Welcome to The Ismaili Centre Toronto
The Aga Khan Museum and the Ismaili Centre Toronto are situated within a 6.8 hectare landscaped park, a new space that showcases the work of four renowned architects. Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki designed the Aga Khan Museum, while Indian architect Charles Correa designed the Ismaili Centre. The Park, which features a formal garden, was designed by architect Vladimir Djurovic of Lebanon. The Canadian firm Moriyama & Teshima are the architects of record for the entire project and responsible for integrating all aspects of the project.
At the Foundation Ceremony of the Ismaili Centre Toronto, the Aga Khan Museum and the Aga Khan Park in May 2010, Mawlana Hazar Imam said:
“Together, these three projects will symbolize the harmonious integration of the spiritual, the artistic and the natural worlds—in keeping with the holistic ideal which is an intimate part of Islamic tradition. At the same time they will also express a profound commitment to inter-cultural engagement, and international cooperation.”
The Ismaili Centre Toronto joins a network of Centres located in Vancouver, London, Lisbon, Dubai and Dushanbe. It continues a tradition of hosting programmes that stimulate the intellect, encourage dialogue, and celebrate cultural diversity. A central purpose of the Ismaili Centres is to encourage mutual exchanges and understanding between diverse peoples, communities and faiths.
The Ismaili Centres are symbolic markers of the permanent presence and core values of Ismaili communities around the world. Incorporating spaces for social and cultural gatherings, intellectual engagement and reflection, as well as spiritual contemplation, they are bridges of friendship and understanding, and serve to enhance relationships among faith communities, government and civil society.
Information on the Ismaili Centre Toronto
The following serves as a guide to the Ismaili Centre Toronto and contains information about the spaces within the Ismaili Centre Toronto, including parking and transportation, and an overview of some key policies governing the Centre. An in-depth understanding of these elements will ensure that the Jamat is well prepared and oriented to the new Centre and can enjoy and utilize the Ismaili Centre with ease and comfort.
The Spaces of The Ismaili Centre Toronto
The Ismaili Centre Toronto has three levels: a main level, an upper level and a lower level.
The Main Level consists of the Jamatkhana prayer hall and anteroom, as well as cloakrooms and a literature centre. These spaces will offer a quiet area for prayer and reflection. Also on this floor are the social hall, social hall foyer, the atrium lounge, library, classrooms, meeting rooms and an exhibition area.
The Upper Level includes a terrace, institutional offices and Council Chambers, providing a unique space for the institutions to work together to improve the lives of the Jamat and those who live alongside us.
The Lower Level includes an activity room, which offers an inviting space to host Jamati programs, activities, seminars, workshops and social events. This level also includes washrooms, a kitchen and a pantry.
Entrance into the Ismaili Centre Toronto
The Ismaili Centre Toronto has two entrances for the Jamat: one at the main level and one at the lower level, from the parking garage. Jamati members who arrive by foot or by public transit should enter the Centre through the main entrance, directly into the Jamatkhana foyer. Members of the Jamat who arrive by car will be requested to park in the on-site underground parking lot, and will enter the Centre through the lower level entrance. Jamati members entering from the underground parking lot will have the option of taking the stairs or the elevator, which will lead to the Jamatkhana foyer.
Two cloakrooms can be accessed in the Jamatkhana foyer before entering the anteroom and prayer hall. The cloakrooms are located on the north and south ends of the foyer. Jamati members will leave their shoes and coats in the cloakrooms before entering the anteroom and prayer hall. A designated area in the north cloakroom will be used to store shoes and coats belonging to Jamati members with special needs or elders in the Jamat who require assistance. Volunteers will be available to assist these Jamati members.
Washrooms are located on the lower level of the Centre and can be accessed when arriving from the underground parking. Designated washrooms are located on the main level for members of the Jamat with special needs. For privacy, there is a designated room for mothers who are nursing and/or mothers with young children.
Prayer Hall
The circular prayer hall is located on the main level and features a crystalline frosted glass roof. Visible from the Don Valley Parkway, this asymmetrical dome radiates light at night, like a jewel, sitting like a great beacon on the highest point of the site.
Jamatkhana Foyer
The Jamatkhana foyer serves as an area where the Jamat may gather and socialize after Jamatkhana ceremonies. A literature centre is also located on this floor.
Social Hall
The social hall is located on the main level and has a dedicated foyer, an adjoining courtyard, and a separate entrance. The social hall is a multi-functional space that can be used for special events, such as cultural performances, concerts, lectures, book launches and film screenings.
Atrium Lounge
The atrium lounge is located on the main level and is designed to be a flexible space that can be used for activities for youth and seniors and for special events. With its comfortable furniture, it creates a space for reading or working, and it can also be used as a social space to host non- Ismaili family members during Jamatkhana ceremonies.
Library
Before and after prayers, the library will be open to provide a quiet space to read. There may be readings and story time sessions here for children, and it is intended to be a welcoming space for students to study or meet.
Activity Room
Located on the lower level of the Ismaili Centre, the activity room serves as a multi-purpose facility that can be used as a children's play area, or as a space for senior and youth programs, one hour prior to and following evening prayers. Children must always be accompanied by a parent in the activity room.
Volunteer Resource Centre
The Volunteer Resource Centre is also located on the lower level. All volunteers will be welcomed at the resource centre, where an initial orientation and training session will be provided.
Parking and Transportation at The Ismaili Centre Toronto
Arriving at the Ismaili Centre Toronto
All vehicles should use the West Gate Entrance (Gate 3) when entering the Ismaili Centre Toronto. When arriving at the Centre, we strongly recommend that the Jamat use the following routes to assist with smooth flow and management of traffic. On peak attendance days, such as Fridays or days marking major festivals, we encourage Jamati members to arrive together as a family and avoid bringing multiple cars to the Ismaili Centre.
Entering the Ismaili Centre Toronto
Heading south on the Don Valley Parkway, we suggest that you exit at Eglinton Avenue (go past the Wynford Drive exit) and then stay in the right lane, exiting right on Gervais Drive, and right again on Wynford Drive (east), entering through the West Gate Entrance (Gate 3), again by turning right (south).
From Don Mills Road, northbound, turn right (east) onto Wynford Drive and then enter by turning right (south) into Gate 3, which is the main entrance of the Ismaili Centre Toronto.
Exiting the Ismaili Centre Toronto
To avoid congestion, and to minimize left turns out of the Ismaili Centre Toronto, we request that all vehicles exiting the Centre turn right (east) onto Wynford Drive and then get onto the appropriate roadways to return home safely.
Underground Parking
We are extremely fortunate to have a large number of underground parking spots at the Ismaili Centre Toronto. Most of the Jamat will be directed towards the underground parking garage to drop passengers off at the lower level entrance, and then park their vehicles as guided by the volunteers. The multilevel underground parking garage has approximately 400 dedicated parking spaces, which will be available to the Jamat during prayer times. Elevators and a staircase can be used to reach the main level of the Centre. On many evenings, museum patrons will also be using the parking lot. Following volunteers’ directions will be critical to avoid congestion.
Off-Site Parking
Arrangements have been made for off-site parking. Volunteers will guide vehicles to assigned off-site locations on Wynford Drive. A shuttle service will be provided to and from the external parking lots and the Centre for the Jamat’s convenience. Jamati members parked on the lower level or in the off-site parking lots are advised to allow for a minimum of 15 minutes from the time they park to the time they arrive at the prayer hall.
Assisted Drop-Offs and Rides
Assisted drop-offs, including Wheel-Trans, Jamati buses and taxis, will be directed to the main ground level entrance. Jamati members not intending to park can also drop passengers off at the main level.
Pedestrian Safety
There are several designated crosswalks in the area surrounding the Ismaili Centre Toronto. The Jamat is strongly encouraged to proceed with caution when walking to the Ismaili Centre and to use designated crosswalks. At certain times, there will be a large amount of traffic, including traffic for the Aga Khan Museum. Pedestrian safety is of paramount concern.
Public Transportation
- Bus #25 Don Mills operates between Pape and Don Mills stations and runs in a north-south direction. Jamati members should exit at the Wynford Drive stop and walk east or take the 100 Flemingdon bus en route to Broadview Station.
- Bus #34 Eglinton East operates between Eglinton and Kennedy stations and runs in an east-west direction. Jamati members should exit at the Wynford Drive stop and proceed downstairs to catch the 100 Flemingdon (A/B/C) going northbound.
- Bus #100 Flemingdon (A/B/C) operates between Broadview and Eglinton stations and runs in a north-south direction. This bus will stop directly in front of the Aga Khan Museum and from there Jamati members can walk west towards the Ismaili Centre Toronto.
Fostering a Caring and Responsible Community at The Ismaili Centre Toronto
Hosting Non-Ismaili Family Members and Caregivers
We welcome all family members to the Ismaili Centre to participate in non-religious ceremonies, such as social and cultural programs and activities. Non-Ismaili family members and caregivers who are in the Ismaili Centre during prayer times will be hosted in the beautiful Atrium Lounge on the main level of the Centre, while their family members attend Jamati ceremonies. Following Jamati ceremonies, non-Ismaili family members will be welcome to join in social activities.
Care for the Elderly and Individuals with Special Needs
Elderly members of the Jamat and individuals with special needs should be dropped off at the main level entrance of the Centre for easy access to the Jamatkhana. Volunteers will be positioned on both the main and lower levels of the Centre to welcome and escort Jamati members as required. Volunteers will also be present in the cloakrooms, prayer hall and anteroom to assist as needed.
Chair Allocation
There are 300 chairs within the prayer hall of the Ismaili Centre Toronto to accommodate Jamati members who are unable to sit on the floor. Chairs will be allocated to Jamati members as they arrive at the Centre via a token system. In order to receive a token, Jamati members must be present on-site. Upon arrival, Jamati members requiring a chair will be asked to collect a chair token and to follow the instructions provided by the volunteers. We humbly ask for the Jamat’s cooperation and patience with this approach.
Environmentally Friendly Initiatives
The Ismaili Centre Toronto has been designed to be a modern and progressive facility with plans to implement environmentally friendly initiatives. There will be limited use and availability of paper and/or plastic items at the Centre. When served, refreshments will be provided in china cups and plates, helping to eliminate the use of paper and plastic products. An emphasis will be placed on recycling within the facility, and we know that the Jamat will provide its support in the implementation of these initiatives.
Reminder About the Use of Tree Nuts and Peanuts
To maintain standardization across all Jamatkhanas, as per our current policy, Jamati members are requested to double-wrap all food items containing nuts prior to coming to the Centre. All nut products must be labeled and will not be placed in locations that are frequented by many Jamati members. It is desired that the Ismaili Centre Toronto be a nut free environment, as allowing these products on the site poses a serious risk to individuals with nut allergies.
Tours of The Ismaili Centre Toronto
To register for tours of the Ismaili Centre Toronto, please use the online booking system:
Book a Tour at the Ismaili Centre
In order to adhere to fire regulations and to maintain a safe and enjoyable experience for Jamati members, it is requested that the Jamat adhere to the following schedule for Jamatkhana attendance and tours over the next few weekends:
- Saturday, September 20: Headquarters and Greenland
- Sunday, September 21: Don Mills and Thorncliffe
- Saturday, September 27: Barrie, Bayview, Belleville, Bobcaygeon, Yorkmills
- Sunday, September 28: Brampton, Brantford, Kitchener
- Saturday, October 4: Dundas West, Etobicoke
- Sunday, October 5: Richmond Hill, Scarborough, St. Thomas
- Saturday, October 11: Niagara Falls, Oshawa, Pickering
- Sunday, October 12: Sudbury, Tillsonburg, Unionville, Windsor
- Saturday, October 18: London, Meadowvale, Mississauga
- Sunday, October 19: Guelph, Halton, Hamilton, Willowdale
The tour schedule is as follows:
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (last tour)
- Monday to Sunday after Jamati ceremonies, until 9:00 p.m. (last tour)