Moroccan association to build Montreal's first minaret

After several years of lobbying and contacts with Quebec's authorities, the Muslim association of North-Montreal, comprising mostly Moroccans settled here, said it has obtained the license to build a minaret for the Nour-El Islam mosque.

The mosque, which accommodates around 450 people, is managed by the association since 1988.

The seven-meter minaret will be the first ever in Montreal and will be designed according to Moroccan traditional architecture. Works are scheduled to be completed by next October at the latest. In addition to building the minaret, the association also plans to conduct various restoration works, including an arches outer wall.

The project, estimated at 50,000 Canadian dollars, will be financed through fund-raising among the Muslim community.

The association sponsors various activities and gives Arabic courses and religious lectures, in addition to charity actions for needy Muslims.