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
El Nino weakening doesn't mean cooler temperatures this summer, forecasters say
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
BREAKING 15-year-old boy stabbed Thursday in Nepean dies
A 15-year old boy who was critically injured after a stabbing in Nepean on Thursday has died of his injuries, Ottawa's English public school board said Sunday.
Dash cam catches moment suspected drunk driver hits parked car, sends it careening into North Shore flower shop
Police say it’s fortunate no one was injured or killed in a collision at North Vancouver’s Park and Tilford shopping centre Saturday evening that sent one vehicle careening into a flower shop and another into a set of concrete barriers outside a Winners store.
Nylander defends Leafs' core after playoff exit, Toronto again picks up the pieces
The Maple Leafs battled back from a 3-1 series deficit against the Boston Bruins with consecutive 2-1 victories - including one that required extra time - in their first-round playoff series to push the club's Original Six rival to the limit before suffering a devastating Game 7 overtime loss.
Amid climate change warnings, Canadians lukewarm on electric vehicles
Amid scientists' warnings that nations need to transition away from fossil fuels to limit climate change, Canadians are still lukewarm on electric vehicles, according to a study conducted by Nanos Research for CTV News.
Three dead, two hospitalized, following collision in Fredericton: police
Three people have died and two have been hospitalized after a speeding car struck a tree and landed on another vehicle in Fredericton Sunday morning.
Montreal man on the hook for thousands of dollars after a feature on his Tesla caused an accident
A Montreal man is warning Tesla drivers about using the Smart Summon feature after his vehicle hit another in a parking lot.
Madonna's biggest-ever concert transforms Rio's Copacabana beach into a massive dance floor
Madonna put on a free concert on Copacabana beach Saturday night, turning Rio de Janeiro's vast stretch of sand into an enormous dance floor teeming with a multitude of her fans.
Mexican authorities say thieves killed 2 Australians and an American to steal their truck
Thieves killed two Australians and an American on a surfing trip to Mexico in order to steal their truck, particularly because they wanted the tires, authorities said Sunday.