‘We will continue to use the land in ways that are beneficial and permissible, while keeping our broader vision alive,’ says representative
Michael Owen
about 4 hours ago
Despite recent setbacks, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at (AMJ) Canada isn’t ready to give up on its dreams in Bradford West Gwillimbury.
Roughly one year since the group first began facing an uphill struggle, media relations director Safwan Choudhry confirmed there are no plans to sell 3999 Sideroad 10, 3078 Line 11 or 2912 Line 11, even though recent changes have prevented the group from reaping the benefits of long-laid plans.
“Our community has always been patient and forward-looking,” he said. “We will continue to use the land in ways that are beneficial and permissible, while keeping our broader vision alive.”
According to documents from the Ontario Land Tribunal, AMJ purchased the properties in 2008.
Choudhry said the long-term goal was to create a purpose-built site that could support agricultural and community initiatives year-round while also acting as a permanent home for the annual Jalsa Salana convention.
That event attracts tens of thousands of people of all faiths to reflect on Islamic principles while exploring topics of peace, unity, spiritual enrichment and religious harmony.
“Jalsa Salana is not just a gathering — it is a spiritual convention that brings together families, faith leaders, dignitaries, and people of goodwill from across Canada and beyond,” Choudhry said.
After years of holding the conference indoors at the International Centre in Mississauga, the circumstances were finally right for the group to host it in Bradford with a pilot outdoor event in 2022 at 3999 Sideroad 10, before the first full-scale outdoor convention in 2024 at 3078 Line 11.
However, 2025 saw plans upended as town council passed a new bylaw prohibiting “mega events” of more than 2,000 people from being held on most properties outside of the urban boundary more than once every 10 years.
According to a report from staff, the town had only ever issued permits for eight such events and only two were on agricultural properties outside that boundary — both for the convention.
“The decision had a profound impact on our community,” Choudhry said.
He said the new rule effectively prevents the group from hosting the event at their Bradford properties, despite the “significant” investment and planning they put into ensuring it would benefit not just their own members, but also the broader community.
For AMJ, that essentially ended about five months of back and forth since a 5-4 split vote on Sept. 17 first saw council deny AMJ’s special event’s permit for 2025 amid resident concerns.
During that time, they invested “hundreds” of hours working on “countless” consultations, deputations and community engagements — some of which were met with unverified accusations from residents.
“While it was disappointing, our community has always responded to challenges with patience, perseverance, and prayer,” Choudhry said of the new bylaw.
The February decision left AMJ with only about five months to rework all their event planning in order to pivot and return to the International Centre in July. That required “tremendous effort” to prepare infrastructure, security, catering and accommodations for tens of thousands of guests.
“By the grace of God and the tireless spirit of our members, we adapted quickly,” Choudhry said.
Despite the overall setback, Choudhry said council’s decision doesn’t define the entire town, and AMJ leadership still see Bradford as a warm and welcoming community.
“Our experience with residents and many local leaders has been overwhelmingly positive,” he said. “We remain committed to being good neighbours and partners in Bradford.”
That follows the guidance of national president Lal Khan Malik, who expressed disappointment with council’s decision, but also reminded members their faith teaches them to meet trials with dignity, to avoid bitterness and to build bridges of understanding.
While one councillor had suggested that denying AMJ members the right to practise their religious beliefs on their own land could conflict with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Choudhry said the group’s focus remains on constructive dialogue, not litigation.
“Our history in Canada demonstrates that we prefer solutions built on understanding, mutual respect, and community partnership,” he said.
While the new rule doesn’t prevent AMJ members from gathering elsewhere, the inability to use their own property as a dedicated site does impact the scale, atmosphere and accessibility of the convention, according to Choudhry.
“The bylaw certainly requires us to reassess timelines and strategies,” he said. “We must now consider how best to balance our spiritual, communal, and logistical needs within the regulatory framework that has been imposed.”
He previously explained that of the 101 hectares AMJ owns in the area, just 28 were used for the convention and they plan to continue growing crops, while future uses could also include livestock and/or farmers’ markets.
A portion of the northern property, 3999 Sideroad 10, is also planned to one day become a cemetery.
Meanwhile a dedicated group of members have remained committed to charitable efforts, including shovelling snow, food drives, blood drives and the Run for Bradford.
Categories: Ahmadis, Ahmadiyyat: True Islam, America, Canada, Jalsa Salana