Ottawa committee backs temporary zoning for Barrhaven Islamic Centre

Ottawa's planning committee in Ontario has backed a temporary zoning change that would allow the MAC Barrhaven Islamic Centre to continue operating for three years, Capital Current reported November 5. The proposal still goes to the full city council for consideration.

The centre began operating in 2024 at Greenbank and Barnsdale roads without the appropriate planning or building-code approvals, according to a city staff report. The report says a building-permit application has been submitted and recommends temporary zoning while long-term planning for the surrounding area continues.

During the November 4 committee meeting, councillors discussed traffic, parking and pedestrian safety near the mosque, Capital Current reported. Barrhaven West Councillor David Hill asked about reducing the 80-kilometre-per-hour speed limit on the adjacent section of Greenbank Road. Staff said no assessment of a speed reduction had been completed before the meeting.

The staff report says temporary zoning would permit the worship use for three years from council approval. It also sets out planning and building requirements and proposed site improvements, including another vehicle exit and a walkway. The report was prepared for council consideration on November 12.

Sources: Alex Wauthy, Capital Current, November 5, 2026. City of Ottawa staff report, submitted October 29, 2026, for the November 4 committee meeting and November 12 council meeting. https://capitalcurrent.ca/councillors-support-barrhaven-mosque-site-despite-lack-of-building-code-approval/ · https://pub-ottawa.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=338445