Matt Lui and his wife Krista Chau were excited to start a new chapter in Pickering. Currently living in London, Ont., they decided to make the move in the fall of 2024.
“We wanted to relocate to be closer to family. We went for it and were thrilled about our pre-construction home that we purchased,” Matt said.
Their future home, located on Kerrydale Avenue and Marchington Square, is part of Mattamy’s Seaton Whitevale development. They were all set to close and move in by October 2025.
“Later in 2025, we found out we were expecting, so we were really looking forward to moving into the house as we started our family,” Matt mentioned.
“It felt like perfect timing then,” Krista added.
However, just months before their planned move, they received troubling news. “In August 2025, our builder called us about a fire at the construction site.”
The fire caused damage to their home and pushed back their closing date. Though it was disappointing, they figured it was just a one-off incident.
“We took it in stride and decided to wait it out. Eight weeks later, though, we got another call from the builder with worse news.”
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Second Fire Much More Serious; Police Investigating
A second fire broke out on September 25 and completely destroyed their home. Durham Regional Police labeled it as suspected arson. “Mattamy reassured us that they would enhance security measures at the site, including surveillance. They promised that any damage would be fixed properly,” Matt explained. The builder began rebuilding the home with a new closing date set for May. “On May 7, we did our pre-delivery inspection and fell in love with our house all over again.” A few days later on May 9, another suspected arson occurred which delayed closing once more. Mattamy cited an unavoidable delay clause from their sales contract. “We couldn’t wrap our heads around why this kept happening,” Matt shared. “People kept asking us: ‘Is someone targeting you?’ and we thought ‘No way!’ We’re just regular folks trying to begin anew,” Krista added.Couple’s Requests for Help Have Been Turned Down
Since the first fire incident, Mattamy has provided round-the-clock security with a private firm along with off-duty police officers. Still, that hasn’t stopped whoever is behind these fires. “I really don’t get why our house is being singled out. There are rumors online suggesting we’re somehow involved in this crime which adds even more stress since we’ve had no part in any of this,” Matt stated. With three fires within less than a year and expecting their first child next month, they feel unsafe moving into the area now. “We’re not eager to settle down in what feels like an unsafe neighborhood,” said Matt. They wanted to maintain their relationship with Mattamy but requested changes or some form of compensation due to how these delays have affected them financially; after all, they intended on moving last fall originally. Matt remarked: “Their stance seems to be that we’re still tied to the purchase agreement despite what I see as failures regarding safety measures towards us.” He continued: “While they didn’t cause the fires themselves, they do have a responsibility when it comes to securing the site.” When Speakers Corner reached out for comment from Mattamy, they noted limitations on what could be disclosed because of the ongoing investigation. “We’re aware of these arson incidents affecting homeowners in Seaton Whitevale community in Pickering and understand how stressful this has been for them,” said a spokesperson from Mattamy. “We’re committed to addressing these issues while ensuring everyone’s safety and working within agreements while focusing on completing homes as quickly as possible.”The couple is now less than two weeks away from possibly having no home at all, and they’re starting to consider legal options. However, when it comes down to pre-construction contracts, it may prove difficult, says real estate lawyer Max Koenekoop from Korman and Company based in Toronto. “In new construction contracts, even after three severe fire incidents, buyers don’t automatically get permission to walk away.” That’s quite different from contracts involving existing homes or resales. “For resale properties, if something happens like a fire occurs, the buyer can often demand their deposit back and exit without penalties,” Koenekoop stated. “That isn’t true for pre-construction deals. This situation shows how heavily these agreements favor builders concerning unavoidable delays.”Police Continue Their Search For Suspects
One thing everyone agrees on-from both sides-is needing to catch those responsible for these repeated arson attacks so they’ll stop. Durham Regional Police are actively seeking tips from anyone who might provide information leading toward arrests. A spokesperson told us that investigations remain ongoing but couldn’t confirm if they’re closing in on suspects. Having prepared for their May relocation plans already by renting out their previous London residence, the couple has canceled various vendors lined up for moving day; additionally appliances bought last fall are still sitting unused waiting at a warehouse. As they’re only weeks away from welcoming their baby into this world-they’re searching desperately for somewhere else. The couple eagerly anticipates hearing when they’ll finally get another closing date. “This whole ordeal has placed us into such an incredibly challenging position,” expressed Matt. “We hoped we’d build memories there together as family; instead now-what we need most right now is empathy-not just toward ourselves-but also other buyers experiencing similar hardships too-and yet-we’re receiving nothing.” Anyone who may know something related to any incidents should reach out directly either Durham police or Crime Stoppers. If there’s anything you’d like us check into further-please feel free contacting us!Three suspicious fires at a Pickering housing development have delayed the move-in date of one Ontario couple several times. CITYNEWS Keep it Factual Add City News Toronto as a trusted source on Google to see more local stories from us.Source link
