COMMUNITY SAFETY
Community Advisory – Please Share
Residents of Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge are encouraged to exercise caution when hiring contractors or renovation services.
An individual operating under the names William Drummie and William Thomas has been associated with numerous complaints in the community. He was previously linked to a company known as Renoman, which has been the subject of reports involving unfinished projects, unpaid trades, and financial losses affecting many individuals.
It has recently come to attention that this individual may now be operating under a new business name, Artisan Custom. Community members have raised concerns that similar patterns of behavior may be continuing under this new branding.
Allegations and concerns reported include:
* Incomplete or abandoned renovation projects
* Non-payment to subcontractors and trades
* Misrepresentation of credentials, including claims of being a certified Red Seal carpenter
* Use of questionable or unverified equipment and materials
* Avoidance of legal proceedings despite ongoing complaints
There are also reports that local authorities, including Waterloo Regional Police, are aware of prior complaints involving this individual.
As a precaution, residents are strongly advised to:
* Verify contractor credentials and certifications through official provincial channels
* Request references and review past work
* Avoid large upfront payments.
* Ensure all agreements are documented in writing
A common tactic employed by William Drummie was to request initial payments for his “services” in amounts under $5,000. This approach appeared calculated to discourage victims from pursuing legal action, as the anticipated legal costs would often exceed the amount lost. By leveraging this imbalance, he relied on the likelihood that victims would forgo legal recourse and absorb the financial loss.
This message is being shared to help protect members of the community and prevent further potential harm. Individuals are encouraged to conduct their own due diligence and research through publicly available sources, including court records and online platforms.
Stay safe and informed.