On October 14, 2023, the Town of Whitby issued a statement that CUPE Local 53 representing workers at the Town of Whitby had commence strike action. Strikes can potentially impact the closing or occupancy dates of new homes or affect the completion of projects due to delays in inspections and processing applications for permits, approvals, etc.
Affected Homes Before Closing
If a strike (or strikes) occurs, new home vendors/builders may be able to extend home delivery timelines under the Unavoidable Delay provisions of the Addendum. Vendors/builders must provide proper notices to homeowners. They must also comply with the Unavoidable Delay provisions of section 5 of the Addendum.
As with all unavoidable delay events, note that vague assertions that the strike adversely affected completion of the home may not be enough to meet the onus of proof requirements under the Addendum.
Affected Homes After Closing
New home builders may find that the strike is going to affect their ability to complete warranty repairs within the required repair periods. If this is likely, then such builders are encouraged to contact Tarion where they may request extensions to the builder repair periods as needed. Builders must provide proper notice to homeowners if this is required.
At the request of our stakeholders, and in an effort to assist homeowners and industry, we have developed information resources and general guidance on the unavoidable delay processes extending critical dates due to strikes as well as the process requesting repair period extensions and notifying homeowners in the case of trade strikes.
Information Sheet for New Home Buyers – Possible Effects of Strikes on New Home Construction
Information Sheet for New Home Builders – Possible Effects of Strikes on New Home Construction
Q&A for Builders – Strikes, Unavoidable Delay & Critical Dates
Strike Worksheets
If you have questions regarding strike-related delays, please contact customerservice@tarion.com.