What are my options if a service provider fails to deliver what they promised in Ontario?

If a service provider — a renovation contractor, IT consultant, event planner, or any other — fails to deliver what their contract promised, you have several options in Ontario.

The first step is to document the failure: keep the contract, any written scope of work, invoices, communications, and photographs or other evidence of the deficiency. Then consider whether the problem can be resolved directly — a formal written demand setting out the specific failure and a deadline to remedy it often prompts action and creates a paper trail if litigation follows.

If the service provider does not remedy the situation, you can seek damages for breach of contract, covering the cost to have the work completed or corrected by someone else, less any amount you have not yet paid. You also have a duty to mitigate, so arranging for alternative services rather than letting the problem worsen is both a legal obligation and a practical step.

For consumer service contracts, the Consumer Protection Act, 2002 provides additional rights, including cooling-off periods for certain contracts, requirements for written agreements above a set value, and protections against unfair practices. If the amount in dispute is modest, Small Claims Court (up to $35,000) is accessible and designed for this type of claim.