Builder’s refusal to meet licensing requirements prompts urgent action to protect consumers

TORONTO, April 22, 2025 – The Home Construction Regulatory Authority (HCRA) has issued an immediate suspension order to TIL-KA Construction Inc. for failing to meet the seven mandatory competency requirements needed to maintain a valid licence. These competencies include financial planning and management, construction technology, and knowledge of the Ontario Building Code.

The HCRA issues immediate suspensions in exceptional cases to protect the public. An immediate suspension prohibits the company from engaging in any new home construction or sales activities in Ontario.

“Builders must meet competency requirements to demonstrate they have the knowledge and skills to manage their business and build safe, quality homes. In this case, the company lacked all seven of the required competencies and refused to comply with the law, putting prospective homebuyers at risk and undermining the rules,” says Wendy Moir, the HCRA’s Chief Executive Officer and Registrar.

The suspension order follows the company’s refusal to complete the mandatory HCRA-approved courses after the departure of its former director and officer – the individual who previously held the competencies.

The gap was identified during the HCRA’s annual licence renewal review. The HCRA granted a conditional licence requiring TIL-KA Construction Inc. to obtain the necessary competencies by a defined deadline – terms initially accepted by the company. Despite agreeing to the conditions and receiving clear direction from the regulator, TIL-KA Construction Inc. later withdrew its commitment and informed the HCRA it would not comply with the licence conditions.

“Homebuyers deserve confidence in their builder’s qualifications. As the regulator, the HCRA will continue to enforce professional standards for builders. We encourage consumers to verify a builder’s licence status and history on the Ontario Builder Directory,” says Moir.

About the HCRA

The Home Construction Regulatory Authority 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, giving new home buyers confidence in one of the biggest purchases of their lives. The HCRA also maintains consistency across the sector, curtailing unethical and illegal builders.

In addition to licensing, the HCRA provides educational information for consumers on their home buying journey and hosts the Ontario Builder Directory – the authoritative source of background information about each of Ontario’s 7,000 new home builders and sellers.

Disclaimer
The information provided on this blog is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as, legal advice, financial advice, or a recommendation for any specific course of action. The content shared here is based on the personal opinions and experiences of the blogger, and it may not be applicable to your individual circumstances. For professional guidance tailored to your specific needs, please consult a qualified expert.

For further questions or clarifications, feel free to contact the blogger directly via messaging: source hcra website .

These Lotto Max winners in Ontario snagged a $60 million jackpot!

A group of five co-workers from across the GTA went in on a ticket together, and now, each of them is a multimillionaire.

OLG just announced that the new Lotto Max winners are Trang Pham of Mississauga, Suong Tran of Mississauga, Phong Phan of Brampton, Thuc Le of Toronto, and Zou Hsieh of Scarborough.

The group got a ticket for the Lotto Max draw on January 21, 2025, to celebrate Lunar New Year.

Trang Pham was at the Giant Tiger on Kipling Avenue in Etobicoke buying creamer for the office and decided to buy a Lotto Max ticket for the group.

Then, the next day, she realized they had won $60 million. The Lotto Max winning numbers were 13, 15, 21, 35, 36, 42 and 47

Illegal building and selling are major consumer protection issues in Ontario and top priorities for the Home Construction Regulatory Authority (HCRA). When builders and sellers operate without a licence, it puts consumers at risk and creates an unfair playing field in the homebuilding industry.

What is illegal building and selling?

Illegal building and selling fall into three main categories:

1. Building a new home without being a licensed builder.

2. Selling a new, unoccupied home without a licence, including 'flipping' a never-lived-in home. Even if the home was purchased from a licensed builder, the owner can’t resell it without a licence if it was never occupied.

3. Building or selling a new home that has not been approved by Tarion or enrolled in the warranty plan.

By law, anyone involved in building or selling new homes must be licensed by the HCRA. Upon obtaining a licence from the HCRA, builders and sellers must also apply to Tarion to approve and enrol the home in the warranty plan. If either of these steps is not successfully completed, it is illegal.

How does this impact homebuyers and homeowners?

Illegal building and selling are serious offences. Unlike licensed builders, who meet strict competency and conduct standards through the HCRA’s licensing process, unlicensed builders and sellers lack proven qualifications and operate illegally. This exposes consumers to significant risks including structural defects, poor-quality construction, potential impacts to warranty protection, and working with dishonest individuals.

What is the HCRA doing to combat illegal building and selling?

As the regulator, the HCRA has the authority to take strong enforcement actions against illegal building and selling. This includes imposing administrative penalties, which are like fines, and/or charging individuals and companies in provincial court. For example, an unlicensed builder was recently fined $75,000 and ordered to pay over $194,000 in restitution to the homeowners impacted by his illegal activity and unlawful conduct.

Combatting illegal building and selling is a top priority for the HCRA. Over the past year, we’ve expanded our Investigations team and are utilizing all available regulatory tools to curb illegal activity. This includes issuing search warrants, freezing assets of illegal builders, and laying provincial charges for violations, with escalating penalties for repeat offenders.

We also educate the public about these matters through news releases and other communications to deter wrongdoing and bring more awareness around the issue.

The HCRA also collaborates with municipalities, building officials, real estate professionals, and other regulatory bodies to strengthen the integrity of the homebuilding industry. All of these stakeholders play an essential role in the homebuying journey and by working together, we ensure consumers are informed and confident when making one of the biggest purchases of their lives – a new home.

In addition to enforcement, the HCRA promotes voluntary compliance. We’ve successfully encouraged several unlicensed builders to apply for a licence with the HCRA and register their projects with Tarion. For example, after discovering a rogue builder had illegally constructed eight homes, the HCRA offered the builder the chance to apply for a licence and enrol the homes with Tarion. The builder complied, demonstrated the required competencies to operate legally, and became licensed. While cracking down on illegal builders and sellers, the HCRA continues to support the vast majority of licensed builders who provide quality service to their customers.

How can you protect yourself?

Working with unlicensed individuals or companies puts you at risk of dealing with unethical behaviour or poor conduct. The best way to protect yourself is to check if a builder or seller is licensed by the HCRA before signing a contract.

• Search for a builder in the Ontario Builder Directory to confirm their licence.

• Call the HCRA Call Centre at 416-487-HCRA (4272) or toll-free at 1-800-582-7994 to verify the builder’s licence.

The Ontario Builder Directory provides essential information about Ontario’s 7,000 new home builders and sellers. It is regularly updated with details on builders' licensing statuses and any conduct issues, including charges or convictions. It’s an essential first step for anyone involved in the homebuying process.

See something, say something!

If you suspect a builder is unlicensed, report your concerns to the HCRA.

Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be considered as professional advice or relied upon as the sole basis for making decisions regarding buying, selling, or any other property-related activities. For any decisions affecting your personal circumstances, please seek independent consultation with qualified professionals.

Structure and Layout in Ontario Townhomes

Ontario townhomes are typically multi-story, which makes them ideal for urban settings where space is limited. These homes often feature a vertical layout with public spaces—like the kitchen, dining, and living areas—located on the lower floors, while private areas such as bedrooms and studies are placed on the upper levels. In Ontario, whether a townhome is freehold or condo-style, the structure adheres to strict building codes ensuring safety, energy efficiency, and soundproofing between adjoining units.
Freehold townhomes grant full ownership of the building and land, while condo-style townhomes are managed under the Ontario Condominium Act, where a condominium corporation takes care of external maintenance and communal areas.

Entrances and Access

Most Ontario townhomes feature a dedicated front entrance that provides a sense of privacy similar to a detached home. Typically, freehold units offer a direct street-level entry, while condo-style units may have regulated common access points governed by the condominium corporation. Additionally, many townhomes include secondary access points—such as rear doors that lead to a patio, backyard, or garage—which not only enhance convenience but also improve emergency egress routes.
All entrance designs comply with Ontario’s accessibility standards and local building codes, ensuring safe and convenient access for all residents.

Basements and Additional Spaces

While not every Ontario townhome comes with a basement, many do offer these spaces, which can significantly add to the home's value and functionality. Basements may be finished to serve as additional living spaces—such as family rooms, home offices, or guest suites—or left unfinished as a flexible area for storage or future development. Beyond the basement, townhomes might also include integrated garages, rooftop decks, or small private yards, each of which is designed in accordance with Ontario’s building and zoning regulations.
These additional spaces enhance lifestyle and investment value, provided any modifications meet local code requirements and municipal guidelines.

Considerations for First-Time Home Buyers in Ontario

For first-time home buyers in Ontario, understanding the legal framework is crucial.

Condo-style townhomes are managed by a condominium corporation under the Ontario Condominium Act. This means that buyers should carefully review the condominium documents, as these will outline rules for maintenance and modifications.

Freehold properties, on the other hand, offer greater autonomy but are subject to local municipal bylaws, zoning rules, and the Ontario Building Code. In both cases, it’s essential to consider factors like market trends, resale potential, and any upcoming municipal developments.
This checklist ensures that first-time buyers have a clear understanding of legal responsibilities, customization rights, and overall investment potential in Ontario’s unique real estate market.

Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be considered as professional advice or relied upon as the sole basis for making decisions regarding buying, selling, or any other property-related activities. For any decisions affecting your personal circumstances, please seek independent consultation with qualified professionals.