Homeowners Demand Action as Promised Amenities Delay in Wasaga Beach

A homeowner in Wasaga Beach, Ontario, has expressed frustration over unfulfilled promises regarding amenities in a new housing development. Following a two-year wait to move into his home in the Georgian Sands community, Boris Tesel reported that key facilities, which were part of his purchase agreement, have yet to be constructed.

Georgian Sands is a significant project that aims to provide a total of 1,470 homes, with 570 homes completed so far and an additional 900 homes planned over the next decade. Tesel, representing a growing concern among residents, highlighted that promotional materials he received during the purchase process included promises of various community amenities.

“I was shown plans for a golf club, baseball diamonds, and tennis courts,” Tesel told CTV News. “None of this stuff is here.” He noted that instead of the anticipated golf clubhouse, there has been a large pile of dirt outside his residence for more than two years. Additionally, plans for a retail area, which would have included shops and business spaces, have not materialized.

Tesel emphasized the lack of communication from the developers and expressed his desire for clarity regarding the promised amenities. “I want it to be done. I want it to be done and not in ten years,” he stated. “We were promised something, and I want it delivered.”

When CTV News attempted to reach the sales office for Georgian Sands, no representatives were available for comment. In response to inquiries, a spokesperson from Elm Developments provided a statement addressing the situation. “Georgian Sands is a multi-phase development that has delivered approximately 570 homes to the growing community of Wasaga Beach to date,” the statement read. “Given recent economic headwinds, ELM Developments, like much of the industry, has faced unforeseen market conditions that require additional planning and timeline considerations.”

The spokesperson assured residents that the inclusion of a future retail plaza remains a part of the overall plan, although specific timelines for completion were not provided.

Concerns about unbuilt amenities extend beyond Tesel. Tarion, the organization overseeing builders’ compliance with the Ontario New Home Warranties Act, was also contacted for its perspective. A spokesperson stated, “Tarion’s expectation is that a builder fulfills their warranty obligations, which includes delivering what was included in the purchase agreement.”

If amenities such as pools, clubhouses, or tennis courts are explicitly mentioned in purchase agreements and are not constructed, Tarion may step in to assist homeowners with claims. “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,” the spokesperson added.

Tesel’s situation reflects a broader issue within new developments, where promises made during the sales process often lead to disappointment for residents. “I fulfilled my end of the deal; they should fulfill their end,” he said. “They got paid for it.”

As residents await further developments, the community of Georgian Sands remains hopeful for the fulfillment of its promised amenities, which are essential for fostering a vibrant and engaging neighbourhood.