Today I released the following Statement, the full text of which can also be found below: Statement from the Mayor on Community Prayer Event in Support of our Muslim Community
Statement from the Mayor on Community Prayer Event in Support of our Muslim Community
Burlington, Ont. — June 10, 2021
The devastating loss of life that took place in London, Ontario earlier this week has affected us all and united us in heartbreak and grief, especially our Muslim friends and neighbours.
It is important that we take action to support our Muslim community and convey loud and clear that hate and violence will not be tolerated in our city, nor our country.
Our local Halton Mosque will be hosting a prayer service, open to the community, at Spencer Smith Park tomorrow afternoon between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. A traditional Muslim prayer service will take place first, where non-Muslims are welcome to observe. That service will be followed by a unifying prayer for the entire community.
We have confirmed with our Member of Provincial Parliament that under current provincial regulations, there is no limit on outdoor gatherings for religious services, other than what the outdoor space will accommodate with required physical distancing. We ask everyone to stay 6 feet away from individuals or families you don’t live with, and wear a mask even outdoors if physical distancing is a challenge.
The City of Burlington, including City Council, are supportive of this event and its intention to provide a way for our community to come together in support of the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion. We have seen similar events take place already this week throughout many cities and towns, including London, Hamilton and Oakville.
Halton Regional Police Service will be on site at the event and fees for legal parking spaces in municipal parking lots, street spaces, and garages will be relaxed during that timeframe.
Please see the Halton Islamic Association’s facebook page for more details as shown below:
