Jaffari Village: A Vision of Community and Continuity Takes Shape in Thornhill

In the heart of Thornhill, a vision decades in the making is finally taking its definitive shape.

Jaffari Village, the ambitious master-planned expansion of the Islamic Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaat (ISIJ) of Toronto, is more than just a development project; it is a testament to the evolution of a community that has called York Region home for nearly half a century.

For the Canadian Muslim community, Jaffari Village represents a milestone in "purposeful living."

It is a bold attempt to weave faith, family, and heritage into the very fabric of the urban landscape.

A Legacy Grounded in Faith

The story of Jaffari Village began long before the first shovel hit the ground. The ISIJ of Toronto, primarily comprised of Muslims who arrived in Canada in the 1970s, established their roots with the Jaffari Islamic Centre in 1979.

Over the decades, as the congregation grew to thousands of members, so did their needs.

The current project at 9000 Bathurst Street is an extension of the existing 161,000-square-foot Jaffari Community Centre (JCC), which already houses a mosque, the As-Sadiq Islamic School, a gymnasium, and social halls.

This new phase moves the mission from a place of visiting to a place of belonging.

The Vision: A "Cultural Campus"

The project is designed as a multi-generational "cultural campus."

By integrating residential living with community infrastructure, it addresses a growing need for senior housing and family-centric urban planning. Key features of the development include:

• Life Lease Residences: 134 units designed to provide a secure, values-based housing option for seniors.
• Diverse Housing Mix: A combination of mid-rise residential buildings and 60 townhouses.
• Seamless Integration: Underground access will connect the residences directly to the JCC and mosque, allowing elders and families to attend prayers and community events without facing the harsh Canadian winter.

The project has evolved to include public-facing elements like walking trails and a new playing field, signaling an intent to be a "good neighbour" to the wider Vaughan community.

Navigating Growth through Dialogue

The journey to approval was a masterclass in community leadership and civic engagement.

For years, the project was at the center of a spirited debate regarding density and urban planning.

The ISIJ leadership responded with resilience and a spirit of compromise, undergoing five major revisions and dozens of working group meetings with the City of Vaughan.

The result is a more compact, environmentally conscious design that respects the adjacent East Don River Valley lands.

This approach reflects the expertise required in modern community building—balancing the internal needs of a growing faith group with the external responsibilities of being part of a diverse municipality.

A Model for the Future

Jaffari Village is a bold answer to a question many immigrant communities face: How do we build a future that honours our roots while contributing to the growth of our new home?

By creating a space where "values create value," the ISIJ of Toronto is providing a blueprint for sustainable, faith-inspired development.

For the seniors who will find companionship in their retirement and the young families who will walk their children to the on-site school, Jaffari Village is not just a collection of buildings.

It is a sanctuary for the soul and a legacy for generations to come.

As the project moves forward, it stands as a landmark of what can be achieved when a community leads with patience, vision, and an unwavering commitment to its core principles.

It is a reminder that when we build for our families, we are also building the foundation of a stronger, more inclusive Canada.

Sources

• Jaffari Village Official Website: Project overview, architectural renderings, and residential details. jaffarivillage.com
• ISIJ of Toronto: Organizational history and community mission statements. jaffari.org
• City of Vaughan Planning Department: Public records regarding the 9000 Bathurst Street development and community consultation report