Toronto’s Somali Community Secures Funding for a Cultural Centre

Toronto’s Somali Community Secures Funding for Cultural Centre

After years of advocacy and overcoming significant hurdles, Toronto’s Somali community has secured funding for a long-awaited cultural and recreational centre. The federal government announced on Saturday a $20 million contribution to help establish the facility at a new location in Rexdale.

The Somali Centre for Culture and Recreation (SCCR) has been at the forefront of efforts to create a dedicated space for the community. The newly proposed site is a sports field in Rexdale, a neighbourhood home to a large Somali population. The announcement represents a historic milestone for a community that has played an integral role in Toronto’s cultural fabric but has long faced marginalization.

“You can’t go anywhere in the northwest part of the city without feeling the presence of Somali culture—in its restaurants, businesses, and people,” said Zakaria Abdulle, chair and president of SCCR. Speaking at a press conference at Humber College, Abdulle emphasized the significance of this moment, particularly for elders and youth who finally feel acknowledged. “They feel seen, they feel heard, and they feel Canadian in a way they haven’t in a very long time.”

Toronto is home to approximately 20,000 people of Somali ancestry, many of whom settled in the city’s west end during the Somali Civil War in the 1980s and 1990s. The new centre will serve as a hub for cultural, social, and recreational activities, with facilities dedicated to fitness, sports, arts, music, dance, and newcomer support services. While the $20 million federal grant provides a significant boost, additional funding is still needed from the provincial and municipal governments, as well as community donations, to fully develop and sustain the centre.

The funding comes from the $1.5-billion Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program. Federal Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities Minister Nate Erskine-Smith lauded the Somali community’s perseverance, calling it a testament to their vision and determination. Notably, the announcement coincided with the first full day of Ramadan, making the occasion even more meaningful.

SCCR’s journey to this point has not been without challenges. Initially, the City of Toronto had planned to build the centre in Buttonwood Park, in the Edenbridge-Humber Valley area. However, local opposition arose, with residents voicing concerns about the loss of green space and inadequate consultation. In response to the pushback, Mayor Olivia Chow acknowledged procedural missteps and referred the proposal for further review.

Premier Doug Ford and local councillor Stephen Holyday sided with residents, with Ford’s office pledging to work with SCCR to find a more suitable location. This led to the selection of the current site at 95 Humberline Drive, situated within Ford’s Etobicoke North riding. The land, owned by the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), was originally slated for a land swap with the city but will now be leased to SCCR for 49 years, pending final approvals.

Liban Hassan, a TDSB trustee and member of the Somali community, highlighted the importance of the centre as a safe and supportive space for youth. “I’ve seen thousands of Somali-Canadian students graduate and achieve remarkable things, but I’ve also seen the challenges they face. This centre will provide them with opportunities to connect with their culture and engage in meaningful activities.”

Mayor Chow expressed her enthusiasm for the project and indicated that the city may waive development charges and other fees to facilitate its construction. Although no formal commitments have been made, discussions on potential municipal funding and operational support are ongoing.

Premier Ford was not in attendance at the announcement, but Abdulle acknowledged his administration’s role in advancing the project. As SCCR continues its fundraising efforts, the realization of this cultural and recreational hub brings a renewed sense of hope and belonging to Toronto’s Somali community.