Mira opened her binder to “Foundation drains must discharge to a storm sewer, daylight, or a sump with a backup pump. You’ve done none of these.” She also cited Section 9.7.1.1. on exterior grading, which demands that ground slope away from walls at a minimum of 2% for six metres. Leo’s site sloped toward the foundation.

The Patels framed the compliance certificate and hung it by the door. Beside it, a photo of the Grand River at spring flood—a quiet reminder that in Ontario, codes are the only thing standing between a home and the deep.

Leo shrugged. “Grandma doesn’t like steps.”

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