Jail Time For Contractor Working on Milton Homes

Halton | Milton | Oakville | Ontario | Latest News |

Published August 2, 2017 at 12:48 pm

A contractor is facing jail time and a fine after doing electrical work illegally at homes in Milton.

A contractor is facing jail time and a fine after doing electrical work illegally at homes in Milton.

David John, who’s been known to operate as Kenchiku Developments Inc. – it’s listed as an Oakville-based business –  and Skookum Developments, was found guilty on two counts of working without an electrical contractor’s licence and two counts of failing to apply for an electrical inspection.

John appeared in Burlington court on July 24.

He was sentenced to five days in jail and ordered to pay $40,000 in fines plus a 25 per cent ($10,000) victim fine surcharge.

Charges were related to illegal electrical work done in Milton homes – specifically the installation of interior and exterior pot lights.

The head of the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) says the severity of the fines and jail time makes it clear that electrical work in Ontario must only be done with an electrical contractor’s licence in compliance with the provincial safety code.

“We are very pleased to see that the court has sent a strong message which we hope will deter others in the underground economy who consider working outside the law,” said ESA chief public safety officer Scott Saint.

“Unfortunately it has become too common to see advertising on flyers, signs and online for electrical work, particularly pot light installations,” said Saint.

Homeowners “need to know that electrical work done outside the law – even for something as commonplace as pot lights – is a safety risk if not done properly, and it’s illegal.”

In Ontario, only licensed electrical contractors are legally allowed to conduct electrical work for hire.

When hiring someone to do work, homeowners and businesses are reminded to:

  • Check to ensure the contractor holds all required qualifications and licences – including an ECRA/ESA licence for electrical work.
  • Confirm the contractor has secured all appropriate permits and inspections.
  • Request a copy of the ESA Certificate of Inspection from the contractor once the work is complete. This document confirms the work was done in compliance with the Ontario Electrical Safety Code and is important for resale and insurance purposes, as well as peace of mind.

If anyone has concerns about electrical work that has been done in their home, ESA recommends they go back to their electrical contractor and ask for a copy of the ESA Certificate of Inspection. If the contractor isn’t able to produce one, ESA’s customer service centre can help confirm whether a permit was taken out and address their concerns.

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