'Unethical developers on notice,' says province

In an interview, Moir said in recent years, there has been similar activity from other developers, where a price is increased after a contract is signed.

In an interview, Moir said in recent years, there has been similar activity from other developers, where a price is increased after a contract is signed.

"Some of [this] has been exacerbated by COVID-19 and all sorts of increasing construction costs," she said. "But that really doesn't mean that developers don't have to act within the law and treat their purchasers ethically and fairly."

"We have put unethical developers on notice and made sure bad builders have no place in our province," Colin Blachar said in an email.

Moir said the regulator understands that those who file complaints are looking for a quick resolution, but the process takes time.

"When you're talking about something as serious as this, it's really important that we get it right. Frankly, if we don't get it right, we could lose on appeal," she said.

Moir added that the regulator takes every complaint seriously.  "We really want to make a difference and protect consumers and crack down on bad builders," she said.