Building On Shaky Ground: Ignoring Permit Rules Leads To A Demolition Order

In The Corporation of the Town of Ajax v. 1940475 Ontario Inc., 2025 ONSC 5325, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (the "Court") ordered the demolition and removal of all above-grade construction completed without valid building permits.

As this case illustrates, proceeding without the necessary authorizations can render even substantial construction unlawful and subject to enforcement action—including stop-work and demolition orders.

Strict compliance with building and environmental approval processes is essential. Municipalities and the courts will not hesitate to enforce the Building Code Act, 1992 (Ontario) (the "Act") when developers proceed without proper permits—regardless of how far construction has progressed and even after substantial investment.