After acquiring the land, the OIC started looking for an architect to design the project. We consulted several architects and we received four complete proposals that were studied seriously. The selection committee then choose Sami K. Kerba as the architect for the project. He is from Gatineau and is well acquainted with the city’s bylaws. Moreover his proposal was an elegant one with a moderate cost.

After several months of planning, we were able to reach a comprehensive architectural concept which, at the same time, takes into account the religious standards, the cultural originality, the energy efficiency and the municipal standards.

The total cost of the project is estimated at thirteen hundred thousands Canadian dollars ($1,300,000.00).

In a summary, as of January 2007, the project can be summarized as follows:

Phase 1:  Land purchasing, architectural, structural, electrical, mechanical and landscape designs, land environmental rehabilitation, and construction permit.

Status:  Completed.

Cost:   $156,000.00

Phase 2:  Foundation work: Excavation, footings, foundation walls, columns, isolation.

Status:  Completed

Cost:  $280,000.00 (including contractors’ cost).

Phase 3:   Structure and envelope.

Status: To begin in spring 2007 Insha’Allah

Estimated cost:  $400,000.00

Phase 4:  Completion of the building (including Interior finish and landscaping.)

Status: To start after Phase 3

Estimated cost.: $500,000.00

For the project to come true, it is important that the fundraising campaign should be as active and diverse as possible, hoping that generous souls come forward to our help financially. This is our hope, because Allah looks up on contributing to the construction of a mosque as a noble act.  Just as a reminder, let us not forget that the project at stake is the first mosque to be ever built in the entire area. He or she whom Allah has guided to take part in it must consider himself or herself successful in this world and the world thereafter.