Toronto's first all Muslim cemetery gets approval
The Ontario Government has granted a license to the Toronto Muslim Cemetery Corporation (TMCC), allowing it to operate the first all Muslim cemetery in Richmond Hill.
“TMCC is the first large Muslim Cemetery in the Greater Toronto Area with all graves correctly aligned towards Mecca, service on weekends, and providing Muslim denominations the comfort of managing services according to their religious custom,” said Sabi Ahsan, Board Chair of TMCC. “Future plans call for a new Operations Centre with complete funeral services available on site.”
The corporation is a joint project between Sunni and Shia Muslim communities.
“The Toronto Muslim Cemetery Corporation plans to hold its official opening ceremony in June 2012,” said Ahsan.
The 14-hectare land for the cemetery was bought for $6.8-million from a Jewish company – Beth Olam Cemetery Corporation – which provided the Muslim corporation with an interest-free mortgage.
It’s expected to hold 40, 000 graves and serve the needs of the estimated 300,000-strong Muslim community for at least 25 years.
According to TMCC, the corporation will immediately start processing pre-need sales of Interment Rights to Mosques that have previously established letters of intent with the corporation, followed by sales to individuals who have registered an interest on the TMCC website.
Public sales will occur after the opening of the on-site office.
Burial services will be available as soon as the remaining operational details including grading, landscaping and road building are finalized.
“TMCC appreciates the strong support it has received from the GTA Muslim Community and pledges to establish an excellent and caring facility for them,” said Board Chair, Sabi Ahsan. “We also wish to thank all the civic leaders and professionals who helped to make TMCC a reality.”
For more information please contact:
Sabi Ahsan, Chairman
Toronto Muslim Cemetery Corporation
License Number 4723061, Site 05121
Tel: 905-888-TMCC (8622), or 905-482-0175