
The regulator in charge of dwelling construction in Ontario is freezing the belongings of an Ottawa business that abruptly shut down, leaving homeowners, contractors and workforce in the lurch.

The Residence Building Regulatory Authority explained Tuesday it is freezing the assets of Highbridge Design, which quickly ceased operations previously this thirty day period. The company’s licence has also been suspended.

“A licensed residence builder is envisioned to be financially dependable,” HCRA CEO and registrar Wendy Moir said in a news release. “We are identified to find out what happened, and specially what took place to the purchasers’ deposit resources.

“Highbridge Development promises that the revenue is gone but will not supply the HCRA with any documentation to back up those promises.”

The Orléans-centered building corporation suddenly shut its doorways Feb. 3, going for walks absent from 50 %-built houses and renovation projects value hundreds of hundreds of pounds.

Householders, employees and contractors have all reported they are owed 1000’s of dollars. The firm also owes its landlord $106,000 hire for its storefront space on St. Joseph Boulevard, in accordance to a discover of distress posted on the door.

Ottawa police have introduced an investigation into the organization. The proprietors have not responded to requests for comment.

The HCRA is the regulator dependable for licencing businesses that create and sell new properties in Ontario. Whilst Highbridge was generally doing property renovations, it was licenced as a new dwelling builder and experienced at least 5 new construction projects underway, the HCRA explained.

“The HCRA is specially worried that deposit income was taken from purchasers as part of these jobs but was not returned as the business claimed insolvency,” the news release reported.

Following CTV News described on Highbridge’s sudden closure, the HCRA started out an inspection that integrated demands for data and solutions about the standing and location of deposit money.

When the corporation unsuccessful to comply with that inspection, the HCRA issued an ‘immediate compliance order’ alongside with a licence suspension and an order demanding them to keep all belongings and funds.

“These are remarkable remedies, but we will do every little thing probable to guard individuals from unethical carry out by builders and distributors,” Moir mentioned.

The HCRA explained to CTV Information Ottawa it could not supply details on the volume of assets seized.

“To date, the HCRA has issued orders to freeze many lender accounts related with Highbridge Design. At this level, we can not present certain details on the volume,” a company spokesperson said.

The HCRA is urging anyone who has purchased a new household or engaged in a economic transaction with Highbridge or anybody related with them to get hold of them.
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