FAQ
How long has Scorpio Masonry been in business?
Scorpio Masonry first began operations in Edmonton in 1974 under the name Pockar Brothers Masonry (Northern) Ltd. Today the company operates as Scorpio Masonry (Northern) Inc. in Alberta and Scorpio Masonry SK Ltd. in Saskatchewan. Throughout the years Scorpio has built a reputation of being a leading masonry contractor in Alberta and Saskatchewan. For more information please visit our History page.
What is masonry?
Masonry consists of building structures from individual units held together by mortar. Masonry can also refer to the material being used for the construction. These materials include concrete and glass block, clay brick, various types of stones, marble and granite. Masonry is a durable and versatile form of construction. It should be installed by a certified journeyman bricklayer to ensure that it is installed correctly. We do a variety of commercial, repair and restoration projects, as well as some larger scale residential projects. Please visit our Commercial, Restoration and Residential Service pages for more information.
What is a Mason?
Mason is another term for a bricklayer, and should not be confused with a “Freemason”. All of our bricklayers are certified journeyman, having completed the provincial apprenticeship program or successfully challenged the equivalency exam. Bricklayers receive both technical and on-the-job training while they apprentice. They are able to read blueprints and specifications, interpret building codes and possess a strong knowledge of the tools and materials, allowing them to install the variety of masonry products.
How do I become a bricklayer?
Bricklaying is a registered Red Seal trade in Canada. Both Alberta and Saskatchewan have provincial apprenticeship programs that are completed over 3 years and combine technical classroom learning with on-the-job training. Both provinces also have programs available to high school students interested in learning a trade. In Alberta the program is called the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) and in Saskatchewan it is called the Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship Program (SYA). Scholarships are available to apprentices in both provinces. Please visit our Alberta Apprenticeship page or Saskatchewan Apprenticeship page for more information on these programs.
Are there any employment opportunities within your company?
We are always looking for hardworking, motivated individuals to join our team. Please visit the Job Listings on our Employment page for current opportunities in Alberta and Saskatchewan. In the Employment section of our website you will also find information on the Apprenticeship Programs in Alberta and Sasktachewan, as well as what factors to consider if you are a foreign worker looking for employment in Canada.
Why use masonry over other building products?
There are many reasons why masonry is a superior building product. Masonry is commonly used in building construction, including schools, hospitals, museums, fence and high rise buildings. Masonry is a green building product. It can increase a building’s sustainability and reduce environmental impact. It’s durable and requires minimal maintenance. Masonry in a building envelope helps buildings withstand the freeze/thaw cycles common to our climate. It’s safe; concrete block walls have a 2 hour fire rating and can still withstand the pressure of a firehouse. These are just some of the benefits of building with masonry. For more information, please visit our Why Masonry? page.
Do you do chimney repairs?
We often get requests for residential brick chimney repairs, and unfortunately we are not currently performing that type of project. We regularly perform residential work, but it is generally when masonry is being used extensively on a new home or for major renovations. If your chimney repair project is in Edmonton you can contact our office for suggestions on who to contact, or you can visit the Masonry Contractors Association of Alberta website for a list of contractors in the northern region. For more information, please visit our Residential Services page.
How can I contact Scorpio Masonry?
You can contact our office by phoning, faxing our emailing. In Edmonton we can be reached by phone at 780.447.1682, or toll free at 1.888.447.1682. Our fax number is 780.447.1642 and email inquiries can be sent to reception@scorpiomasonry.com. We have downloadable detailed directions for getting to our office on the Contact page.
In Saskatoon we can be reached by phone at 306.382.7775 and by fax at 306.382.7642. Email inquiries can be sent to scorpiomasonry@sasktel.net.
If you have a question regarding employment, first please review our Job Listings and the Why Scorpio? pages on our website prior to contacting the offices.
What is our safety policy?
Scorpio Masonry takes safety seriously. We have a comprehensive Health and Safety Policy, and have maintained a Certificate of Recognition (COR) since 2004. A COR is issued by Alberta Employment and Immigration to employers who develop and maintain health and safety programs that meet the established standards. A COR is valid for 3 years, with audits being completed annually.
What sets us apart from other contractors?
Our vision is to be the most influential masonry organization. For us this means being involved in and promoting the masonry industry, and consistently delivering top quality work on every project we’re involved in. To get these results we need to hire quality individuals who also strive to meet this vision. Our people and our vision are what set us apart.
What is our market scope?
We perform commercial, restoration and residential work in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Our contracts vary from below $10,000 to above $1,000,000. The scope of our projects varies from firewalls, to University buildings, to multi-million dollar correctional facilities. If you require pricing on a masonry project, please use the Quote Request form on our website, or contact our Edmonton office at 780.447.1682 or our Saskatchewan office at 306.382.7775.
Who will be on your team?
All of our crews are led by foremen who are experienced certified bricklayers. The crews consist of journeyman bricklayers, apprentices and labourers. These crews are supported by the site superintendent, safety manager, estimators, administrative staff and company president. Our management staff have extensive experience in the masonry field.
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