A sleek new social centre and worship site for Red Deer’s Ismaili community was officially opened in the city’s downtown on Thursday.
The contemporary structure of stone and glass at 4832 51st St. replaced an aging building that previously served as the Muslim community’s jamatkhana.
“We wanted to build something that was culturally inspired and aesthetically pleasing — a building built for a purpose,” said Mohib Samnani, a member of the local Ismaili community.
Twice daily worship services will be held at the Red Deer Jamatkhana, mornings and evenings, and the downstairs community hall will be used for wedding receptions and other celebrations.
The new structure was built over the past 15 months and funded by members of the Ismaili community. Red Deer’s 100 members of the Shia branch of Islam are part of the Ismaili Council for Edmonton, whose president, Nizar Somji, was among the dignitaries at the opening ceremony.
Somji said it was a “momentous occasion” to open the new jamatkhana, built to mark the 50th anniversary of His Royal Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan being the Imam, or spiritual leader, of the Ismaili people.
It’s very meaningful for the Red Deer Ismaili community to have a place to gather, worship, and celebrate, he added.
“It’s a place where the next generation . . . can look to with a sense of pride and purpose.”
Red Deer North MLA Mary Anne Jablonski praised the contribution of the local Ismailis to the cultural fabric of the city, saying “it makes us all better.”
Red Deer Mayor Morris Flewwelling said he considers the jamatkhana another symbol of the city’s diversity and welcoming spirit.
Ismailimail 
We live in lloydminster there is no Jamatkhana here looking to move and looking for house
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