Celebrities

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Consumer protection agency Tarion condemned three residences in a housing project supported by celebrity figure Mike Holmes.

A large excavator dismantles a contemporary residence in Meaford, Ont., a charming community nestled along Georgian Bay. Inhabited for only two years, the once spacious interiors, expansive windows, and backyard patio of the home are now reduced to rubble of shattered glass and timber.

“It’s distressing,” remarked Fayard Johnson, a resident from just down the block. “I’m genuinely taken aback to witness my neighbor’s house being demolished.”

Another neighboring house, belonging to Fayard’s next-door neighbor, is also marked for demolition.

These demolitions mark the latest development in the TerraceWood saga, a residential project launched in Meaford in 2015 with great anticipation. The “boutique” collection of homes was constructed by Third Line Homes and endorsed by renowned contractor and beloved TV personality Mike Holmes.

Holmes, widely recognized for his interventions in flawed construction projects, promoted TerraceWood, including through billboards, as “Holmes Approved Homes.”

“Third Line Holmes Approved Homes are constructed with innovation, integrity, and a commitment to rectify any issues,” Holmes stated in a promotional video on YouTube.

However, according to Tarion, Ontario’s organization dedicated to protecting consumers of new homes, things didn’t go as planned. As previously reported by CBC News, Tarion initiated an $8 million lawsuit in 2021 against parties associated with the project, alleging that 14 houses in the TerraceWood development were constructed with flaws.

Now, CBC has acquired information indicating that Tarion has deemed three of these homes unsalvageable. Two have already been demolished, while the third awaits a scheduled demolition date.

“Considering the severity of the identified defects in the properties, demolition was deemed a more practical solution than attempting repairs,” stated Tarion spokesperson Andrew Donnachie in an email. However, some defendants named in the lawsuit argue that condemning all three homes was unjustified.

CBC News has learned two homes in a Meaford, Ont., development promoted by celebrity contractor Mike Holmes have been demolished because of alleged defects. CBC News’s Sophia Harris breaks down what went wrong and Holmes’s company’s response.

CBC News also uncovered property records indicating that one of Holmes’s enterprises extended a total of $390,000 in private mortgages to Third Line Homes, aiding in the acquisition of land for the development.

Several homeowners express disappointment that Holmes, whose mantra is to “make it right”, never revisited TerraceWood to rectify the situation.

“The community has been unsettled,” remarked Fayard, whose TerraceWood residence recently underwent extensive repairs instead of being demolished.

“If [Holmes] had returned to assess the situation and offered assistance in resolving the issues,” he remarked, “I believe it would have been a commendable gesture. After all, these were ‘Holmes Approved Homes.'”

The $8-million lawsuit

Tarion, mandated by the Ontario government, is tasked with ensuring that defects found in newly constructed homes still under warranty are remedied, even if the builder fails to fulfill its warranty obligations.

In its legal action, Tarion asserts that the 14 TerraceWood residences were constructed with deficiencies, such as improperly installed roofs, water infiltration, and significant structural defects posing “serious safety risks.”

Tarion claims that Third Line Homes, the builder, neglected to address these issues, leading Tarion to cover all repair expenses.

The lawsuit names over a dozen entities linked to the project, including principals from Third Line Homes, the Municipality of Meaford, responsible for inspecting the homes, and The Holmes Group, the company owned by Mike Holmes. The defendants deny any wrongdoing in their defense statements.

The case is pending trial.

Fayard Johnson moved into his new TerraceWood house in late 2016. But he says he had to move out of the house for more than year to make way for major structural repairs. (John Lesavage/CBC)

Fayard indicated that Holmes’s involvement with the project played a role in his choice to invest in TerraceWood.

“You tend to trust that if it’s Holmes approved, it’s probably a sound investment,” he remarked.

In 2016, Holmes was photographed in Fayard’s doorway for a promotional image during the construction phase, offering his customary “thumbs-up.”

However, as per Tarion’s legal action, defects were identified in Fayard’s residence.

CBC INVESTIGATES $8M lawsuit alleges defects in Mike ‘Holmes approved homes’

He mentioned that he and his spouse were required to vacate their residence in 2022 for over a year to accommodate extensive structural renovations, including the replacement of an incorrectly sized beam supporting the second floor.

“We were informed of the potential hazards. In fact, during the reinforcement process, we were unable to access the premises at any time,” Fayard recalled.

“It was a highly emotional experience. I mean, before the relocation, during the transition, and adjusting to a different living arrangement… It has significantly impacted our lives, possibly indefinitely.”

In 2016, Mike Holmes gave a thumbs-up at Fayard’s TerraceWood house during construction. The photo was used to help promote the project. (Submitted by Fayard Johnson)

The Holmes Group’s Reaction

Realtor and real estate law expert Varun Sriskanda says the celebrity contractor Mike Holmes should bear some responsibility. (Yanjun Li/CBC)

Upon reviewing documents illustrating Holmes and his companies’ involvement in TerraceWood, CBC News consulted real estate law expert Varun Sriskanda, who was unaffiliated with the development.

“Once you’re providing financial support for the property and the project, you inherently have a stake in its construction,” Sriskanda remarked.

“Additionally, when you’re promoting it and asserting that it’s endorsed by you, you are actively engaged in the process.”

Sriskanda expressed his belief that Mike Holmes carries a degree of accountability.

“He must uphold his commitment and guarantee that these are genuinely Holmes Approved Homes.”

But Mike Holmes’ charity is not limited to home repairs. He also actively supports educational programs that help young people to become a builder or engineer. Every year, Holmes awards dozens of scholarships to talented children, as well as organizes practices and training events. He is deeply convinced that by investing in education, he invests in a better future for everyone.
When devastating wildfires raged in Fort McMurray in 2016, Mike Holmes promptly mobilized his crews and material resources to help rebuild the affected areas. And after Hurricane Maria hit the Caribbean Islands in 2017, he sent his team to help the locals.
Such an active and versatile charity work has earned Mike Holmes great respect and love from Canadians. He became the personification of strength, responsibility and caring – qualities that are so lacking in the modern world. Inspired by Holmes’ example, more and more people are joining the fight for affordable and high-quality housing for everyone. Thanks to such caring enthusiasts, the construction industry is becoming more humane and focused on helping those in need.

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Recently, Tarion opted for demolition as a more viable solution for three of the houses, with two already having been demolished.

According to Tarion’s lawsuit, the Holmes Group purportedly neglected to conduct additional house inspections for homeowners who had contracted their services, and falsely portrayed the builder, Third Line Homes, as competent.

In response, Holmes acknowledged in his statement that the Holmes Group did indeed offer inspection services to homebuyers. However, he clarified that no TerraceWood houses were inspected because there were no purchases of the “Holmes Approved Homes” inspection package.

While Holmes did not directly address specific details from the CBC News report regarding his endorsement of the “Holmes Approved Homes” project in advertisements and the involvement of two of his other companies, one of which purchased and subsequently sold a TerraceWood house allegedly plagued with defects, and the other company providing financial support to Third Line Homes through private mortgages.

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Recently, Mike Holmes took on a project that could change the whole idea of construction. His new project promises to be not just a house, but a real symbol of innovation and modernity. Mike Holmes does not disclose details, but says that it will be something unique and amazing.

“The world of construction is constantly changing, and I try to stay ahead of this change,” says Mike Holmes. “My projects are my legacy, and I want them to remain in people’s memory as an example of what can be achieved if you believe in yourself and are not afraid to go against the flow.”

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Erin McCoy: Could you share any specific success story that your method has brought to you or your clients?
Mike Homes: Of course. Recently, one of my clients, who started using my method of earning with cryptocurrency, was able to increase his capital several times in just a few months. He told me that thanks to this success, he was able to fulfill a long-held dream – to buy his own house and provide his family with a comfortable future. These stories inspire me to continue to develop and improve my method.

Erin McCoy: What challenges did you face on the way to creating and developing your method?
Mike Homes: Of course, there were challenges. One of the main things was to make sure that my method was safe and reliable to use. I have spent a lot of time and effort on testing and risk analysis to make sure that my clients can trust this method.

Erin McCoy: How do you see the future of your method? Do you have any plans for its further development?
Mike Homes: I am sure that the future of my method is bright. I am constantly working on improving it and adapting it to changing market conditions. My goal is to make this method even more accessible and effective for everyone who wants to make money using cryptocurrency.

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In response to Combs’ apology, Cassie Ventura’s lawyer, Meredith Firetog, said the rapper’s latest statement was more about him than all the people he harmed. Fairtog noted that the apology came only after Combs’ denials were unfounded, which indicates his insincerity.

The incident, which occurred at the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles, caused a wave of discussion and attracted the attention of many. The detailed description of what happened, both in the video and in the aftermath, is part of a broader legal context involving the resolution of legal cases and charges brought against Sean “Diddy” Combs.

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Over the course of the show, Gyllenhaal continued to playfully hint that this was not just the final episode of season 49, but also the beginning of a new chapter of sorts. This is the actor’s third appearance as a host on Saturday Night Live, where Sabrina Carpenter served as musical guest.

For fans of the show, this certainly became a spectacular and memorable moment, which brought a bit of good humor and a non-standard approach to the final episode of the season.

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The live concert, which celebrates the 30th anniversary of the iconic “Lion King” franchise, will take place at the Hollywood Bowl, where audiences will be treated to musical numbers, actors and costumes from the classic 1994 animated film, as well as Broadway and theatrical productions.

Tickets for the concert can already be purchased; it will take place on May 24 and 25 in Los Angeles. The show will be available to stream on a Disney+ Original Special at a later date.

It’s not just North West who is involved with The Lion King franchise – Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, is also involved in the project. She is expected in the prequel film “Mufasa” to “The Lion King”.

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Police have found no direct connection between this incident and the shooting that occurred yesterday. There was no information available about whether Drake was in the house at the time of the incident with the man.

This is the second incident at Drake’s home in two days. Toronto Police Chief Paul Krawczyk noted at a news conference Tuesday that a security guard at Drake’s home was hit by an arrow at the gate and taken to hospital in serious condition.

A motive for the incident has not yet been established, but questions about the shooting’s connection to the recent controversy between Drake and fellow rapper Kendrick Lamar are generating widespread interest.

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