Muslim association proposes new community complex in Junot Park

A proposed development in Junot Park would create a hub for the city’s Muslim community.

The Thunder Bay Muslim Religious Association is planning to build a prayer hall, a day school, a gymnasium, a community hall and a small residential development on three acres of the 13.4-acre greenspace next to the Junot Avenue fire station.

“They’re a group that’s been in our community for decades, and they have outgrown their current space, and they’re looking to build a new facility,” Deanna Walker, manager of realty services, told Newswatch on Wednesday.

She said if council declares the land surplus, the religious organization is planning to develop the property in phases, likely starting with the prayer hall.

Walker said the development is still in the concept stages and all design renderings only represent what the property could look like once finished.

She said the neighbourhood is appropriately zoned for the proposed development and the proposed residential building will be urban mid-rise, with likely more than 10 units.

“It’s already in a built-up area. It may have benefits to the rest of the park, and it certainly is in alignment with the recently adopted Smart Growth Action Plan. (It) creates community spaces inviting cultural uses, and that well aligns with the proposed use,” Walker said.

She said the land would be suitable for the development project because it is close to community amenities and a transit route, but also has the potential to increase safety in the area.

“We’ve heard some reports of undesirable behaviours in that park and adjacent trails, and we feel that increased community presence can help mitigate those behaviours in the park and make it more enjoyable for the active portion of the park,” Walker said.

An open house will be held Thur. May 28 from 6-8 pm at the 55 Plus Centre on River Street to provide more information and obtain feedback.

The city also invites residents to provide feedback through an online survey, open until June 1.

Paper copies of the survey are available at city hall and at public library branches.

Walker said the public feedback will be presented to the Growth Standing Committee for review on June 16 and city council is expected to decide on July 7 whether to declare the lands surplus._ tbnewswatch.com

article website here

….build a prayer hall, a day school, a gymnasium, a community hall and a small residential development…

Not sure how a ‘faith based residential development’ works.  Pretty sure that is against the law.  All residential developments in this city needs to be open to all people of all religious persuasions.

Multiculturism is only successful if cultures mix. Are spread out in the community.

Nothing wrong with faith based day school, gymnasium and community hall.  Faith based residential developments should not be allowed in this city.  No matter the religion.

These ‘small residential developments’ lead to large residential developments.   Not sure how that is a good thing. Not sure how the city benefits from this.