One of Ottawa’s oldest mosques is on track to receive official heritage designation following a positive recommendation from city officials. Built between 1973 and 1979, the Ottawa Mosque is among the earliest Islamic places of worship in Ontario and is managed by the Ottawa Muslim Association.
According to a report by city staff, the mosque meets five of nine criteria for heritage status, praised for its unique blend of modern and traditional Islamic architecture, including a dome, minaret, and square prayer hall. Officials described it as a rare example of contemporary religious design.
The mosque also serves as a cultural hub, offering educational and social services to the city’s growing Muslim population, which numbers nearly 100,000 according to the 2021 census. The city’s heritage committee will review the recommendation next Tuesday, with an official notice of intent to designate expected soon. Mosque leadership has expressed support for the initiative.
