We’re Purchasing a New Mosque and Albanian Cultural Centre

Donate now to help complete the largest project the Albanian Canadian Community HAS UNITED TO FINISH!

CRA Registered Charity | Charity # 119050037 RR0001

Messages From Our Community Members

Our Rich History

Since our founding in 1957 by Albanian immigrants who transformed a modest leather shop on Dundas Street into Toronto’s first mosque, the Albanian Muslim Society of Toronto has been the heart of Albanian heritage and Islamic faith in Canada.

Today, with over 2,300 devoted members and growing, our current space can no longer accommodate the surge of worshippers, students, and families drawn to our cultural and educational programs.

We are ready to honour our rich past and empower future generations by building a new, purpose-built cultural centre and mosque. This centre will not only serve as a place of worship but also as a vibrant cultural hub that preserves our language, traditions, and unity for decades to come.

Record-breaking Membership and Attendance

Youth Engagement at an All-Time High

A Centre to Support our Culture and Religion is Needed for the Next Generation

Donate to Help Finish Historic Project!

Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQ section is designed to provide clear and transparent answers to the most common questions about our plans for a new mosque and community centre. Our goal is to keep our members informed, address any concerns, and ensure everyone understands how their support is being used. If you have further questions, we welcome you to reach out directly.

1. What happens to the donations if we do not close on the current deal?

If we do not close on our current deal, we will continue our search for a property that aligns with our vision. All donations for the new mosque are tracked separately and will only be used for that purpose. For example, we have maintained a record of all past contributions, and those funds remain reserved. No funds from this campaign will be used for other purposes.

2.⁠ ⁠What is the due diligence period for the purchase of 1 City View Drive?

As part of the purchase agreement for 1 City View Drive, we have a 60-day due diligence period that allows us to exit the deal for any reason—without penalty—up until July 18, 2025.

During this time, we are actively conducting a full due diligence review. This includes:

Assessing the property’s physical condition
Reviewing legal and zoning matters
Engaging with city officials and consultants to begin the process of rezoning the site for use as a community centre and mosque

This period gives us the opportunity to ensure the property aligns with our long-term vision, meets the needs of our growing community, and complies with all municipal and regulatory requirements.

We are proceeding with care, professionalism, and a deep sense of responsibility to our members and supporters.

3. Once the new community centre is built, how will we afford ongoing maintenance and operating costs?

To sustain the new facility, we will:

Rent out spaces, such as the banquet hall
Increase the annual membership fee from $50 to $100
Encourage community contributions through volunteered services and donated materials

A larger, more active centre will increase community involvement, which in turn leads to greater financial and volunteer support.

4. Will there be paid staff at the community centre?

Yes, we expect to hire a facility manager and housekeeping staff. Additional roles will be added as needed.

5. What is the vision for the new community centre?

We aim to create a comprehensive community hub that includes:

A prayer hall
Ghusl facility (for washing the deceased)
Banquet hall with kitchen
Classrooms
Recreation room
Outdoor play area
Large parking lot

This will also serve as an Albanian cultural center, offering:

Language classes
Cultural and recreational activities
Programs open to all Albanians, regardless of religion

6. I have donated to AMST for many years. Will long-time elders be recognized?

Yes. We deeply value the decades of support and sacrifice from our elders. As part of the new mosque project, we will explore ways to honour long-standing members, including dedicated recognition, special invitations, and roles in our opening ceremonies.

7. Will the new community centre include a library?

Yes, our goal includes a library, along with classrooms, a gym, and other services—depending on the property acquired. We’ll encourage members to donate books, equipment, and furniture when the time comes.

8. Will there be accommodations for the Imam and his family?

We are exploring the option of constructing a guest suite/apartment on-site, depending on zoning and space availability.

9. Are there plans to add a second floor to increase space or rental opportunities?

As the property is 25,689 square feet, this will meet all of our short and medium-term requirements. For the long term, if the property allows, we are open to constructing a second floor to add space and generate additional rental income. Volunteer contributions from Albanian contractors could help make this feasible.

10. How will the new mosque and community centre benefit non-Muslim Albanians?

We will offer:

Albanian language and cultural programs (e.g., folk dancing)
Inclusive access to events and classes
Rental spaces for Albanian businesses and family functions at affordable rates

Our goal is to be a welcoming space for all Albanians, regardless of faith.

11. Can I donate on behalf of someone else or a family member who has passed?

Yes, you can. Donations toward the new mosque project can absolutely be made on behalf of a loved one — whether living or deceased. Many members of our community choose to give in memory of parents, grandparents, or family members as a form of Sadaqah Jariyah (ongoing charity), which continues to earn reward for the deceased long after they have passed.

When making your donation, simply indicate the name of the person you are donating on behalf of, and we will include them in our prayers and project acknowledgments where applicable. This is a powerful way to honour their legacy while helping build a lasting home for our community.

12. Is my donation tax-deductible?

Yes, your donation is tax-deductible. The Albanian Muslim Society of Toronto is a registered Canadian charitable organization. All eligible donations made toward the construction of the new mosque qualify for an official tax receipt, which you can use when filing your Canadian income taxes.

Tax receipts are issued automatically if the donation is made through our website. For donations made through other methods (e.g. e-transfer, cheque, or in-person), tax receipts are usually issued within one week and sent by email to the address provided at the time of donation. If you have any issues or need to update your email address, please contact our team at xhamia@albmuslim.ca

13. What is AMST’s Return Policy for Donations?

As a registered charitable organization, the Albanian Muslim Society of Toronto (AMST) does not issue refunds for donations, especially once a tax receipt has been generated. All contributions toward the new mosque project are considered final and are directed toward construction, development, and community-serving initiatives.

We are grateful for your support and committed to the responsible stewardship of every contribution.

14. How will the new mosque and community centre preserve Albanian language and culture?

One of the core goals of the new facility is to ensure Albanian identity is preserved across generations. This includes offering Albanian language classes, cultural programming, history workshops, and events that celebrate our traditions, music, and values. The new space will allow us to expand and professionalize these offerings.

15. How can I stay updated on the project’s progress?

We provide regular updates through email, social media, and at AMST events.

16. Will naming opportunities be available for donors?

Yes. We plan to offer recognition and naming opportunities for donors contributing at various levels. This may include naming rooms, sponsoring spaces like the prayer hall, classrooms, or library, or being listed on a donor wall. More details will be released as the project progresses.

17. Can I volunteer to help with the new mosque project?

Absolutely. We welcome volunteers in areas such as fundraising, communications, project planning, legal support, and more. If you’d like to contribute your time or expertise, please contact us at xhamia@albmuslim.ca.

18. What will happen to the current mosque on Annette Street?

The current mosque at 564 Annette Street will remain open and fully operational throughout the transition to the new facility. Once the new mosque and community centre are complete and ready for full use, we will look to sell the Annette Street property, with all proceeds directed toward supporting the long-term sustainability of the new centre. Updates on the sale and transition will be communicated to the community in advance to ensure full transparency.

19. Will the new mosque and community centre be accessible for seniors?

Yes, accessibility is a priority. The new building will be designed with seniors in mind, including elevators, accessible washrooms, ramps, handrails, and seating areas to ensure that all members—regardless of age or mobility—can participate comfortably and safely.

20. Will there be programs or spaces specifically for seniors?

Yes. We are planning dedicated programming and space for seniors, including daytime gatherings, discussion groups, Albanian language and history sessions, and wellness workshops. Our goal is to ensure seniors feel connected, engaged, and valued as the backbone of our community.

21. Will there be a youth space at the new mosque and community centre?

Yes. One of our key goals is to create a dedicated youth space—a welcoming, safe, and vibrant environment where young people can gather, learn, and lead. This may include a youth lounge, meeting rooms, study areas, and multipurpose spaces for events, sports, or creative activities.

22. Will there be programs specifically for youth?

Yes. The new centre will support a range of youth-focused programs, including leadership development, Islamic studies, career workshops, mentorship, sports leagues, and volunteer opportunities. We want youth to feel that this is their space, not just their parents’.

23. Can youth be involved in the planning or leadership of the new centre?

Absolutely. We strongly believe in youth leadership. As the project evolves, we’ll be forming youth advisory groups and offering volunteer roles to help shape the vision, events, and programs that matter most to young people in our community.

2025 Prayer CalendarS

Click the button below to download and access the 2025 Prayer Calendars including Ramadan 2025 and Falja E Namazit. The file is in PDF Format. If you’re unable to access the file please reach out to the mosque by email – xhamia@albmuslim.ca and we will email you a version you require.

2025 Kalendari I Ramazanit (Shqip)

2025 Ramadan Calendar (English)

Access Yearly Prayer Calendar