Acres Landscaping (Whitby Landscaping - Oshawa Landscaping)

We hired Acres Landscaping (Nathan Grace & Heather Billiaert) of 1288 Ritson Road North, Suite 116, Oshawa, Ontario on July 14, 2025, for a $6,574 front yard landscaping project at our home at 46 Westmoreland Avenue, Oshawa, Ontario. The job was supposed to include demolition of our old staircase, installation of a new natural stone staircase, and an interlocked pathway to the driveway. We paid 30% on signing ($1,972.20) and another 30% ($1,972.20) on July 28 after partial excavation and gravel dumping. The contractor promised the project would take only 1–2 days. Instead, after demolishing our staircase and dumping gravel, the work stopped completely. What was done showed poor workmanship — gravel was dumped incorrectly without a geotextile liner, which has already allowed weeds to grow through. Our property was left unsafe for over eight weeks, with deliveries blocked, hazards to children and drivers, and visible driveway damage. During this time we received only excuses such as being “too busy,” personal issues, or equipment breakdowns. Despite repeated follow-ups, the company never returned. On September 9, 2025, we issued a Final Demand Letter with a deadline of September 15. Acres Landscaping ignored it and refused to refund, insisting the money kept was “as per contract.” We have since had to hire another contractor and spend significant extra money out of pocket for cleanup, labour, driveway repairs, and additional materials. Neighbours even reported us to the City of Oshawa/bylaw because debris was left on site for more than eight weeks, bringing us embarrassment. This was especially difficult as my wife is pregnant and our main entryway was left demolished and unsafe. We regret relying only on positive Google reviews when choosing this company. Our personal experience with Acres Landscaping has been one of unfinished work, poor workmanship, repeated excuses, and refusal to refund. We are now pursuing this matter through Small Claims Court.