Austin challenged the rival firm's right to share the streets of Winnipeg, and he fought a legal battle that extended to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.

They had five children: James Percival (Percy) (1885–1954), Adele (1886–1968), Albert (Bertie) (1888–1913), Anna Kathleen (1892–1983), and Constance Margaret (1894–1966).

[4] Austin built his home at 122 Carlton Street (later as Havergal College / Rupert’s Land Girls School 1901-1954, demolished 1964).

Eventually, Austin would succeed his father as president of both the Dominion Bank and the Consumer's Gas Company.

Austin moved his family from Lowther Avenue to the home, and he lived there for the rest of his life.

While Austin preserved the basic form of the house, many of the features that today survive date from his renovations.