The Hawkesbury Islamic Cultural Centre (HICC) is bringing newcomers and locals together through sports, cultural programs, and youth initiatives, fostering inclusion and growth in the region. The centre, which opened its doors to the public in May 2025, provides comprehensive community services, welcoming people of all faiths.
“We are active in society and want to help out,” HICC President Mohamed Eliwa said. “It’s not only for us and our religious community, but for everyone. Our goal is to enrich individuals’ lives.”
Currently, the centre says it serves over 100 Muslim families in the region, both as a resource location and a mosque for prayers.
Formed as a community group in October 2024, HICC was created to provide families with a convenient location, rather than requiring families to travel to Orléans or Cornwall, the closest Islamic centres. “It’s really a central location in Eastern Ontario.”
HICC representative Khalil Driouich emphasized that their work is rooted in inclusion and integration, highlighting that the centre is there to help newcomers to the area explore local offerings and build connections in the community.
Programs and Education
At the heart of HICC’s programming is education. The centre runs Quran and Arabic classes for children at École élémentaire publique Nouvel Horizon, and offers indoor and outdoor soccer for all ages, focusing on life skills, teamwork, and ethics.
“It’s not only about playing sports: it’s about teaching skills, working in a group, and ultimately being part of a diverse team,” Eliwa said.
HICC is also developing an in-house library featuring a range of religious and secular texts and activities to support community literacy. They are currently accepting donations to fill the shelves.
“Education comes first,” Driouich emphasized, “but this isn’t only a school. Children need to read, investigate, and understand the wider world around them. We want to provide that opportunity.”
Community Outreach
The centre’s commitment extends beyond its doors, supporting food banks, volunteering with youth programs, and collaborating with local municipalities and other cultural organizations to foster intercultural and interfaith understanding. These programs help newcomers navigate language and cultural barriers while connecting with residents.
HICC is also seeking partnerships with other community organizations to offer programs on Saturdays and regional incentives. “We want to reverse the trend of people leaving, to make Hawkesbury and the surrounding areas thrive again,” they said.
Though the centre has faced some negativity on social media, they said that both in-person and virtual interactions have been overwhelmingly positive.
“We are building bridges. Some people criticize us from afar, but those who know us see the work we are doing,” Driouich said.
Eliwa added that security cameras are in place to keep the centre safe amid rising tensions affecting immigrant communities in Canada. “They’re simply here to protect the people who use the HICC,” he said.
Challenges and Future Plans
Despite the centre’s success thus far, HICC continues to face challenges common in rural community projects: bureaucratic hurdles, limited resources, and the need for coordinated support across Prescott-Russell.
The centre envisions collaborating with municipalities, school boards, businesses, MPPs, and MPs to create initiatives that will benefit the entire community. Proposed initiatives include an indoor soccer dome, arts and language programs, and cultural education. All are designed to foster community cohesion and retain talent in the region.
“Where neighbours come together, we support each other and build a stronger community,” Eliwa concluded.
Ultimately, Eliwa and Driouich explained that their community feels accepted and respected in Prescott-Russell, citing the region’s welcoming nature and openness to learn about Islam.
Those interested in volunteering, donating, or learning about programs can visit the HICC website: https://hicc-ccih.org, or Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565943219314.
Eliwa and Driouich encouraged the community to visit the centre at 388 Main Street East in Hawkesbury as they continue to build local connections.
