Unlicensed roofing contractor with pattern of violations sentenced to probation and jail time

HAMILTON, ON - October 26, 2017 -  The City of Hamilton today announced the sentencing of Mr. Jason Dennis, an individual with a lengthy history of operating as an unlicensed roofing contractor in Hamilton.

At a sentence hearing on August 15, 2017, Mr. Dennis was given two years’ probation and ten days in jail for Breach of Probation – Building Repair Contractor without a licence as required by the City of Hamilton’s Business Licensing By-Law 07-170.

The probation order states that Mr. Dennis shall not to engage in any way, shape or form of employment in the roofing industry for two years. This was the eighth occasion that Mr. Dennis breached a previous probation order, committing the same violation.

The conviction stems from an incident with a Hamilton homeowner who hired Mr. Dennis in 2013. The roof was replaced; however, there were significant deficiencies and the homeowner was required to re-do the roof with a licensed contractor, effectively paying twice. In addition, Mr. Dennis failed to complete other work agreed to in the contract.

The homeowner filed a complaint with the City of Hamilton and a charge against Mr. Dennis was registered for failing to comply with a probation order of the Ontario Court of Justice. After nearly four years of investigative work by City staff, which included gathering statements and evidence from victims and associates, Mr. Dennis was convicted at a hearing in 2016.

Due to Mr. Dennis’ lengthy history of licensing offences with the City of Hamilton, City prosecutors requested 30 days in jail at the sentence hearing – the maximum that would have been permitted under the legislation.

Mr. Dennis operated under several different business names, including Top Quality Roofing & Renos; Grandview Roofing; Hamilton Regional Roofing; and Roofs R’ Us. Mr. Dennis himself has also used several aliases, including Jay Dawson, Jay Masters, Jay Gagnon and Jay Chambers.

Mr. Dennis also has a Provincial Offenses record dating back to 1993 and previous fraud charges with the Hamilton Police.

“The City’s dealings with Mr. Jason Dennis span almost ten years and point to the worst case I’ve seen of an unlicensed contractor. Mr. Dennis has defrauded at least 50 local homeowners out of thousands of dollars for work that was never performed. He capitalized through the home renovation business utilizing the mass market in Hamilton, which includes a large population of senior citizens.” - John Lane, Manager of Building Inspections, City of Hamilton

“I want to thank the victims who came forward in providing evidence to assist the City in its investigation of Mr. Dennis. I also want to extend my sincere thanks to the Ontario Ministry of Consumer Affairs and the Hamilton Police Service for also assisting City staff in their pursuit of Mr. Dennis to answer to very serious charges.” - Ed VanderWindt, Chief Building Official, City of Hamilton

Additional Information

• The City of Hamilton Business Licensing By-Law protects homeowners by ensuring that the business is legitimate, has passed a police criminal check and holds third-party liability insurance
• Businesses requiring a trade licence include building repair contractors such as roofers, carpenters, bricklayers, concrete workers, window and door installers, siding, foundation and drain contractors; plumbers; heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) contractors; and fire sprinkler installers
• Always ensure a contractor has a valid trade licence before hiring them by calling the City of Hamilton Building Division at 905-546-2782 to enquire; to file a complaint, call 905-546-3950
• Tips for hiring a contractor
• Do not get pressured into signing anything
• Ask for a fully itemized estimate and ensure the details are written into a contract
• Get at least three other quotes if asked to make a down payment of more than 5% to 15% of the total contract price; never give a cash deposit or pay for work until it is done