New law will protect Fort McMurray residents from 'unscrupulous' builders
Changes to law will require builders to provide more information about their companies
The Alberta government took steps Wednesday to protect hundreds of Fort McMurray residents who must rebuild their homes destroyed last month by wildfire.
The province announced it will amend the New Home Buyers Protection Act to provide consumers with additional information about builders.
All builders operating in the Wood Buffalo region, where about 1,900 were destroyed by wildfire in early May, will now be required to complete a declaration before they can apply for a building permit.
The declaration will include residential construction history, as well as information about the company and its finances.
It will also require builders to disclose any outstanding fines or orders.
"This information will help Fort McMurray residents make a more informed decision when choosing a builder, and will give them more confidence as they begin the reconstruction process," said Danielle Larivee, Alberta's minister of municipal affairs.
Change has builders' support
The new rules have the support of the Canadian Home Builders Association.
"Protecting Fort McMurray residents from unqualified or unscrupulous contractors is a high priority," said Jim Rivait, CEO of the Alberta branch of the home builders association.
"Good builders will be able to comply easily and, we believe, raise confidence levels of consumers when they're choosing a builder," Rivait said.
"This is especially important when opportunists are likely to make unrealistic claims about how quickly they can build a home in Fort McMurray. Rebuilding the community will be a long process that will require patience and co-ordination. It will also require skilled professionals who stand by the homes they build instead of skipping town if problems come up."
The government plans to hold information sessions for both builders and homeowners in July and August.
The changes take effect immediately.