Ontario region issues warning about aggressive tactic using loophole to pressure sales
Following years of aggressive tactics from sales staff in Ontario, the government banned door-to-door sales of many items in March 2018.
However, Durham Region has just issued a warning after reports of high pressure sales tactics being used by companies trying to sell or rent water filtration equipment.
While it's illegal in Ontario to go door-to-door trying to sell water filtration equipment, if the company calls you and you agree to invite them over the ban does not apply.
"These people are trying to get inside your home to try and sell you water filtration equipment," said John Presta, The Director of Environmental Services for Durham Region.
Leading up to the ban CTV News Toronto did many stories with viewers who felt they were mislead by sales staff, which is why the province banned unsolicited door to door sales of water heaters, furnaces, air conditioners and water filters.
Presta said Durham Region has been getting complaints from residents that companies want to come and test their water or check their water meter.
In some cases the caller will claim to be a municipal employee.
"There are people out there who want to get access to your home. They claim they are with the region, the city or the town," said Presta.
Durham Region also is reminding residents the water is safe to drink and while someone may choose to filter their water it is not required or necessary.
In a statement Durham Region also said it doesn't endorse or sell water filtration equipment and that if you get a phone call that’s a water filtration sales pitch don’t feel pressured to allow a home visit.
If someone comes to your door don’t sign contracts on the spot, never give out your personal information and ask for identification as regional employees carry photo ID.
Presta says there are various ways residents are being contacted for the sales pitch adding "it can come in the form of a prize ticket, a telephone call or in an email link."
In the event you have signed a contract for an in home purchase there is cooling off period that allows you to cancel the contract within 10 days.
Also, keep in mind not all door-to-door sales are banned in Ontario. Some companies are still selling security systems, thermostats and smoke detectors usually in longer term expensive contracts.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
WATCH Wage growth may have risen, but not for everyone. An economist explains why
Canada's economy added more jobs than analysts expected in May, but the jobless rate also ticked up. An economist explained the mixed bag of findings and why it may indicate that the economy is starting to slow.
Calgary 'using more water than it can produce', officials say
In an update on Friday morning, Calgary officials are urging the public to follow all the guidelines around water conservation because at the current rate of consumption, the city could run out of water.
Strike looms for border workers if mediation doesn't deliver deal
Thousands of Canadian border workers could go on strike this afternoon if mediation doesn't deliver a deal before then.
Prince William is usher at wedding of aristocrat the Duke of Westminster
The wedding of 33-year-old Hugh Grosvenor, one of Britain's wealthiest landowners, to his partner Olivia Henson, 31, is one of the high-society events of the year in Britain.
Meet the joro, a flying spider scientists say could someday spread to Canada
Recent research suggests that an invasive species of large, colourful spiders that take to the air as babies could spread to Canada.
Ontario man shocked after wheel comes loose and causes nearly $7,000 in damage
A Midland, Ont. man was shocked when he was driving down the road and his front wheel came loose from his car.
The colour of your child's swimsuit can play a role in their safety at the pool, experts say
The colour of your child’s swimsuit could impact their safety at a swimming pool or the beach. That’s according to water safety experts who have taken a close look at how the hue of swimwear may influence how visible a child is under water.
Russian warships, including nuclear-powered submarine, to visit Cuba next week
Four Russian warships, including a nuclear-powered submarine, will arrive in Havana next week, Cuban officials said Thursday, citing 'historically friendly relations' between both nations and as tensions escalate over Western military support for Ukraine in its war with Russia.
Jennifer Lopez is focused on love amid the 'negativity out in the world right now'
It sounds like Jennifer Lopez is trying to keep it positive, offering a note of gratitude to her fans.