The Somali Community in Toronto receives $20M for Long-Awaited Cultural Centre
ORONTO, Canada – April 3, 2025 – After decades of advocacy and navigating political hurdles, Toronto’s Somali community is set to receive $20 million in federal funding for the construction of the Somali Centre for Culture and Recreation (SCCR) in Rexdale. The funding marks a historic milestone for Black and Muslim communities in Canada’s largest city.
The announcement was made by Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Minister Nathaniel Erskine-Smith as part of the $1.5 billion Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program. The funds will support the development of a 100,000-square-foot, net-zero emissions facility, designed as a hub for cultural, recreational, and social services. The centre will feature fitness and sports facilities, art and music spaces, and support services for newcomers, providing a much-needed resource for the Somali-Canadian community and beyond.
A Long-Awaited Dream Becomes Reality
For nearly 40 years, Toronto’s Somali community has fought for a space that reflects its heritage and meets its social needs. According to the 2021 Canadian Census, approximately 25,000 Somali-Canadians live in Toronto, though community leaders suggest the actual number is much higher. Many Somali-Canadians arrived in the late 1980s and 1990s after fleeing civil war, and despite their economic, cultural, and political contributions, they have often faced systemic barriers and a lack of dedicated public infrastructure.
Momentum for the SCCR project gained traction in 2022 when Toronto City Council unanimously approved a motion supporting the initiative. However, finding a suitable location proved to be a major challenge.
Challenges and Political Opposition
The SCCR was initially proposed for Buttonwood Park in Edenbridge-Humber Valley, but local residents strongly opposed the development, citing concerns about losing green space. Their resistance drew support from Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Councillor Stephen Holyday, leading to a political standoff.
Amid the controversy, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow admitted that the city’s consultation process had been flawed and sent the proposal back for review. After months of negotiations, a new location was secured at 95 Humberline Drive in Rexdale, an area with a significant Somali-Canadian population.
A Historic Moment for the Community
The federal funding commitment has revived hopes for the SCCR, which advocates say will serve as a vital pillar of social infrastructure for the community.
“For the first time in a long time, our elders, children, and youth feel seen and heard. They feel Canadian,” said Zakaria Abdulle, chair of the SCCR, during the funding announcement, which coincided with the beginning of Ramadan.
What’s Next?
While the federal investment is a major milestone, additional funding is still required to complete the project. The SCCR is now seeking support from the provincial government and the City of Toronto, while also launching community-driven fundraising efforts.
Mayor Olivia Chow has hinted at possible municipal contributions, including waiving development charges and exploring operational funding partnerships, though no formal commitments have been made yet.
Beyond serving as a cultural hub, the centre is expected to address broader socio-economic challenges within Toronto’s Somali-Canadian community. Advocates stress that Black-led organizations remain underrepresented in the city’s social infrastructure, and the SCCR could provide mentorship programs, recreational activities, and social services in a culturally responsive setting.
With the federal government’s backing, Toronto’s Somali community is closer than ever to seeing its long-held dream come to life—a space that fosters unity, heritage, and opportunity for generations to come.
