From the Desk of Ron Chelack— Director of Marketing and Business Development
Exciting News from Sask Masonry!
We’re thrilled to share that our rebranding journey is nearing completion. So far, we’ve unveiled a bold new logo, updated our font and color palette, and introduced a fresh motto that reflects our renewed vision.
Our website has undergone a full redesign — and the results speak for themselves. We invite you to explore the new look at www.saskmasonry.ca. If you have any feedback or questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office to help make our website more accessible and informative.
A heartfelt thank you to Danger Dynamite for their creative direction and support throughout this transformation. Their expertise has been instrumental in bringing our brand to life.
And while you’re out and about in Saskatoon and Regina, keep an eye out for our new billboard ads — proudly showcasing the Sask Masonry brand.
Maintenance study of Alberta Schools
We have successfully completed our assessment of the 80 RECAPP reports initiated by the Alberta Government. These reports offered a detailed snapshot of each school, outlining anticipated expenditure deemed necessary to maintain optimal facility operations.
Our review has yielded valuable insights into which building materials demonstrated the highest performance with the lowest need for repair and maintenance funding. The collected data and our summary report are currently undergoing a validity review. Once finalized, we will share our opinion report with interested stakeholders.
In addition to evaluating maintenance needs, this study has enabled us to recommend best practices and material choices for future school construction. Our goal is to produce a comprehensive report that will support decision-makers in planning and building more efficient, durable educational facilities.
Masonry Promotion for Schools / Government Facilities
Sask Masonry remains committed to fostering strong relationships with key decision makers to promote the use of masonry in new school builds. Ongoing conversations with local School Boards continue to affirm a shared vision: constructing resilient, long-lasting educational facilities using indestructible masonry systems.
We will persist in championing the advantages of masonry wall systems—from their superior performance and durability to their positive impact on local manufacturing and skilled labor. Few building methods contribute more meaningfully to the regional economy while delivering unmatched structural integrity.
As a telling example, a recent tender was issued in Regina to repair drywall in existing schools—a clear consequence of relying on inferior, underperforming materials. Masonry stands as the proven alternative.
Recent Fire – Regina
It’s both alarming and disheartening to witness yet another catastrophic event in the construction industry. While we’re grateful that no lives were lost, the destruction of the newly built apartment and the damage to neighboring homes is deeply unsettling and highly disruptive.
These incidents underscore the importance of choosing resilient building materials. Masonry construction significantly reduces fire risk and provides enhanced safety, durability, and acoustic comfort—qualities that tenants value and deserve.
From an insurance perspective, the contrast is significant. Builder’s risk premiums for wood-frame construction can be as much as six times higher than those for non-combustible alternatives. For instance, a 16-unit wood-frame building might face insurance costs ranging from $60,000 to $120,000. In comparison, a similarly sized structure built with concrete block and concrete flooring typically sees premiums between $10,000 and $20,000.
SKM Annual Golf Tournament & Seminar – A Day to Remember!
On July 21, 2025, Sask Masonry (SKM) hosted its much-anticipated annual golf tournament at the beautiful Riverside Country Club in Saskatoon. The day kicked off with a BBQ lunch, setting the tone for a fun-filled afternoon. Golfers then hit the course with a shotgun start, enjoying 18 scenic holes under perfect summer skies.
After the tournament, attendees gathered in the clubhouse for dinner and cocktails. The evening wrapped up with speeches and exciting prize giveaways. A huge thank you to all our generous sponsors who made this event possible!
Pre-Tournament Seminar with Bennett Banting
Before the tournament, Bennett Banting from the CMDC delivered a free 90-minute seminar that offered a practical and candid look at full bed masonry veneers—from structural integrity to architectural design and building envelope perspectives. The seminar was well received by attendees, and we extend our sincere thanks to Bennett for sharing his expertise
What’s New in MASS Software?
Comprehensive Analysis for Conventional Construction Shear Walls: Delve deeper into your designs with the ability to perform comprehensive analyses on conventional construction walls with a seismic hazard greater than 0.35. This enhancement allows for a more thorough understanding of structural behavior, ensuring robust and resilient designs.
Enhanced Shear Deformation Calculation: Experience more accurate deflection assessments with our newly integrated shear deformation component in deflection design. This enhancement empowers designers to fine tune their structures with precision, resulting in optimized performance and increased reliability.
Elevate your masonry design endeavors with the latest advancements in MASS software. Embrace innovation and unlock new possibilities in your projects today!
More Information Available
The Q3 2025 CMDC Quarterly Update:
The Q3 2025 CMDC Quarterly Update spotlights the 15th Canadian Masonry Symposium (CMS)—a landmark event co-hosted by the Canada Masonry Design Centre (CMDC) and Carleton University. Held at Ottawa’s Château Laurier, the symposium featured 112 technical papers from 15 countries, keynote addresses from Paulo Lourenço and Khaled Galal, and an opening panel on Parliament Hill’s Centre Block restoration. Across four days, researchers, engineers, architects, and contractors celebrated masonry’s cultural and structural significance, while technical sessions explored innovations in restoration, construction, and materials performance. Social gatherings at the Canadian Museum of History and the symposium’s awards banquet emphasized the unity of Canada’s masonry community
Beyond the national stage, the newsletter highlights CMDC’s technical and educational activity across the country. From Atlantic Canada’s work on mortar strength and conference participation, to Québec’s outreach at ÉTS and the Olympiades des Métiers, to Ontario’s collaboration with Western University on wind bracing research—each region shows active growth and innovation. CMDC also announced a new Winnipeg office, delivered seminars and student collaborations in Saskatchewan, led carbon and engineering training in Alberta, and supported ongoing seismic research at UBC in British Columbia. Together, these stories illustrate a sector deeply invested in craftsmanship, sustainability, and knowledge-sharing—the living foundation of Canada’s masonry legacy.