Our Project
All praise is for Allah and may the peace and blessings be on the Messenger of Allah.
The Ottawa Muslim Cemetery Inc. (OMC) was incorporated as a non-profit, charitable organization, to establish a cemetery for the Muslim community in the Ottawa-Gatineau region and to provide a means for the Muslim community to carry out their responsibilities to adhere to the required Islamic funeral observances.
The Board of Directors have been active in searching for an appropriate piece of land that meets the requirements for a cemetery in accordance with the Cemeteries Act of Ontario and local zoning and environmental requirements. Over 160 sites was considered but it was difficult to meet the soil conditions, environmental tests, and zoning requirements for a cemetery in the Ottawa area. The stringent requirements reduce the choice of potential sites around Ottawa. The eastern part of the city has high water level, and the western part is rocky.
The Muslim community has been very patient in waiting for the development of this project. We have the means and processes in place; however, finding the appropriate piece of land has been a frustrating process. Al Hamdullilah, we have finally acquired the land and will be proceeding to the planning and development phase of the project.
Securing the site is only the first step in project development. Other steps include applying for land use approvals with the local municipality followed by formal application for a cemetery license with the Province. Once these approvals are granted, development of the site can take place. Upon completion of construction, the cemetery would be ready for operation.
The Ottawa Muslim Cemetery project would like to remind you that although interim arrangements for cemetery plots have become necessary, it is in the interest of the Muslim community to establish, manage, and control all aspects of its funeral arrangements including the cemetery itself. And that is the long-term objective of this project.
The Board of OMC remains committed to establishing a not-for-profit community cemetery as a local Muslim institution. With a Muslim population in the area of between 60,000 to 80,000 and growing, the need for a Muslim cemetery is more imminent.
Now that the land is formally acquired, we are actively engaging in fundraising activities. We count on your continued support and prayers.
