‘None of this stuff is here’: Homeowner of new build in Wasaga Beach says promised amenities haven’t been built

Some homeowners are wondering when they'll get everything they were promised as housing projects delayed by COVID-19 get back on track. Pat Foran reports.

A resident of a new development in Wasaga Beach, Ont., contacted CTV News following concerns that some items they were promised when buying their home have still not come to fruition.

Georgian Sands is a major development in the beach town that has 570 homes with plans to add an additional 900 over the next decade.

Boris Tesel is one of the homeowners already living in the development and told CTV News that following delays, he was able to move into his home two years ago.

While he is generally satisfied with the property, he said the amenities that were promised when he purchased his home never materialized.

“These are things like promotional items for me to buy this house and now after years we still don’t see any of it,” said Tesel.

Tesel showed CTV News the sales brochures and maps of the community from when he purchased the property that show family friendly items that have yet to be built.

“Here is where the golf club is supposed to go,” he explained. “There is supposed to be baseball diamond and tennis courts. None of this stuff is here.”

Outside of Tesel’s front door, he said there was supposed to be a golf clubhouse. However, there has been a huge pile of dirt there for more than two years.

There were also plans for a retail area with shops and businesses, none of which has gone ahead, according to Tesel.

He said there’s been a lack of communication, and just wants to know if the items promised will be built.

“I want it to be done. I want it to be done and not in ten years. We were promised something and I want it delivered.”

CTV News went to the sales office for Georgian Sands, but no one was present. After CTV News reached out to Elm Developments, a spokesperson said in a statement, “Georgian Sands is a multi-phase development that has delivered approximately 570 homes to the growing community of Wasaga Beach to date, with an additional 900 planned over the next decade.”

“Given recent economic headwinds, ELM Developments, like much of the industry, has faced unforeseen market conditions that require additional planning and timeline considerations. We want the residents of Wasaga Beach to rest assured that the inclusion of a future retail plaza remains part of the overall plan.”

CTV News also reached out to Tarion, a company that ensures builders meet standards set by the Ontario New Home Warranties Act.

In a statement a spokesperson said, “Tarion’s expectation is that a builder fulfills their warranty obligations which includes delivering what was included in the purchase agreement they made with their purchasers. If a builder fails to meet their warranty obligations, Tarion steps in to help purchasers and resolve claims directly.”

“If ancillary facilities and amenities, like a pool, clubhouse or tennis courts, are included in the purchase agreement between the builder and purchaser, and they were not built, there could be warranty coverage for those missing items depending on the wording of the contract signed and the builder may be required to resolve the claim.”

“We are in contact with some purchasers from this project and encourage others who have questions about warranty coverage or other supports Tarion can provide, to reach out to Tarion so we can look at the specific details of their situation and see how we may be able to assist.”

Tesel says he’s frustrated with the outcome and feels the amenities should be built.

“I fulfilled my end of the deal, they should fulfill their end,” he said. “They got paid for it.”