Controversial mosque opens in west Edmonton

Thursday was the first day of operation for a mosque opened by a local Muslim association in a failed strip mall in west Edmonton.

The local chapter of the Muslim Association of Canada paid $5.2-million for the two-storey strip mall at the corner of 172nd Street and Callingwood Road. They planned to put in several facilities, including mosque, a day care, a youth centre and some retail businesses. It also planned to use part of the space as a full-time Islamic elementary school with space for up to 150 students.

Residents in the community had been circulating a petition to stop the project, claiming the development would bring noise and traffic congestion.

A representitive from the Muslim association says they will be willing to talk to any neighbours who have concerns.