A contractor has been ordered to pay over $128,000 to a charity in Duncan after he spent the money on a trip across Canada and personal expenses.
The Cowichan Green Community is a charity that aims to improve food security and promote local and sustainable food production.
The CGC planned to build a commercial building in Duncan to serve as a “Food Hub” for local food producers, processors and research.
Christopher Patrick Whittle was hired for “contracting consulting services” by the CGC to work on their Food Hub project.
CGC agreed to pay two deposits, one of $10,000 and one for $50,000, Whittle later billed them for an additional deposit of $36,000.
After receiving the deposits Whittle transferred the money out of the business accounts he controlled.
“He used the deposit money to pay for personal expenses, including a cross-Canada trip, surf lodges, motorsports, pet supplies, vaporizers, restaurants, pubs and liquor and cannabis purchases,” reads the ruling.
The CGC was seeking damages of $70,000 but the judge only granted $21,000.
The court ordered Whittle to pay $128,847, made up of $100,800 in compensatory damages, $21,600 punitive damages and pre-judgment interest of $6,447.
