The Islamic Foundation of Toronto was established in 1969, when an old 280-square-metre (3,000 sq ft) building was purchased at Rhodes Avenue and converted into a mosque.
The majestic three-storied building in its current form, made from white stone, was completed in 1992 at a cost of approximately CA$6 million, almost all of which was raised by the local Muslim community.
A 38-metre (125 ft) tall minaret captures the skyline, complemented by a copper-cladded dome, symbolizing the Muslim presence in Canada.
The building is 4,900 m2 (53,000 sq ft) in area, with prayer halls for men and women, 12 classrooms, a cafeteria and kitchen, a gymnasium, a library, a mortuary, an elevator and over 200 parking spaces.
[2] This was devastating[citation needed] news for hundreds of parents and children, many of whom had contributed funds and volunteer hours for the school.