Masonry Licensing in Ontario

Masonry (Brick and Stone Mason) is a voluntary (non-compulsory) trade in Ontario. No licence is legally required. However, the apprenticeship is available through Skilled Trades Ontario, requiring 5,600 hours (approximately 3 years) of training. Red Seal endorsement is available. For structural masonry work, building permits and possibly engineering are required. WSIB coverage is recommended for all masonry contractors.

Ask if they hold a Certificate of Qualification as a Brick and Stone Mason. Check for WSIB coverage.

(1) Uses mortar that does not match the original - incorrect mortar can damage old brick (2) No scaffolding for upper-storey or chimney work (unsafe ladder use) (3) Recommends covering brick with parging or paint instead of proper repair (4) Cannot explain the cause of the masonry damage, only the symptoms

(1) What type of mortar will you use, and will it match the existing masonry? (2) What is causing the damage, and how will your repair address the root cause? (3) Do you carry liability insurance and WSIB coverage? (4) Do you use scaffolding for elevated work? (5) What warranty do you provide on your masonry work?

While not legally required, it is strongly recommended that masonrys carry liability insurance. Ask for proof of coverage before hiring.

The Red Seal endorsement is a nationally recognized certification that allows tradespeople to work across all Canadian provinces and territories without additional testing. A Red Seal-endorsed tradesperson has met a standardized level of competency.

Typical rates for masonrys in Ontario range from $50-$100/hour. Type of masonry work (repair vs. new construction), material (brick, natural stone, manufactured stone), accessibility (chimney work requires scaffolding), condition of existing masonry, extent of damage, and whether structural repairs are needed. Chimney work is especially variable - minor repairs start at a few hundred dollars while full rebuilds can exceed $10,000.