“This is the wrong location,” it says, and that there's "an unjustified need for a Muslim centre on this location.”

That’s an argument that Manzoor takes issue with.

“Another community isn’t the one to decide if (the prayer centre) is necessary,” he said. “They cannot tell us this isn’t our need.”

Residents have also raised issues with the prayer centre’s potential impact on traffic, parking, noise and the environment.

An online petition against the prayer centre has garnered hundreds of signatures and comments.

In March alone, ward Coun. Brian Bourke has received more than 50 emails, many decrying the association’s plans while others are rallying in support of the Muslim group.

“There are developments in our city all the time and some have much more of an impact than this, but there’s not nearly as much interest,” Bourke said. “I recognize some people are frustrated or don’t understand the system. It’s very important to remember that the Muslim Association of Canada owns the land and has the right to apply to council.

“They’ve provided way more information than many developers do.”

Most recently, the association hosted a public information night to answer any questions residents might have about the zoning bylaw amendment and long-term concept. Part of the meeting was captured on a YouTube video, which has garnered more than 1,000 views.

After a presentation, residents were invited to go to the front of the room and ask association members, planners and city staff questions. As seen in the video, a woman got up to speak in front of the crowd instead of talking one-on-one. Staff attempted to explain that the purpose of the meeting was not to make speeches, but to get informed.

“You have to be respectful,” said Rita Szilock, city planner, in the video. “These are your neighbours. They live in this community, we all live in this community. I’m an immigrant, most of you are immigrants. You have to be respectful.”

Audience members shouted to let the woman talk and continued to yell and clap. Near the end, one resident ripped up and destroyed the registration list where people had written their contact information to receive updates from the city.

“I’m glad I didn’t have my kids, or anybody else there,” said Manzoor.

Now, a new flyer is circulating.

“This is the wrong location,” it says, and that there's "an unjustified need for a Muslim centre on this location.”

That’s an argument that Manzoor takes issue with.

“Another community isn’t the one to decide if (the prayer centre) is necessary,” he said. “They cannot tell us this isn’t our need.”

In a six-kilometre radius around 510 Erbsville Rd. are 11 places of worship — Muslim Society of Waterloo and Wellington Counties, Creekside Church, Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church, Kitchener-Waterloo Chinese Alliance Church, Trinity Evangelical Missionary Church, Waterloo North Presbyterian Church, All Saints Anglican Church, Messiah Lutheran Church, Church of Christ, Waterloo Christian Reformed Church and Christian Fellowship Church.

Next door to 510 Erbsville Rd. is a salvage yard and auto shop and on the other side is a single house. The association has not received complaints from either.

Behind it is Old Oak Park and a low-density subdivision. The three closest homes have hired a consultant, and the association is working closely with them to ensure any concerns the residents’ have are addressed, Manzoor said.

Across the street is another subdivision. Nearby is a retirement residence, commercial plaza with a grocery store, three schools and several more residential areas. Four kilometres down the road is the new Costco.

Despite all of its efforts, the association has received more criticism on this project than any other, including the $3.5 million renovations at the Kitchener Masjid’s Victoria Street North building.

Laurelwood resident Darcy Casselman said given the current political climate he wasn’t surprised about the push back, but he was disappointed.

“I think the prayer centre would add to the character and livability of this maturing neighbourhood,” he wrote in an email. “For the most part though, I probably wouldn’t think much of anything of it, just like I wouldn’t think much of any church or community organization in my neighbourhood I didn’t belong to.

"I’m happy they’re there, and I’m happy they’re providing services to people.”

For more information, visit www.waterloo.ca/en/business/510_erbsville_road.asp