Outpouring of support for Russell, Ont. woman out $168,000 in renovation costs
After many months of waiting, there are signs of progress at Allison Brookes' house in Russell, Ont.
"They only started on Tuesday, they've already got the bathroom shower reframed in, they're working on properly installing the ceiling in the living room which was already starting to fall down," Brookes said of the major renovation work that restarted this week.
Brookes hired a new contractor and crew after she alleges the last person she hired took nearly $170,000 and didn't complete the job, leaving her house in disarray.
"Since the story aired I've had a couple contractors reach out privately to me through Facebook offering to give us a hand," she said. "And from Russell too. It's a great little community so it's been really nice for the community to come out and offer to help."
Ottawa police have charged Cory Cahill with 65 offences including fraud, uttering threats, mischief and forgery after several people came forward to police with allegations against him.
In a statement to CTV News, Cahill's lawyer writes, "Mr. Cahill intends to settle any disputes outstanding with his former clients, or have the issues adjudicated in Small Claims Court. Mr. Cahill denies any criminal liability."
Many CTV News Ottawa viewers also reached out to help Brookes. She says she's grateful for any extra help she can get.
"I should've done more research but the fact that people will overlook that and are willing to help us out it means the world to us," she said. "The bathroom and the stairs would be wonderful if we could get that done by Christmas."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Iran fires at suspected Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
Iran fired air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan after spotting drones, which were suspected to be part of an Israeli attack in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
In his new book 'As Long as You Need', hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Trend Line Anger, pessimism towards federal government reach six-year high: Nanos survey
Most Canadians in March reported feeling angry or pessimistic towards the federal government than at any point in the last six years, according to a survey by Nanos Research.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.