Ottawa's Centretown Mosque: A new chapter for a historic Ottawa landmark

Ottawa's Centretown Mosque: A new chapter for a historic Ottawa landmark

The Centretown Mosque is a new and dynamic Islamic centre in Ottawa, carving out a unique space in the heart of the capital city while honouring the rich history of its building. More than just a place of worship, it aims to be a vibrant community hub for Muslims and non-Muslims.

A Building with a Rich Legacy:

Located at 397 Kent Street, the mosque occupies a historic building with a compelling past. Constructed in 1911 for $33,000, it originally served as the First United Church of Ottawa, a significant landmark that notably hosted Canada's first mixed-race marriage. 

Later, it became home to the Ottawa Chinese-Canadian Heritage Centre, continuing its legacy as a place of community gathering and cultural exchange. 

In 2025, the building embarked on its newest chapter as the Centretown Mosque, bringing new life to its storied halls while preserving its spirit of diversity and inclusion. 

The building features two halls: the original main hall with its high ceilings, arches, organ pipes, and stained-glass windows, and a more recent, modern secondary hall.

Addressing a Downtown Need:

For years, Ottawa's Muslim community has seen mosques and community centres primarily open in the city's outskirts. 

The Centretown Mosque fills a critical void, becoming the first major mosque in Ottawa's downtown core. 

This central location makes it accessible to a diverse and growing Muslim population in the urban centre and individuals of all faiths seeking connection and community.

Mission and Vision:

The Centretown Mosque is committed to leading and serving the community by "learning, embracing, and living through Islam." 

They aim to foster "a united and strong Muslim community preparing leaders and volunteers contributing prosperity for all Canadians." 

Core values include compassion, accountability, and respect for everyone, regardless of race, culture, religion, or gender. 

They emphasize an integrated approach to care that is holistic, non-discriminatory, caring, and innovative, working with principles of justice, anti-oppression, and decolonization.

Programs and Community Engagement:

Beyond the five daily prayers and weekly Friday congregations (Jummah), the Centretown Mosque offers a variety of programs for all ages and genders:

  • Educational Programs: These include Fiqh classes exploring Islamic jurisprudence, Adult Quran classes focusing on recitation and Tajweed, and a Kids Education program (for ages 6-16) covering Hifz (Quran memorization), Arabic language, and Islamic Studies.
  • Social and Wellness Activities: The mosque hosts Sisters Pilates programs, sisters' social nights, and community gatherings to foster connection and well-being.
  • Public Lectures and Events: They regularly feature guest speakers on various topics, such as Islamic finance and relationship coaching, often in collaboration with university Muslim student associations.
  • Inclusivity: The mosque actively promotes inclusivity, welcoming both Muslims and non-Muslims to its events, including meals and social gatherings. They opened their doors for Ramadan prayers shortly after establishing themselves and invited the broader community to celebrate events like Eid al-Adha with them.

Leadership and Future Aspirations:

The mosque is led by Imam Dr. Muhammad Suliman, who brings extensive experience in Islamic studies and youth development. 

The group is actively fundraising to secure the historic building, to raise $2.5 million by October 2025 to solidify its ownership and support ongoing renovations. This long-term vision includes establishing an Islamic academy for future generations.

The Centretown Mosque stands as a testament to faith, community, and the adaptive reuse of heritage. By breathing new life into a cherished Ottawa landmark, it is building a vital center for spiritual growth, education, and interfaith understanding in the heart of the capital.