4, 2014 Calgary Herald – Condo property act to bring legislation up to date


2013

Mar. 12, 2013 CBC – Winnipeg family blames 2 builders for house problems

Mar. 13, 2013 CBC – Manitoba’s new home warranty plan is weak, some say

Apr. 15, 2013 CBC – Manitoba homeowner upset with warranty of new homes

Apr. 16, 2013 Toronto Star – Ontario government failing condo owners

June 12, 2013 Toronto Star – Ontario must do more to protect buyers of new homes

June 23, 2013 Ottawa Citizen – City spent $2.2M on sinking homes built over sewer

July 6, 2013 Toronto Star – Star Investigation: Homebuyers not getting full picture from protector Tarion

July 8, 2013 Toronto Star – Star gets action: Minister to work with Tarion over builders’ housing records

July 15, 2013 Toronto Star – MPPs from all parties would back value-for-money audit of Tarion

July 24, 2013 CBC – Stucco leaves Ottawa homeowners stuck with repair bills

July 29, 2013 Enterprise-Bulletin – Dream home a nightmare for couple

Aug. 28, 2013 Toronto Star – MPP Randy Hillier petition calling for auditor general review of Tarion

Fall 2013 Toronto Star – Letters to the editor – Homeowner views on Tarion, Minister MacCharles, justice and more

Oct. 24, 2013 CBC – Don’t give up, says Winnipeg homeowner after fight with builder

Nov. 6, 2013, Vaughan Citizen: Vaughan family driven from home ups lawsuit to $2M

2012

July 2012 Toronto Life – The rush to build Toronto’s new condos has resulted in falling glass, disgruntled buyers and multi-million-dollar lawsuits. An investigation into who’s to blame

Mar. 1,2012 Toronto Star – Energy efficiency device remains in limbo

Mar. 3, 2012 – CTV’s W5 – Seeking answers for home heating woes

September 10, 2012 – Condo owner’s problem with leaky condo

Oct. 25, 2012 Global News – Alberta government introduces mandatory warranty protection for new home buyers – claims that Alberta has strongest home warranty protection in all of Canada

Dec. 5, 2012 The Intelligencer – Government enabled Tarion

 


2011

Feb. 4, 2011 Edmonton Journal – Too much delay on building code

March 16, 2011 – Lawsuit against city of Vancouver for condos and its problems

Mar. 24, 2011 Edmonton Journal – Seven Fort McMurray condo complexes condemned, residents will not be able to pick up belongings

Mar. 31, 2011 Edmonton Journal – Fort McMurray condo complex has not been officially condemned, condo board making claim, but only municipality has authority to issue designation

April 30, 2011 Vancouver Sun – With CASH gone, BC homeowners lose a strong voice, provincial group gone, but national voice remains

May 22, 2011 Calgary Herald – Condo owners need their own advocacy group

June 28, 2011 CTV – Shoddy construction in Calgary condos

July 15, 2011 Toronto Star – Condo woes plague Alberta residents

Aug. 28, 2011 Toronto Star – Windows fall from Montreal high-rise as Irene targets Canada

Nov. 9, 2011 CBC – British Columbia – Homebuyer with huge bill not told about old leak

Nov. 19, 2011 Moneyville – Roseman: Heating and cooling systems can fail in new homes

November 28, 2011 CBC – First Nations housing in dire need of overhaul

December 3, 2011 CBC – Stop building junk on reserves says Mike Holmes

Dec. 5, 2011 Moneyville – Roseman, New home warranty plan draws reader ire

 


2010

June 3, 2010 CBC – Ontario home warranty may get more oversight

June 23, 2010 CBC – Auditor says City of Ottawa used unqualified building inspectors

July 19, 2010  CTV – British Columbia – Leaky Condo crisis continues

Aug. 15, 2010, Edmonton Journal – Alberta fears hike in home prices – report urging tougher standards for builders gathers dust: critics

Aug. 19, 2010 Edmonton Journal – Alberta promises action on shoddy building practices

Sept. 23, 2010 Calgary Herald – Alberta – Leaky homes anger buyers

Nov. 16, 2010 CBC – British Columbia – BC couple hit with structural repairs says warranty company didn’t protect them

Nov. 24, 2010 Vancouver Sun – Supreme Court of Canada backs B.C. leaky-condo owners

Dec. 13, 2010 Journal of Commerce – Vancouver builders were slow to accept rainscreen wallsystems, expert says


2008

Jan. 12, 2008 Ottawa Citizen – Dream home a nightmare

Jan. 26, 2008 Toronto Star – Is secrecy a major structural defect in buyer protection?

Feb. 21, 2008 Calgary Herald – Soggy condo owners face $10M repair bill

Apr. 12, 2008 The Toronto Star – Beware if you’re purchasing new to flip

Apr. 18, 2008 The Ottawa Citizen – Gatineau knew land unstable: Councillor

Apr. 22, 2008 The Vancouver Sun – Mike Holmes has gone green

Apr. 23, 2008 Ottawa Citizen – Gatineau offers $70,000 per condemned house

May 15, 2008 Globe and Mail – Why China’s buildings crumbled

Sept. 14, 2008 Toronto Sun – New Homes Warranty Act is no guarantee


2007

Fall/Winter 2007, Western Living Condo – Tips on how to avoid buying a leaky condo

Nov. 24, 2007 Toronto Star – Excessive costs cheapen justice

Aug. 21, 2007 Business Week – Foreclosure’s building problem – Is shoddy home construction exacerbating the foreclosure crisis?

July 23, 2007 Globe and Mail – $25 millin fire calls building codes into question

June 16, 2007 Toronto Star – Warranty plan could be election issue

June 16, 2007, Toronto Star – Behind the Tarion shield

June 16, 2007, Toronto Star – More right than wrong with program

June 6, 2007 Toronto Star – Tarion Warranty Corporation – Advocate named to protect new home buyers

May 24, 2007 Hamilton Spectator – No permit, no building, period

May 19, 2007, Toronto Star – Tarion Warranty fails to protect consumers

May 14, 2007 Canadian Press – Ontario government takes aim at underground economy in construction

Mar. 23, 2007 Globe and Mail – Advocacy group seeks increased protection for new-home buyers

Mar. 17, 2007 Toronto Star Advocacy Group dissatisfied with Tarion…www.tarionsucks.com owned by Tarion Warranty Corporation

Feb. 26, 2007 CBC – Ottawa man says he will sue developer and the City of Ottawa

Feb. 17, 2007 Toronto Star – Warranty does not eliminate client’s rights

Feb. 10, 2007 Toronto Star – Buyers protected – Courts backed purchasers in delayed closings

2006

Dec. 12, 2006 Real Estate Magazine – Realtors – Beware of Patch and Run Homes

 

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