Consumers Warned Of Contractor

The Alberta government and RCMP advise consumers that a paving contractor under investigation for numerous complaints is operating in the province.

Service Alberta and Edson RCMP are investigating Highway Maintenance and Asphalt Repair Ltd., following 16 complaints in 2011, mostly from Yellowhead County and area. Earlier this month, the Alberta government received a complaint about the company from a consumer near High River.

The company was operating as Department of Highway Maintenance and Asphalt Repair Ltd., but changed its name last year after Service Alberta advised the business the name could be misleading. The business is not affiliated with any level of government.

The contractor typically claims to be working in the area and offers a discount. Consumers who hired the company for paving jobs allege the quality of asphalt and work was poor and the driveways began falling apart within days. In some cases, the amounts of the contracts were more than $20,000. It is also alleged the contractor did not use contracts that comply with provincial rules for door-to-door sales.

Though the contractor is being investigated, no charges have been laid.

Albertans with concerns or complaints about the company can call Service Alberta’s Consumer Contact Centre at 1-877-427-4088 (toll-free in Alberta) or 780-427-4088 in the Edmonton area.