Overview

The Atlantic Masonry Institute (AMI) is an industry organization founded in 2016 and made from masonry contractors, manufacturers and suppliers dedicated to the promotion of quality masonry construction through training, support, and workforce development. AMI was formed when the industry got together to discuss the lack of continuing education for contractors and the design community after they had finished their respective schooling/training. As years pass; the design, detailing and construction using masonry adapts to: new building codes, new design standard, increased awareness of energy loss, and industry innovation. AMI has entered into a joint venture with the CMDC, which is a not-for-profit that encourages the effective use of masonry through research, education and technical support. The Canada Masonry Design Centre is unique in its mandate by providing services to its contractor members in addition to supporting the external design community. CMDC is an association created and funded by its masonry contractor members in an effort to bridge the gap between the design community and the masonry construction industry. CMDC is staffed by 7 masonry engineers with experience in all facets of masonry throughout all of Canada. The AMI partnership with CMDC led to the opening of the CMDC Atlantic/AMI office in Dartmouth, NS and CMDC hiring an engineer to staff this Dartmouth office, and to provide local support to the Atlantic provinces. In 2019, AMI expanded its purpose to include workforce development. What began as a pilot project in Nova Scotia to introduce high school students to masonry, has now expanded into an inter-provincial masonry education program geared towards introducing masonry to students and educating them about the potential opportunities with a career in masonry. AMI understands that investing in the future is what will keep our trade strong.