Construction Defects Law

[neuhaus]

Having lived in Denver for a while, I found their new construction defects law which was implemented a few years ago interesting considering their quality issues with new condos is nowhere as bad as we are experiencing here.

Because this new law makes developers more accountable and liable for construction defects and deficiencies, developers are not as willing to build condos and instead building rental apartment buildings which are exempt from this law. This caused an ever dwindling inventory of condos which has caused real estate values to rise significantly which is not good for home buyers especially when Denver is experiencing significant population and economic growth.

Here's a detailed article about this:
http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/print-edition/2013/08/16/lawsuit-risk-slowing-condo.html

I do think Toronto has a big problem with poor construction and developers not being responsible enough. While something should be done to protect homebuyers, new laws could also create new problems. Unfortunately it's a no-win situation.

 

[TheKingEast]

Reworking the building code and getting rid of tarion would be a start. The code is bare minimum and the cheap builders go below that. Too many condos going up for the inspectors to enforce the code. I wouldn't be surprised if some of them are taking bribes...

 

[Shiny]

I absolutely agree! We have insufficient legislation to protect Toronto citizens for their condo purchase, and the builders are too powerful. They can lobby the government to protect them better by shifting the blame to the construction, but if they choose a high quality construction company, how could we have poor delivered condo unit?

 

[settlementnews]

TORONTO FALLING GLASS CLASS ACTIONS

A proposed class action settlement may affect all persons who lived at Matrix Towers over allegations that a balcony guardrail assembly installed on the eleventh floor failed and fell down to the third floor terrace area.

• The proposed Settlement includes all persons who owned, rented, and/or ordinarily resided in a residential condominium unit at the premises municipally known as 361 Front Street West (East Tower) and 373 Front Street West (West Tower) in the City of Toronto between March 1, 2011 to and including September 15, 2014, (“Class Period”) and who have not already opted out of the class proceeding. Information about the Settlement Class is available at www.MatrixTowersSettlement.com.

The Court in charge of the case, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, will hold a Virtual Settlement Approval Hearing on July 4, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. to consider whether the proposed Settlement is fair, reasonable and in the best interests of the Class. Details on how to attend remotely will be posted at www.MatrixTowersSettlement.com.

Class Members may seek a share of $1.75MM. If the Court approves the Settlement, Eligible Class Members will receive an award of $1,300 per unit. Claims cannot be made until after the proposed Settlement is approved. If the Settlement is approved, further notice of the Settlement will NOT be given.

Monitor the Claims Administrator’s Website regularly at www.MatrixTowersSettlement.com or email the Claims Administrator at matrixtowerssettlement@veritaglobal.com for the latest information, including the status of the Settlement and the details and deadlines for making a claim.

Verita
Claims Administrator for Falling Balcony Guardrail Class Action

 

[settlementnews]

TORONTO FALLING GLASS CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT

A class action settlement may affect all persons who lived at Matrix Towers over allegations that a balcony guardrail assembly installed on the eleventh floor failed and fell to the third-floor terrace area.

This notice is directed to all persons (the “Class” or “Class Members”) who owned, rented, and/or ordinarily resided in a residential condominium unit at the premises municipally known as 361 Front Street West (East Tower) and 373 Front Street West (West Tower) in the City of Toronto between March 1, 2011, and including September 15, 2014, (“Class Period”), and who have not already opted out of the class proceeding. Information about the Settlement Class is available at www.MatrixTowersSettlement.com.

The period to submit claims in the settlement will begin on August 5, 2025 and end on December 3, 2025. You must go to www.MatrixTowersSettlement.com and submit your claim during that period. Please continue to monitor the website during this time. This website will be updated when the claims process begins, with instructions for filing a claim and the deadline for filing a claim.

If you have any questions regarding the claims process, you should contact the Administrator directly by e-mail to matrixtowerssettlement@veritaglobal.com.

Verita Global
Claims Administrator for Falling Balcony Guardrail Class Action