Question 1

Does my Ottawa mason need the hardscaping licence for new steps?

Accepted Answer

Steps are named in the City of Ottawa's hardscaping licensing by-law, so the licence question is real and worth asking directly. Whether your contractor needs it depends on how the City reads the scope of your job. The hardscaping licence (By-law 2002-189, Schedule 36, as amended by By-law 2025-415) covers businesses installing or altering hard landscaping features on private property, and steps are among the named features.

Question 2

What questions should I ask an Ottawa mason before repointing?

Accepted Answer

Here are the questions worth covering before you sign for repointing. About the work itself - How do you cut out the old mortar, and how will you control the dust on site? (Mortar removal generates silica dust, a regulated workplace hazard; ask about wet cutting, dust extraction and respirators.) - What mortar type and mix are you planning, and how will you match the colour and joint profile of the existing joints? - How deep will you rake the joints before repointing?

Question 3

Finding an Ottawa mason who repoints with lime mortar?

Accepted Answer

To find a mason who works with lime mortar, say upfront, in your request, that you want lime-based mortar and ask each respondent to describe their experience with it specifically. When you speak with a mason, a few things are worth asking directly: - What lime-mortar mixes have they used, and on what kind of jobs? - Can they show past work or references from lime-mortar repointing? - How do they match mortar colour and joint profile to the existing wall?

Question 4

Do masons in Ottawa need any licence?

Accepted Answer

Masonry in Ontario is a non-compulsory trade, so a mason is not required to hold a certificate to work. We found no Ontario licence for masonry contractors either. The one licence that can come into play is the City of Ottawa's hardscaping contractor licence, which covers businesses installing or altering hard landscaping features on private property. Steps, walkways and patios are named features under that by-law. House walls, veneer and repointing are not named.

Question 5

Is there a limit on an Ottawa mason's deposit?

Accepted Answer

We found no deposit cap in Ontario law for masonry work. The Consumer Protection Act, 2002 does set a ceiling on the total charge: if the agreement includes an estimate, the contractor cannot charge more than 10 per cent above it. The Act also requires that any direct agreement over $50 be put in writing and delivered to you, and that you have 10 days after receiving that written copy to cancel without reason. That cooling-off period is worth knowing before you hand over any money.

Hiring & Quotes

Does my Ottawa mason need the hardscaping licence for new steps?

What questions should I ask an Ottawa mason before repointing?

Finding an Ottawa mason who repoints with lime mortar?

Do masons in Ottawa need any licence?

Is there a limit on an Ottawa mason's deposit?