Manitoba Pool Builder Facing Fraud Charges Launches New Business Under Different Name, Raising Fresh Concerns

Manitoba businessman facing dozens of fraud charges related to undelivered shipping-container swimming pools has launched a new company offering the same products under a different name, prompting renewed concerns from former customers across Canada and the United States.

Kurt Wittin, who is scheduled to stand trial later this year on 26 counts of fraud over $5,000 and one count of obstruction of justice, is now operating a new venture called Capitol Manufacturing. The company markets custom-built shipping-container pools and advertises nationwide, despite ongoing criminal proceedings connected to his previous businesses.

According to corporate records and a CBC News investigation, the public contact for Capitol Manufacturing is listed as “Kurt Martin,” which is reportedly Wittin using his legal middle name as a surname. The company is registered at the same Headingley, Manitoba address previously associated with several of Wittin’s former businesses, including Seventeen Pools, Swiss Coast Pools, Kustom Container Builders, and 204 Container Homes & Pools.

The latest development has sparked alarm among former customers who claim they paid tens of thousands of dollars for pools that were never delivered. Many have organized online support groups and continue to share warnings about their experiences, alleging years of delays, broken promises, and significant financial losses.

Capitol Manufacturing advertises custom shipping-container pools beginning at approximately $40,000 and promotes fast installation and innovative designs. The company’s website claims more than 14 years of experience building container pools. However, Manitoba corporate records indicate that Capitol Steel & Manufacturing, also known as Capital Manufacturing & Fabrication, was registered in October 2024, only days before Wittin was first charged by police.

Former customers argue that the marketing closely resembles previous businesses operated by Wittin. The company’s website also features projects associated with his former pool business, including a shipping-container pool that appeared on the popular HGTV program Fixer to Fabulous. Several customers have said that national television exposure helped establish credibility and influenced their decision to place orders.

Over the years, Wittin has faced multiple lawsuits from customers alleging that promised pools were never completed or delivered. At least one civil action resulted in a successful judgment against him.

In a previous interview with CBC Marketplace in 2023, Wittin acknowledged that some customers had waited years for products they expected within weeks. He also admitted offering a refund to a customer in exchange for not discussing their experience publicly with journalists.

At the time, Wittin stated that he intended to resolve outstanding issues and restore customer trust.

When asked why he was operating under a different name and why he had launched another pool business while previous complaints remained unresolved, neither Wittin nor his legal counsel provided direct answers. His lawyer stated only that, because the matter is before the courts, Wittin would not comment publicly.

CBC News reported that more than a dozen former customers have described problems involving Wittin’s previous companies. No complaints involving Capitol Manufacturing customers have yet been publicly documented.

Despite the ongoing criminal case, Capitol Manufacturing has continued advertising through social media and national publications, including recent promotions on Facebook.

The RCMP investigation remains active, and Wittin’s trial is expected to begin in December. The case has drawn national attention as authorities, former customers, and consumer advocates continue to examine allegations involving one of Canada’s most controversial custom pool builders.

As the legal proceedings move forward, many former clients say they are still seeking answers, refunds, and accountability for what they describe as years of frustration and financial hardship.

Courtesy: CBC