Mechanics liens filed
Tides at Harbour’s Edge owners facing new action
“I run my business on a handshake and if we provide goods and services that are agreed upon, we deserve to get paid. And that goes for all of the other companies that provided services.” Mike James
A number of businesses have filed a petition for bankruptcy against owners of the Tides at Harbour’s Edge, an apartment complex in Summerside.
Among the sub-contractors seeking more than $1.2 million in outstanding payments are Mike James, owner and president of Spring Valley Building Centre Ltd.; G.B. Roofing Ltd. of New Brunswick; Greenfoot Energy Solutions Inc.; and Don and Son Plumbing and Heating of New Brunswick.
The building, located on the corner of MacKenzie Drive and Water Street in Summerside, is owned by a numbered company, 3287998 Nova Scotia Company, and was being built under contractors, Conrok Development Ltd.
One of the owners is former NHL coach and hockey analyst Doug MacLean.
“Our position is that we continue to await payment on accounts that are now almost a year old,” wrote John Maynard of Key Murray Law, the firm representing the petition applicants, in a formal statement.
“There are local contractors and suppliers who have not been paid large amounts of money and who relied on the integrity of Doug MacLean and the ownership group in agreeing to supply materials and to perform work on the building.”
James said Spring Valley Building Centre wants the issue to be resolved.
“We’re a family-owned business. To have more than half a million dollars in outstanding payment is serious for us. But right now, this is far from over.”
James said he continued to extend credit to the developers because, during construction, unexpected complications can arise and because he was assured that payment would be made.
“The original concept (of the apartment building) was a great focal point. This was supposed to be one of four. I’ll admit that I chased it. It was something we wanted to be a part of. We were very eager about the opportunity.”
James says he hasn’t seen a payment in 16 months and is hoping the petition for bankruptcy will expedite the process.
“I run my business on a handshake and if we provide goods and services that are agreed upon, we deserve to get paid. And that goes for all of the other companies that provided services.”
David Hooley, who represents the owners of the complex, said in a formal statement, “It would be premature and inappropriate to say any more. The owners respect the judicial process and will have no more to say publicly while this matter remains before the courts.”