Ottawa-area renovator faces charges

A Renfrew renovations contractor who does work in Ottawa has been arrested, and is facing 24 charges under the provincial Consumer Protection Act.

Philip Slobodzian operates under PSC New Home Construction.

Former clients have accused Slobodzian of doing slipshod work, and accepting large advance payments, and then not doing the work.

Last month, a judge sentenced him to 14 days in jail for ignoring a court order to disclose his assets.

"I'm glad he's in jail, and I hope he stays there," said Neil Herbert, one of Slobodzian's former clients.

Ken Wu hired Slobodzian to replace his roof, but he alleged the work was so bad that he had to hire another contractor to redo the job. Wu successfully sued for more than $10,000, but said he hasn't been able to collect a cent.

"I'm happy today, very pleased at yesterday's arrest of Phil Slobodzian," Wu said Thursday.

When the province laid consumer protection charges stemming from complaints made by half a dozen Ottawa-area homeowners, police arrested Slobodzian.

Charges under the act range from "failure to deliver a direct agreement with the correct information," to engaging in unfair practices, or failing to deliver a refund after a contract has been cancelled.

Slobodzian could not be reached for comment. He will be in court Nov. 19.