Senior watches neighbour in Markham take three years to build house

WATCH ABOVE:  A Markham senior who has lived with an unfinished construction project next door is starting to see signs the work will be done. But as Sean O’Shea reports the city isn’t promising to cover damages to her property.

TORONTO – Three years after construction began on a home in Markham, a senior living next door is hoping she may soon be able to use her yard again.

“It’s not fair and it’s not very pleasant either,” said Pearl Gough, who’s lived for 63 years on Rouge Street.

A builder demolished the home beside Gough to erect a much larger one, including a detached garage at the rear. In the process, the fence separating Gough’s home from the construction site was ripped down and her patio was damaged. The project has been an ongoing eyesore for Gough.

“We want it finished,” said daughter Donna Sherrard, clutching a thick file of papers that document the approvals process that gave the builder permission to construct the home. Earlier this year, the builder ignored a compliance order requiring him to finish work in accordance with the approved plans.

“He has failed, he does not have a good reputation,” said Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti, after leaving a two hour meeting with Gough’s daughter.

“We will do what we can within the power we have to complete as much of the work as possible,” Scarpitti said. Earlier in the day, crews began completing drainage and grading work on the property. Costs will be added to the builder’s tax bill.

But the city of Markham says it has no authority to repair Gough’s property and bill those costs to the builder.

“We can only do the work as it pertains to the property itself,” said Scarpitti, when asked if it’s fair for a senior to pay for damages that were not her fault.

“It is frustrating, it’s unreasonable, this is wrong,” said Scarpitti, adding “unfortunately, there is a limitation to our powers. What we can do, we are doing.”

Donna Sherrard is waiting for another meeting at her mother’s home with city officials who say they will assess what else needs to be done. She is frustrated with the city’s inaction.

“I’m not sure they’re looking out for her best interest.”