By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
A wave of concern has emerged from Sherbrooke’s Muslim community following a recent city council decision that prevents religious activities from taking place at the city-owned Centre de foires. The vote, which ended 8–6 against allowing such events, has sparked disappointment and prompted renewed calls for dialogue and change.
Mohamed Soulami, a well-known advocate and director of Actions Interculturelles, expressed his dismay in an interview following the May 6 council meeting, where nearly a dozen community members spoke out. “It creates great damage for us,” he said, noting the ban affects a large population that has used the space for key community gatherings, particularly for the two major Muslim holidays celebrated annually.
Soulami clarified that Actions Interculturelles is a non-religious organization that works with many cultural groups—francophones, anglophones, Indigenous peoples, and newcomers from countries like Vietnam and former Yugoslavia. Its work promotes integration and community building. “We need to be in a place where we can live well together,” he said.
The issue revolves around access to public space. Soulami explained that past religious celebrations at the Centre de foires have drawn thousands, far more than local mosques can accommodate. “A room for 800 or 1,000 people is not enough—often it’s 3,000 or 4,000 people who gather,” he said, adding that holding the celebrations in a large, neutral venue avoids disturbing residential areas and supports social harmony.
Community voices at the council meeting echoed this point, calling the celebrations “a bit like Christmas for the children,” complete with games, refreshments, and cultural festivities. Many were disheartened to learn that such gatherings would no longer be permitted in a municipal facility.
While the city’s policy shift stems from the legal implications of Quebec’s Law on State Secularism and the full municipalization of the Centre de foires following the dissolution of Destination Sherbrooke, critics like Soulami argue that “nothing in the law” requires a ban. He views the current policy as potentially discriminatory and lacking a legal foundation.
