New mosque opens in Toronto, historic day for Canadian Muslims
Islamic Society of Toronto (IST) celebrated the grand opening of its new Islamic Centre at 20 Overlea Boulevard in Thorncliffe Park
TORONTO, Canada (MNTV) – The Islamic Society of Toronto (IST) celebrated the grand opening of its new Islamic Centre at 20 Overlea Boulevard in Thorncliffe Park, marking a historic milestone for one of Toronto’s largest Muslim communities.
The 66,377-square-foot mosque is roughly five times larger than IST’s previous facility and serves approximately 40,000 people across Thorncliffe Park, Flemingdon Park, and surrounding areas.
The centre features expanded prayer halls, improved women’s prayer spaces, a dedicated mezzanine, educational programs, youth recreation areas, community business spaces, and facilities for funeral services.
The project was supported by a $49.5 million partnership with Metrolinx, linked to the Ontario Line transit project, which required demolishing IST’s original mosque.
Metrolinx CEO Phil Verster stated: “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.”
Educational offerings include full-time and part-time Hifz programs, six-year Alim and Alima courses, evening Madrasah classes, and Sunday Islamic school for children aged 6–16. A gymnasium hosts basketball, volleyball, and indoor cricket, while up to 24,000 square feet accommodates 19 local businesses and community organizations affected by construction.
IST has grown since 1995 from a single facility into a comprehensive hub for spiritual, educational, and social services, providing multiple daily prayers, youth programs, marriage counseling, and international charitable initiatives.
The grand opening represents decades of planning, perseverance, and growth, ensuring that Toronto’s Muslim population has the resources to practice their faith and strengthen community bonds for generations.
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