To: The Mayor of Ottawa, Members of Ottawa City Council, and City of Ottawa Officials

The MAC Barrhaven Islamic Centre (BIC) is one of the largest Islamic centres in Ottawa, serving thousands of Muslims and families through daily prayers, Friday congregational prayers, educational programs, youth activities, charitable services, and community events. It is an essential institution that strengthens the social, cultural, and spiritual fabric of our city.

The recent installation of new parking restrictions and "No Parking" signs on the streets surrounding the mosque has created a serious and unnecessary hardship for thousands of worshippers and visitors.

Every Friday, a large number of worshippers arrive within a short period to attend Jumu'ah (Friday Prayer). During Ramadan, Eid prayers, weekend programs, and other major community events, attendance increases even further. Families with young children, seniors, people with disabilities, and worshippers travelling from across Ottawa now face significant challenges finding legal parking close to the mosque. Many are forced to park far away, risk receiving parking tickets, or are discouraged from attending altogether.

While we recognize the City's responsibility to manage traffic and promote public safety, these newly imposed restrictions have had a disproportionate impact on a Muslim place of worship. Their timing, location, and practical effect have caused many members of our community to perceive them as discriminatory and Islamophobic. Regardless of intent, the outcome has left thousands of Muslim residents feeling marginalized, unfairly targeted, and that their ability to freely access their place of worship has been compromised.

Freedom of religion is not only the freedom to hold beliefs but also the practical ability to access places of worship without unreasonable barriers. Ottawa is proud of its diversity and commitment to inclusion. Those principles must apply equally to every faith community.

We respectfully call upon the Mayor of Ottawa, Ottawa City Council, and City officials to:

• Immediately remove the newly installed parking restrictions surrounding the MAC Barrhaven Islamic Centre.
• Restore reasonable on-street parking access, particularly during Friday prayers, Ramadan, Eid prayers, and other major religious gatherings.
• Meet urgently with MAC Barrhaven Islamic Centre leadership and community representatives to develop a fair, balanced, and practical long-term parking solution.
• Ensure that future parking and traffic decisions affecting places of worship are made through meaningful consultation with the impacted communities.

This petition is not asking for special treatment. It is asking for fairness, equal consideration, and reasonable accommodation for a religious institution that serves thousands of Ottawa residents every week.

A city that values diversity must ensure that all faith communities can gather, worship, and serve their neighbours without unnecessary obstacles. We urge the City of Ottawa to act immediately to remove these restrictions and work collaboratively with the MAC Barrhaven Islamic Centre to implement a solution that respects both neighbourhood concerns and the rights of worshippers.

Please sign this petition and help us ensure that Ottawa remains a city where inclusion, equality, and religious freedom are reflected not only in words, but in action.