Islamic Society of Toronto and Metrolinx to convert building in Thorncliffe Park to a new Islamic Centre

Today (Dec. 14), the Islamic Society of Toronto (IST) and Metrolinx announced that an existing IST building, at 20 Overlea Boulevard in Thorncliffe Park, will be converted into a new Islamic Centre with significant additional community benefits, as part of the Ontario Line project.

The new centre will include larger and more extensive prayer spaces, new religious services and facilities, a mezzanine area that will provide bigger and better prayer spaces for women, as well as areas for educational and schooling programs.

This new space will also offer a business centre for local, community-based organizations and businesses to relocate to and will offer new gymnasium facilities to play sports such as, basketball, volleyball, and indoor cricket.

The new centre realizes the Islamic Society of Toronto’s vision for a new, expanded mosque with new facilities that can serve the communities in Thorncliffe Park and Flemingdon Park, all just steps away from the future Thorncliffe Station on the Ontario Line subway.

“Transit has always been a catalyst for community building, development and growth,” said Metrolinx President and CEO Phil Verster.

“Helping the Islamic Society of Toronto deliver on their vision for a new, bigger Islamic Centre will bring benefits to the community far beyond the positive impact the new Ontario Line subway will bring.”

The agreement between Metrolinx and the Islamic Society of Toronto to bring this facility to a part of Toronto that needs this kind of investment is now going through approvals with the IST’s current active founding members.

“This will bring to life the dream that we have had for our community for the past two decades. This collaboration with Metrolinx will deliver a better and bigger facility for our growing community,” said the Islamic Society of Toronto Leadership.

“We can’t wait to bring more prayer space for women, more recreational and educational spaces for our children, youth and seniors and more spaces for local businesses and organizations.”