‘It’s not what I expected at all’: Toronto seniors speak out after $5,000 paving job unfinished

The OPP issued a warning following complaints of some individuals offering roofing repairs or driveway paving who are doing poor quality work. Pat Foran reports

Ontario seniors who had planned to have their driveways paved at some point now regret answering their doors last month.

“The driveway is already cracking. It’s uneven, and the stones are already coming out,” said Ernie Barran, of East York.

Ernie and his wife Ethel said that in mid-May, there was a knock on their door, and a paving company informed them that they were working in the neighbourhood and could offer them a good deal on a complete driveway job.

“They did say they wanted cash. It was one of the first things they said,” Baran recounted to CTV News.

The company came with pickaxes to tear up the front part of the driveway. Baran said no new gravel was put down and workers used boards on their feet to stomp down the new asphalt.

“It’s not what I expected at all. I expected they would tear it up like any other driveway (job) you’ve ever seen,” said Baran.

The newly repaved driveway has ruts, cracks, and stones coming loose, and Baran said less than half was replaced.

The back half of his driveway was left untouched, he said, and new asphalt was spread over the existing asphalt. It’s raised the driveway in that area, creating a tripping hazard.

Also, a heavy gate that was removed wasn’t put back in place.

The couple gave the company called Maple Stone Paving and Masonry $5,000 cash. The company lists its address as 2001 Albion Road on its advertising sign.

The company said it would return to fix any problems but never did, Baran said.

“They are supposed to come back and do it, and they never answer their phone; I can’t get a hold of them now,” he said.

Company failed to return and finish job

When CTV News initially called and emailed the company, a spokesperson said, “We acknowledge the driveway finish did not come out as we had hoped due to various reasons. However, I would like to make it clear that this matter has already been discussed directly between myself and the customer, and an agreement is already in place for me to return and address the concerns raised. If that means laying a new driveway, then that’s what we will have to do.”

“For clarity, the work carried out included completely excavating the old driveway, grading the full area, compacting it with a five-ton roller, and installing a three-inch base layer of asphalt across the entire front of the driveway before the top course was applied to properly strengthen the entrance, as is our standard practice. This helps prevent future cracking at the entrance, which takes the most impact as vehicles enter the driveway.”

They indicated that they “fully intend” to return to the home in one or two weeks and “fix the driveway as discussed with the customer.”

CTV News waited two weeks and then contacted the couple to ask if the company had come back to repair the driveway.

Baran said, “No, they didn’t. They didn’t call. They haven’t contacted me at all.”

They now worry the paving job they have won’t last, and regret handing over $5,000 to the door-to-door company.

Police share tips

The Ontario Provincial Police issued a news release saying as warmer weather approaches, they continue to receive reports of individuals going door-to-door offering to pave driveways, repair roofs, or complete other home improvement projects.

These offers are often presented as a limited-time or “one-day-only” deal, OPP said.

The individuals may appear legitimate, sometimes using flyers, websites or claiming affiliation with a known company. However, the OPP said the individuals often use false names, fake identification and unmarked vehicles.

Victims are typically asked for cash up front and are left with poor-quality work, incomplete repairs, or no service at all. These scams commonly occur between April and October and often go unreported.

The OPP reminds residents that these scams can be avoided by taking simple precautions:

• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is
• Be cautious of unsolicited offers for home repairs or services
• Take your time and do not feel pressured into making immediate decisions
• Always research businesses and review contracts carefully before agreeing to any work
• Avoid paying cash up front for home repairs
• If something feels wrong, trust your instincts and end the interaction

The OPP urges residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.