Ottawa Renovator Sentenced to 75 Days In Jail

The Ontario court of Justice has sentenced Hubert Belisle of H.B. Pro-Expert Renovations to 75 days in jail on November 2, 2009 for engaging in unfair practices. The sentence was handed down in relation to an elderly couple who entered into a contract to have home renovations done at their home in Nepean, Ontario.

Mr. Belisle was also sentenced to two years probation and ordered to pay a total of $29,643 in restitution to his victims.  Mr. Belisle was not present in court at the time of his sentencing.  A bench warrant has been issued for his arrest.   

Ontario's Ministry of Consumer Services began investigating Mr. Belisle after an elderly couple in Nepean, Ontario complained about the work performed by Mr. Belisle.  The couple had hired Mr. Belisle to repair the foundation of their home and to replace their asphalt driveway with interlocking bricks.  Over the course of two weeks, Mr. Belisle added more repair costs and drove the couple to the bank to obtain certified cheques to pay his bills.

The court found that the victims had been overcharged for unnecessary work.  Mr. Belisle had charged the couple almost $30,000 for work valued at less than $5,000.  

The ministry worked closely with Ottawa Police Services and the City of Ottawa, Building Code Services, Compliance and Enforcement Unit in investigating the matter.  Mr. Belisle will face additional charges when he is apprehended.