Kitimat, B.C. — A new chapter in the history of the B.C. Muslim Association (BCMA) was written this week with the grand opening of the Kitimat Islamic Centre, the first mosque established in northwestern British Columbia. The project, completed in under six months, stands out as a symbol of determination, generosity, and community spirit.
What makes this achievement especially historic is that it is the first masjid in BCMA’s history to be established without internal loans or Qarde Hasana. The entire project was funded through community donations, a testament to the generosity of Muslims across the province who recognized the importance of serving this growing region.
From Vision to Reality
The journey began in January 2024 with the search for a suitable location. Within weeks, the first members were enrolled, and after observing the mandatory 90-day waiting period, the proposal was presented and approved by BCMA’s council. By September 2025, the dream had become a reality.
The new centre, housed in a former church, holds deep symbolic meaning. It represents both continuity and renewal—transforming a place of worship into a new spiritual home for Muslims in Kitimat, Terrace, Prince Rupert, and smaller towns scattered across northwestern B.C.
A Community Celebration
The opening ceremony brought together a diverse cross-section of local society. Among the honored guests were Mayor Phil Germuth, local MLAs and MPs, members of the RCMP, the fire department, and representatives of public services. In a powerful display of interfaith harmony, leaders from the United Church and other local churches joined their Muslim neighbors in celebrating the occasion.
From the BCMA, President Br. Asad Gondal and Secretary Br. Fadi Kanafani attended alongside Shaykh Yahya of BCMA Richmond and several other officials. President Gondal expressed heartfelt appreciation to the community, noting:
“This remarkable achievement was only possible because of the collective contributions of our brothers and sisters. Their generosity and sacrifices remind us of what we can accomplish when we work together for the sake of Allah.”
A Beacon for Northwestern B.C.
Kitimat, a town of about 8,000 people located over 1,400 kilometers north of Vancouver, may seem remote, but its new masjid will serve as a vital hub for Muslims in the entire North Coast region. With the nearest established Islamic centres hundreds of kilometers away, the Kitimat Islamic Centre fills a critical gap—offering a place for daily prayers, Friday khutbahs, Islamic education, and community programs.
The presence of such a centre also strengthens ties between Muslims and their neighbors. The participation of local churches, civic leaders, and service officials underscored how mosques, beyond being places of worship, can become bridges of friendship and understanding.
Looking Ahead
The opening of the Kitimat Islamic Centre is more than just a local event—it reflects the growth and resilience of the Muslim community in British Columbia. For the BCMA, it sets a new precedent: a debt-free, community-funded model for establishing mosques. For the region, it ensures that Muslims—whether long-time residents or newcomers—have a spiritual and social home.
As the celebrations concluded, the message was clear: the Kitimat Islamic Centre is not only a victory for the Muslim community but a gift to the wider community of northwestern B.C., built on faith, unity, and shared humanity.