Search for mosque site in Kamloops continues KAMLOOPS ISLAMIC ASSOCIATION WANTS TO BUY PARCEL OF LAND FROM CITY

MICHAEL POTESTIO STAFF REPORTER michael@kamloopsthisweek.com

Kamloops city council seemed to take a vow of silence after being approached by the Kamloops Islamic Association (KIA), which came to city hall seeking a commitment to work toward establishing a mosque within city limits.

The group spoke to council on July 13, outlining its philanthropic work and programming and explaining the need for a larger, centrally located facility.

However, when asked following the presentation by KIA president Faisal Siddiqui for a motion directing staff to look into selling city-owned land on which to build a mosque to the registered charity, no such motion was put forward by council.

Mayor Reid HamerJackson asked if anyone wanted to put forward a motion to have staff review the concept, but was met with silence. He then said he would do so, but pulled back.

“I can’t do that? OK,” Hamer-Jackson said.

He later told KTW he got the sense from staff and council in the room that he could not put such a motion forward, though no one had specifically stated during the meeting that he could not.

“They indicated I couldn’t,” Hamer-Jackson said, adding he could not specifically remember what cue he got that made him refrain from making that motion.

Coun. Mike O’Reilly put forward, which passed unanimously 8-0. Coun. Katie Neustaeter was not in attendance as she was on vacation.

The KIA has its eye on a piece of city-owned property at McGill Road and Bunker Road, a location seen as ideal as it is along a transit route and is close to Thompson Rivers University, making it a convenient location for the KIA’s main demographic, which is Muslim students.

KIA director Manahil Bawany told KTW discussions with the city about buying that specific property have gone nowhere.

“Nobody’s told us no, but nobody’s told us yes,” Bawany said.

She said the KIA has been in communication with the city on multiple occasions about the property and has been told there are plans for the site, but has not been told what those plans are.