KITIMAT, B.C. – In a deeply meaningful moment for the region’s Muslim community, the new Kitimat Islamic Centre opened its doors for the very first time today to welcome worshippers for Eid al-Adha prayers.
While a formal grand opening for the centre is planned for a later date, the community chose today—the first day of one of Islam’s holiest festivals—to begin using the Skeena region’s first-ever mosque. The new sign at 1274 Nalabila Blvdidentifies the building, which operates under the BC Muslim Association (BCMA).
For years, families have gathered in rented halls and private homes. Today marked the emotional culmination of that wait, as they were finally able to celebrate Eid in their own dedicated space.
“This is a soft opening, just for our community, just for Eid,” a local community member shared. “The official opening will come later, but we wanted our first prayers in this building to be on this blessed day. It’s a dream come true.”
The new centre will serve as a vital hub for the growing Muslim population across the Northwest, including families from Terrace and Prince Rupert who currently lack a dedicated local mosque.
Today’s prayer gathering signals a new era for the Muslim community in the Skeena region, a quiet but historic first step in a space they can finally call their own.
