About the DSWAC

Dry Stone Walling Across Canada
Dry Stone Walling Across Canada

After having firmly established a growing network of wallers in Canada who have been cooperating together since 2001 to promote every aspect of dry stone walling, we are pleased to be serving our Canadian membership even better.

The interest and feedback that our organization has generated in the past has facilitated a whole new thrust of activity here in Canada. Our goal is to continue to run walling events, teaching demonstrations, competitions, and various presentations, as well as introduce a more relevant Canadian standard of walling to ensure that the traditions and techniques of our craft are better adapted to our specific needs.
 
 We look forward to developing a walling program where Canadians wishing to learn more about walling in this country may obtain basic instruction and if they wish, testing towards becoming 'officially' accepted by our organization. We are working towards establishing a system whereby a 'Recognition of Merit' will be awarded to those who attain a level of walling consistent with what they will need to take on this craft in a professional capacity.
 
While there is a 'business' aspect of any organization, the income from the DSWAC enables us to continue running many different programs. We in fact do not charge for our services organizing events such as the very successful 'Roctoberfest' run each year on Canada Thanksgiving, nor do we charge for many other events, as well as online advice, the posting of walling resources, links, photo archives , running of competitions, and finally the operating an up-to-date website of dry stone walling activities going on across Canada. In this manner we are actively striving to further the 'association' of dry stone wallers here in this country . We hope to continue to operate 'in the black' in order to be able to run more dry stone related activities each year.
 
Our membership reflects a large cross section of very enthusiastic people here in Canada who are discovering or perhaps rekindling their interest in dry stone walling. We have had numerous seminars, events and demonstrations teaching everything from historic wall repair to creating new dry stone features.
 
Membership with  DSWAC is only 25 dollars a year. This gives members password protected access to our DSWAC 'Members Only Area' which includes information, updates, pictures and other surprises.
 
In addition to our regular events, it is possible for private groups and corporations to make arrangements with the DSWAC to hold tailored dry stone wall workshops within their organization as part of a special event or as a team-building initiative.
 
 
The DSWAC also gives a lecture/slide presentation on Dryscaping to garden clubs for a small fee. As well as providing these services, specially qualified members of the DSWAC can be contacted through the association to both design and build free standing walls for private commissions. Permanent structures such as dry stone walls , garden features , follies and small bridges built in the dry laid method are just some of the possibilities open to those interested in having something special built on their property.
 

 

President: John-Shaw Rimmington at john@dswac.ca


 West Coast Field Director:  Christopher Barclay at cwbarclay@gmail.com 

East Coast Field Director: ktuach@yahoo.ca

Dry Stone Walling Across Canada

 

Dry Stone Walling Across Canada
 
This decision was made for several excellent reasons. After a modest beginning in 2000 — a one day seminar for neighbours and friends at our Cannington, Ontario farm — DSWAC has held well over a hundred seminars across the country from Vancouver Island to Cornerbrook, Newfoundland (2007) and has active members throughout Canada and across the world.
 
Our aims remain the same and we will continue to focus on drawing much needed attention to the use of dry laid stonework here in Canada, both historically and in contemporary applications, through beginner seminars, public events and the annual Thanksgiving festival. Through this name change, we also hope to clear up any confusion about our connection with the 40 year old British charitable organization, DSWA.uk.org.
 
While we hold the DSWA in high regard, we do not now, nor ever have had any official connection other than one of general interest and friendship with individual members.
 
For the time being, we will continue to steer anyone interested in formalizing their dry stone skills towards the British certification but look forward to working with Canadian professionals developing  a certification process more applicable to the North American market and needs.