A month after a burst pipe caused water damage, the Muslim Association of Canada’s Islamic Centre in west Edmonton is expected to reopen just in time for its busiest time of the year.
On April 18 a pipe burst in the utility room of the centre at 6104 172nd St., spilling up to a metre of water onto the main floor, which includes the prayer area, a pre-school and offices.
Some of the flooring has since been replaced and the walls painted, but the repairs continue.
“We’ve been working around the clock for the past two or three weeks to get the place back on track and in fully functional status for the people,” said Bassam Fares, the centre’s director.
He expects the repairs to be completed in time for Ramadan, a month of fasting that begins May 26.
“Troubles are opportunities,” he said. “The mosque will be in a better shape in terms of how does it look and also the services we are going to resume are going to be in a better way.”
The centre raised a little over $6,000 in donations on a GofFundMe page, and received plenty of help from volunteers.
Prayer service is conducted near the main entrance of the Muslim Association of Canada Islamic Centre before repairs are completed by May 26. (Bassam Fares)
Elsayed Amin, the centre’s imam, is excited for the reopening.
“Everyone will be expecting me leading the congregation. I expect all members of my community to get reunited with each other and come together in a nice melting pot.”
The centre kicks off the month of Ramadan with a celebration that includes Muslims and non-Muslims.
For now, prayer services are being held in the centre’s main entrance.