Testimony 2: 2026, March 25-31 : Didars in montreal (Chateauguay) and in Toronto for Easter Canada. Here is a batch of Testimonies:
Testomony 4:
As received
“Our ex president of Vancouver gave a talk below at the senior programme yesterday was quite amazing
Over 5000 volunteers registered in Ontario and 3500 for Q&M.
294 volunteers are IFF members.
Over 100 buses will bring Murids from their JK to the Didar Hall in Toronto.
The Montreal venue is a Amazon warehouse fully converted into a spectacular Didar hall.
All 8000 Murids will arrive in buses to Montreal Didar each day for 2 Didars.
The Toronto Didar hall venue Enercare Center will be converted from convention space to Didar Hall in 36 hours for approximately 24,000 Murids on each day.
Over 7000 youth have registered for Youth Mulaqats and 4000 for IFF.
---------------
Eastern Canada Deedar and visit March 25-31
Re: Eastern Canada Deedar and visit March 25-31
Testimony: 2026, March 25-31 : Didars in montreal (Chateauguay) and in Toronto for Easter Canada. Here is a batch of Testimonies:
Testomony 5: [From notes and memory]
Remember that you belong to the faith and your community. Take care of each other. Draw strength, and knowledge, and support, and kindness from each other. Seek help from and give help to each other. You are one Jamat, you're all equal in my eyes.
You know how I would like you to take care of each other. So take care of each other as if I’m with you, because I am with you.
You will receive a Tasbih from me, a gift from your Imam to each one of you personally. I know that you all have a Tasbih, maybe many Tasbihs. But let this one remind you of today.
Let it be a material reminder that I’m always with you, that you have me and I have you in your Tasbih. And each time you palm your Tasbih, it brings you closer to me.
Remember your Imams, and each Al-hamdu… lillahi will bring you peace and light in your hearts. That is my prayer.
I give special blessings for your spiritual elevation and the purification of your soul. I give you
blessings for unity, and success in all your noble endeavors, for your service.
I give special blessings to all the volunteers who have prepared for my visit, who have taken such kind and thoughtful care of my Jamat and of each other. I give blessings to all those who serve their families, and the Jamat, in wider society for the benefit of humanity.
"My volunteers, all those who serve, are particularly close to me. I pray that you stay on the Siraat al-Mustaqim, that you walk along the straight path and lead ethical and meaningful lives. I pray for your good health, I pray for your physical health, your emotional health, your mental health. For unity in your families, for mushkil aasan and may your troubles be gone.
Khanavadan, Khanavadan, Khanavadan.
As I leave, I just ask you to remember that I’m always with you, and you are always with me,
always in my heart. I have you and you have me
` Montreal 27 March 2026
Testomony 5: [From notes and memory]
Remember that you belong to the faith and your community. Take care of each other. Draw strength, and knowledge, and support, and kindness from each other. Seek help from and give help to each other. You are one Jamat, you're all equal in my eyes.
You know how I would like you to take care of each other. So take care of each other as if I’m with you, because I am with you.
You will receive a Tasbih from me, a gift from your Imam to each one of you personally. I know that you all have a Tasbih, maybe many Tasbihs. But let this one remind you of today.
Let it be a material reminder that I’m always with you, that you have me and I have you in your Tasbih. And each time you palm your Tasbih, it brings you closer to me.
Remember your Imams, and each Al-hamdu… lillahi will bring you peace and light in your hearts. That is my prayer.
I give special blessings for your spiritual elevation and the purification of your soul. I give you
blessings for unity, and success in all your noble endeavors, for your service.
I give special blessings to all the volunteers who have prepared for my visit, who have taken such kind and thoughtful care of my Jamat and of each other. I give blessings to all those who serve their families, and the Jamat, in wider society for the benefit of humanity.
"My volunteers, all those who serve, are particularly close to me. I pray that you stay on the Siraat al-Mustaqim, that you walk along the straight path and lead ethical and meaningful lives. I pray for your good health, I pray for your physical health, your emotional health, your mental health. For unity in your families, for mushkil aasan and may your troubles be gone.
Khanavadan, Khanavadan, Khanavadan.
As I leave, I just ask you to remember that I’m always with you, and you are always with me,
always in my heart. I have you and you have me
` Montreal 27 March 2026
Re: Eastern Canada Deedar and visit March 25-31
Testimony: 2026, March 25-31 : Didars in montreal (Chateauguay) and in Toronto for Easter Canada. Here is a batch of Testimonies:
Testomony 6:
Shukr Mowla.
I wrote this out on my way from Montreal Didar, as I felt like I would forget everything Khudavind had said to us if I would have waited till the next day.
Mowla came to my mother and held her hand and asked, “How are you doing?” My mother had a huge smile on her face ( a smile I had not seen since her 80th Birthday back in October and especially since my Dad’s passing.)
My mom said, “I am so happy. I am so happy to see you Mowla” Mowla asked where we travelled from: I told Mowla we are from Ottawa, originally arriving from Uganda in 1974.
Mowla looked at my mom, at eye level and said, “Thank you for traveling from Ottawa today. Thank you for coming to see me today. It must have been very difficult for you to travel here. I feel very grateful that you came to see me. Thank you.”
Then I said, “NO Khudavind, you do not have to thank us, khudavind, we are grateful and very thankful that you are here today. Thank you for blessing us with a Didar Khudavind.” We are grateful to you khudavind.
He asked me my name, and I said, “Salima.”
Then Khudavind looked at my mom, knelt down at her level, took her hand and said, “You look sad.”
My mom said, “Khudavind, my husband died.” Khudavind looked at me. I said, “Khudavind, my father just recently passed away.” Holding back tears.
Khudavind replied, “I know how difficult it is to lose a father. Khudavind put his hand on my shoulder looked right at me and said: You must be strong and have courage. I know It is very difficult.” Then he asked me how many siblings I have, (not if I have siblings). I replied, “I have a sister and a brother.”
Then Khudavind asked me what their names were. I said, “My sister’s name is Faiza, and my brother’s name is Raheem.” Khudavind told me they too must be strong and have courage Its not easy loosing a father.
Then khuavind held my mother’s hand and said, “You will see me again. We will meet again.” Thank You again for coming to see me.
I am sure Mowla was with us for just minutes but I cannot explain how it felt like time and everything around us had literally stopped.
Shukr for everyone, at every level, at every step of the way to get my mom who Just lost her husband, Had a blood infection, had to have heart surgery, Whilst at the hospital, fell out of bed, cracked her head and fractured her right elbow and then was left with a terrible concussion . All within the 40 days of my Father’s Chalismo.
All our leadership encouraged, guided and supported my family to travel with my mom to Montreal and took really good care of her.
Mowla told my mom 2/3 times they would meet again. Mowla THANKED my mom for travelling to see Khudavind
Mowla compared the great loss of his “Father” to mine. French translation
Shukr Mowla.
J’ai écrit ceci en revenant du Didar à Montréal, car j’avais peur d’oublier tout ce que Khudavind nous avait dit si j’attendais jusqu’au lendemain.
Mowla s’est approché de ma mère, lui a pris la main et lui a demandé : « Comment allez-vous ? »
Ma mère avait un immense sourire (un sourire que je n’avais pas vu depuis son 80e anniversaire en octobre, et surtout depuis le décès de mon père).
Ma mère a répondu : « Je suis tellement heureuse. Je suis tellement heureuse de vous voir, Mowla. »
Mowla a demandé d’où nous venions.
Je lui ai dit que nous venions d’Ottawa, et que nous étions à l’origine arrivés d’Ouganda en 1974.
Mowla a regardé ma mère, à hauteur de ses yeux, et a dit :
« Merci d’avoir voyagé depuis Ottawa aujourd’hui. Merci d’être venue me voir aujourd’hui. Cela a dû être très difficile pour vous de faire ce voyage. Je suis très reconnaissant que vous soyez venue me voir. Merci. »
Alors j’ai répondu :
« Non Khudavind, vous n’avez pas à nous remercier. Khudavind, c’est nous qui sommes reconnaissants et très reconnaissants que vous soyez ici aujourd’hui. Merci de nous bénir avec un Didar, Khudavind. Nous vous sommes reconnaissants. »
Il m’a demandé mon prénom, et j’ai répondu : « Salima. »
Puis Khudavind a regardé ma mère, s’est mis à sa hauteur, lui a pris la main et a dit :
« Vous avez l’air triste. »
Ma mère a répondu :
« Khudavind, mon mari est décédé. »
Khudavind m’a regardée.
J’ai dit :
« Khudavind, mon père est décédé récemment », en retenant mes larmes.
Khudavind a répondu :
« Je sais à quel point il est difficile de perdre un père. »
Il a posé sa main sur mon épaule, m’a regardée droit dans les yeux et a dit :
« Tu dois être forte et avoir du courage. Je sais que c’est très difficile. »
Puis il m’a demandé combien de frères et sœurs j’avais (pas si j’en avais).
J’ai répondu : « J’ai une sœur et un frère. »
Khudavind m’a demandé leurs prénoms.
J’ai répondu : « Ma sœur s’appelle Faiza et mon frère Raheem. »
Khudavind a dit qu’eux aussi doivent être forts et courageux.
Ce n’est pas facile de perdre un père.
Puis Khudavind a tenu la main de ma mère et a dit :
« Vous me reverrez. Nous nous reverrons. »
Merci encore d’être venue me voir.
Je suis certaine que Mowla est resté avec nous seulement quelques minutes, mais je ne peux pas expliquer à quel point j’ai ressenti que le temps et tout ce qui nous entourait s’étaient littéralement arrêtés.
Shukr pour tout le monde, à tous les niveaux, à chaque étape, qui a permis à ma mère —
qui venait de perdre son mari,
qui a eu une infection du sang,
qui a dû subir une opération du cœur,
qui, à l’hôpital, est tombée de son lit, s’est cogné la tête et s’est fracturé le coude droit,
et qui a ensuite souffert d’une grave commotion cérébrale —
tout cela dans les 40 jours du chalismo de mon père.
Tous nos responsables nous ont encouragés, guidés et soutenus pour voyager avec ma mère jusqu’à Montréal et ont pris grand soin d’elle.
Mowla a dit à ma mère 2 ou 3 fois qu’ils se reverraient.
Mowla a remercié ma mère d’être venue voir Khudavind.
Mowla a comparé la grande perte de son « père » à la mienne.
Testomony 6:
Shukr Mowla.
I wrote this out on my way from Montreal Didar, as I felt like I would forget everything Khudavind had said to us if I would have waited till the next day.
Mowla came to my mother and held her hand and asked, “How are you doing?” My mother had a huge smile on her face ( a smile I had not seen since her 80th Birthday back in October and especially since my Dad’s passing.)
My mom said, “I am so happy. I am so happy to see you Mowla” Mowla asked where we travelled from: I told Mowla we are from Ottawa, originally arriving from Uganda in 1974.
Mowla looked at my mom, at eye level and said, “Thank you for traveling from Ottawa today. Thank you for coming to see me today. It must have been very difficult for you to travel here. I feel very grateful that you came to see me. Thank you.”
Then I said, “NO Khudavind, you do not have to thank us, khudavind, we are grateful and very thankful that you are here today. Thank you for blessing us with a Didar Khudavind.” We are grateful to you khudavind.
He asked me my name, and I said, “Salima.”
Then Khudavind looked at my mom, knelt down at her level, took her hand and said, “You look sad.”
My mom said, “Khudavind, my husband died.” Khudavind looked at me. I said, “Khudavind, my father just recently passed away.” Holding back tears.
Khudavind replied, “I know how difficult it is to lose a father. Khudavind put his hand on my shoulder looked right at me and said: You must be strong and have courage. I know It is very difficult.” Then he asked me how many siblings I have, (not if I have siblings). I replied, “I have a sister and a brother.”
Then Khudavind asked me what their names were. I said, “My sister’s name is Faiza, and my brother’s name is Raheem.” Khudavind told me they too must be strong and have courage Its not easy loosing a father.
Then khuavind held my mother’s hand and said, “You will see me again. We will meet again.” Thank You again for coming to see me.
I am sure Mowla was with us for just minutes but I cannot explain how it felt like time and everything around us had literally stopped.
Shukr for everyone, at every level, at every step of the way to get my mom who Just lost her husband, Had a blood infection, had to have heart surgery, Whilst at the hospital, fell out of bed, cracked her head and fractured her right elbow and then was left with a terrible concussion . All within the 40 days of my Father’s Chalismo.
All our leadership encouraged, guided and supported my family to travel with my mom to Montreal and took really good care of her.
Mowla told my mom 2/3 times they would meet again. Mowla THANKED my mom for travelling to see Khudavind
Mowla compared the great loss of his “Father” to mine. French translation
Shukr Mowla.
J’ai écrit ceci en revenant du Didar à Montréal, car j’avais peur d’oublier tout ce que Khudavind nous avait dit si j’attendais jusqu’au lendemain.
Mowla s’est approché de ma mère, lui a pris la main et lui a demandé : « Comment allez-vous ? »
Ma mère avait un immense sourire (un sourire que je n’avais pas vu depuis son 80e anniversaire en octobre, et surtout depuis le décès de mon père).
Ma mère a répondu : « Je suis tellement heureuse. Je suis tellement heureuse de vous voir, Mowla. »
Mowla a demandé d’où nous venions.
Je lui ai dit que nous venions d’Ottawa, et que nous étions à l’origine arrivés d’Ouganda en 1974.
Mowla a regardé ma mère, à hauteur de ses yeux, et a dit :
« Merci d’avoir voyagé depuis Ottawa aujourd’hui. Merci d’être venue me voir aujourd’hui. Cela a dû être très difficile pour vous de faire ce voyage. Je suis très reconnaissant que vous soyez venue me voir. Merci. »
Alors j’ai répondu :
« Non Khudavind, vous n’avez pas à nous remercier. Khudavind, c’est nous qui sommes reconnaissants et très reconnaissants que vous soyez ici aujourd’hui. Merci de nous bénir avec un Didar, Khudavind. Nous vous sommes reconnaissants. »
Il m’a demandé mon prénom, et j’ai répondu : « Salima. »
Puis Khudavind a regardé ma mère, s’est mis à sa hauteur, lui a pris la main et a dit :
« Vous avez l’air triste. »
Ma mère a répondu :
« Khudavind, mon mari est décédé. »
Khudavind m’a regardée.
J’ai dit :
« Khudavind, mon père est décédé récemment », en retenant mes larmes.
Khudavind a répondu :
« Je sais à quel point il est difficile de perdre un père. »
Il a posé sa main sur mon épaule, m’a regardée droit dans les yeux et a dit :
« Tu dois être forte et avoir du courage. Je sais que c’est très difficile. »
Puis il m’a demandé combien de frères et sœurs j’avais (pas si j’en avais).
J’ai répondu : « J’ai une sœur et un frère. »
Khudavind m’a demandé leurs prénoms.
J’ai répondu : « Ma sœur s’appelle Faiza et mon frère Raheem. »
Khudavind a dit qu’eux aussi doivent être forts et courageux.
Ce n’est pas facile de perdre un père.
Puis Khudavind a tenu la main de ma mère et a dit :
« Vous me reverrez. Nous nous reverrons. »
Merci encore d’être venue me voir.
Je suis certaine que Mowla est resté avec nous seulement quelques minutes, mais je ne peux pas expliquer à quel point j’ai ressenti que le temps et tout ce qui nous entourait s’étaient littéralement arrêtés.
Shukr pour tout le monde, à tous les niveaux, à chaque étape, qui a permis à ma mère —
qui venait de perdre son mari,
qui a eu une infection du sang,
qui a dû subir une opération du cœur,
qui, à l’hôpital, est tombée de son lit, s’est cogné la tête et s’est fracturé le coude droit,
et qui a ensuite souffert d’une grave commotion cérébrale —
tout cela dans les 40 jours du chalismo de mon père.
Tous nos responsables nous ont encouragés, guidés et soutenus pour voyager avec ma mère jusqu’à Montréal et ont pris grand soin d’elle.
Mowla a dit à ma mère 2 ou 3 fois qu’ils se reverraient.
Mowla a remercié ma mère d’être venue voir Khudavind.
Mowla a comparé la grande perte de son « père » à la mienne.
Re: Eastern Canada Deedar and visit March 25-31
Testimony: 2026, March 25-31 : Didars in montreal (Chateauguay) and in Toronto for Easter Canada. Here is a batch of Testimonies:
Testomony 7:
As received
Thank you for sharing this. One thing that really stayed with me from the Interfaith mulaqat was when MHI said that no one should be treated badly, and if we see someone being treated badly, we should intervene and say something.
That made me think about something I’ve heard from several murids who were actually staying at the same place where Mowla was residing. They were not allowed into certain areas like coffee shops and were told it was “reserved”, but later found out other guests were allowed in those same areas. When they complained, they were told the instructions were coming “from above”. What was even more upsetting was that the same murids who were staying there were at times told to go and stand outside in the bitter cold and not remain inside. Staff said they were just following instructions and were afraid they would lose their jobs if they did not follow orders from “above”. Some murids were even spoken to very harshly, almost like school children being scolded.
I am not saying who is right or wrong, but hearing this and then hearing Mowla says that no one should be treated badly and we should intervene if we see it really made me think. Maybe this is something we should reflect on as a community, because inclusiveness, dignity and respect should start with how we treat our own murids too.
Testomony 7:
As received
Thank you for sharing this. One thing that really stayed with me from the Interfaith mulaqat was when MHI said that no one should be treated badly, and if we see someone being treated badly, we should intervene and say something.
That made me think about something I’ve heard from several murids who were actually staying at the same place where Mowla was residing. They were not allowed into certain areas like coffee shops and were told it was “reserved”, but later found out other guests were allowed in those same areas. When they complained, they were told the instructions were coming “from above”. What was even more upsetting was that the same murids who were staying there were at times told to go and stand outside in the bitter cold and not remain inside. Staff said they were just following instructions and were afraid they would lose their jobs if they did not follow orders from “above”. Some murids were even spoken to very harshly, almost like school children being scolded.
I am not saying who is right or wrong, but hearing this and then hearing Mowla says that no one should be treated badly and we should intervene if we see it really made me think. Maybe this is something we should reflect on as a community, because inclusiveness, dignity and respect should start with how we treat our own murids too.
Re: Eastern Canada Deedar and visit March 25-31
Testimony: 2026, March 25-31 : Didars in montreal (Chateauguay) and in Toronto for Easter Canada. Here is a batch of Testimonies:
Testomony 8:
As received
SENT AS RECEIVED
Ya Ali Madad everyone, wanted to share my experience with you when at the inter-faith gathering today where 5000 interfaith families attended.
The entire morning I was praying for just a glimpse of Hazar Imams eyes. We waited patiently for him for a few hours. It was a theatre style seated event . As he walked by, I couldn’t contain my emotions. He stopped, walked OVER to me and asked me how long I’d been waiting. With emotion I struggled to contain, I said not long, he looked me with a not believing expression and asked again, “tell me how long,” I again said, my grip on my emotions slipping, not long.
He looked to my husband to my left and asked, “are you the spouse?” Yes replies my Husband, Hazir Imam again asked, “now you tell me, have you been waiting long?” My husband also replied “not long” as he shook his hand and he said sorry to us as he was walking away.
When speaking at the podium he made a joke that how Ismaili”s are the BEST... we all laughed and he then referenced our exchange and said the girl said not long then asked the gathering how long were you really waiting??
When they shouted out 5 hours he replied, I hope they gave you cocktails!!
On his way out, he came BACK to me “are you going to tell me how long?” To which I replied thank you so much for everything while crying then my husband answers if your asking us how long, we have been together 20 years, so we have really been waiting for you for 20 years, please continue to hold these gatherings.
Hazar Imam said (putting his hand to his heart) “you are going to make me cry, how has the 20 years been for you?”
John put his arm around my shoulder and said “you were right, Ismaili’s are the best!” Mowla laughed and said “that’s great, mine only lasted 9 years!” To which I replied, “this our second go, so you still have a chance!”
To which he laughed , said thanks, smiled and continued on his way out of the hall.
I'm still in a bit of shock and crowds wanted to know what he was saying so I thought I would quickly share my experience with you all
John & Minaz
Testomony 8:
As received
SENT AS RECEIVED
Ya Ali Madad everyone, wanted to share my experience with you when at the inter-faith gathering today where 5000 interfaith families attended.
The entire morning I was praying for just a glimpse of Hazar Imams eyes. We waited patiently for him for a few hours. It was a theatre style seated event . As he walked by, I couldn’t contain my emotions. He stopped, walked OVER to me and asked me how long I’d been waiting. With emotion I struggled to contain, I said not long, he looked me with a not believing expression and asked again, “tell me how long,” I again said, my grip on my emotions slipping, not long.
He looked to my husband to my left and asked, “are you the spouse?” Yes replies my Husband, Hazir Imam again asked, “now you tell me, have you been waiting long?” My husband also replied “not long” as he shook his hand and he said sorry to us as he was walking away.
When speaking at the podium he made a joke that how Ismaili”s are the BEST... we all laughed and he then referenced our exchange and said the girl said not long then asked the gathering how long were you really waiting??
When they shouted out 5 hours he replied, I hope they gave you cocktails!!
On his way out, he came BACK to me “are you going to tell me how long?” To which I replied thank you so much for everything while crying then my husband answers if your asking us how long, we have been together 20 years, so we have really been waiting for you for 20 years, please continue to hold these gatherings.
Hazar Imam said (putting his hand to his heart) “you are going to make me cry, how has the 20 years been for you?”
John put his arm around my shoulder and said “you were right, Ismaili’s are the best!” Mowla laughed and said “that’s great, mine only lasted 9 years!” To which I replied, “this our second go, so you still have a chance!”
To which he laughed , said thanks, smiled and continued on his way out of the hall.
I'm still in a bit of shock and crowds wanted to know what he was saying so I thought I would quickly share my experience with you all
John & MinazRe: Eastern Canada Deedar and visit March 25-31
The Ismaili Update: Canada visit - Part 5
On Saturday evening, Mawlana Hazar Imam attended an institutional reception at the Aga Khan Museum. On Sunday morning, he granted the first Youth Mulaqat in Toronto. Watch part 5 of The Ismaili Update: Canada visit, for the highlights.
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZgNte09R1o
On Saturday evening, Mawlana Hazar Imam attended an institutional reception at the Aga Khan Museum. On Sunday morning, he granted the first Youth Mulaqat in Toronto. Watch part 5 of The Ismaili Update: Canada visit, for the highlights.
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZgNte09R1o
Re: Eastern Canada Deedar and visit March 25-31
2026, March 30: Opening of Generations in Toronto in the presence of Mowlana Shah Rahim Aga KHan V. Here is his speech:
VIDEO SPEECH: https://ismaili.net/timeline/2026/2026-03-30-speech.mp4
VIDEO SPEECH: https://ismaili.net/timeline/2026/2026-03-30-speech.mp4
Re: Eastern Canada Deedar and visit March 25-31
Mayor Olivia Chow presents Key to the City to His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V
News ReleaseMarch 30, 2026
Today, Mayor Olivia Chow presented the Key to the City of Toronto to His Highness Prince Rahim the Aga Khan V at Ismaili Centre Toronto, recognizing his dedication to improving the quality of life of people around the world, regardless of birthplace or background. He has brought bold vision and deep commitment to this work — advancing institutions and initiatives spanning health care, education, culture, habitat, and financial inclusion, for Torontonians, Canadians, and communities around the globe.
The presentation took place at the inauguration of Generations Toronto, an affordable housing and long-term care facility, designed for community-supported aging within an intergenerational framework. The project, part of a national initiative of the Ismaili community, is grounded in the Islamic values of human dignity and compassion, and addresses health consequences of social isolation for seniors, along with the lack of affordable housing.
Generations Toronto was supported by funding from all levels of government, including an investment of $17.5 million in incentives by the City of Toronto. This was done through development charge exemptions and permit fee waivers. In addition, the City will provide tax exemption for the affordability period.
His Highness the Aga Khan is the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims. Over the past 50 years, the Ismaili community has made Canada and Toronto home — building roots and making lasting contributions to civic and cultural life.
About the Key to the City
The Mayor awards the Key to the City to inspiring individuals from diverse backgrounds who embody the spirit and potential of Toronto, and who have contributed significantly to civic life. The Key to the City is Toronto’s highest honour granted by the Mayor to an individual or a group.
More information, including a list of past recipients, is available on the City’s Key to the City webpage.
Mayor Chow invites residents to share their suggestions for individuals they believe should receive the Key to the City. To nominate someone who has made a meaningful impact on Toronto, visit: www.mayoroliviachow.ca/keytothecity (opens in new window)
Quotes:
“I am proud to present His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V with the Key to the City, as a friend and ally of Toronto. This presentation exemplifies pluralism, cultural dialogue, and partnership, and we thank His Highness for decades of work to improve the quality of life around the world. It is especially meaningful to share this award as we celebrate the new Generations Toronto facility designed to be inclusive, caring, and intergenerational — allowing local seniors to age in place, supported by their community.”
– Mayor Olivia Chow
“I am deeply honoured by this recognition from the City of Toronto. Toronto has shown the world what pluralism looks like in practice. It is the commitment to openness and inclusion that has made this city a meaningful partner. I accept this key as a symbol of the friendship between this city and the Ismaili community — a relationship expressed through what we have built together.”
–His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V
Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As an Official Host City for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ and the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation and climate action, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City's website or follow us on X (opens in new window), Instagram (opens in new window)or Facebook (opens in new window).
Media Relations
media@toronto.ca
https://www.toronto.ca/news/mayor-olivi ... ga-khan-v/
News ReleaseMarch 30, 2026
Today, Mayor Olivia Chow presented the Key to the City of Toronto to His Highness Prince Rahim the Aga Khan V at Ismaili Centre Toronto, recognizing his dedication to improving the quality of life of people around the world, regardless of birthplace or background. He has brought bold vision and deep commitment to this work — advancing institutions and initiatives spanning health care, education, culture, habitat, and financial inclusion, for Torontonians, Canadians, and communities around the globe.
The presentation took place at the inauguration of Generations Toronto, an affordable housing and long-term care facility, designed for community-supported aging within an intergenerational framework. The project, part of a national initiative of the Ismaili community, is grounded in the Islamic values of human dignity and compassion, and addresses health consequences of social isolation for seniors, along with the lack of affordable housing.
Generations Toronto was supported by funding from all levels of government, including an investment of $17.5 million in incentives by the City of Toronto. This was done through development charge exemptions and permit fee waivers. In addition, the City will provide tax exemption for the affordability period.
His Highness the Aga Khan is the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims. Over the past 50 years, the Ismaili community has made Canada and Toronto home — building roots and making lasting contributions to civic and cultural life.
About the Key to the City
The Mayor awards the Key to the City to inspiring individuals from diverse backgrounds who embody the spirit and potential of Toronto, and who have contributed significantly to civic life. The Key to the City is Toronto’s highest honour granted by the Mayor to an individual or a group.
More information, including a list of past recipients, is available on the City’s Key to the City webpage.
Mayor Chow invites residents to share their suggestions for individuals they believe should receive the Key to the City. To nominate someone who has made a meaningful impact on Toronto, visit: www.mayoroliviachow.ca/keytothecity (opens in new window)
Quotes:
“I am proud to present His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V with the Key to the City, as a friend and ally of Toronto. This presentation exemplifies pluralism, cultural dialogue, and partnership, and we thank His Highness for decades of work to improve the quality of life around the world. It is especially meaningful to share this award as we celebrate the new Generations Toronto facility designed to be inclusive, caring, and intergenerational — allowing local seniors to age in place, supported by their community.”
– Mayor Olivia Chow
“I am deeply honoured by this recognition from the City of Toronto. Toronto has shown the world what pluralism looks like in practice. It is the commitment to openness and inclusion that has made this city a meaningful partner. I accept this key as a symbol of the friendship between this city and the Ismaili community — a relationship expressed through what we have built together.”
–His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V
Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As an Official Host City for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ and the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation and climate action, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City's website or follow us on X (opens in new window), Instagram (opens in new window)or Facebook (opens in new window).
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