KITCHENER - The Kitchener Masjid has received $197,585 in federal funding to help with the mosque's renovation and expansion.

Work begins this week on the two-phase, $3.5-million project at the Victoria Street North building.

The government grant goes toward the first phase, expected to cost $757,000, to fix up the gym and add a youth centre.

"We didn't have a youth centre, although we did have lots of youth activities," said manager Mirsad Kaplani.

The new centre will give youth "a place that they feel like they belong to" and the gym space will be greatly improved with a new roof, floor and heating and cooling system.

"So many things that need to be repaired, so we are doing all that," Kaplani said.

The building - a former beauty supply warehouse - was purchased in 2005 and local members of the Muslim Association of Canada have been working since then to turn it into a proper place to worship and gather.

"It's a community centre," Kaplani said.

In the second phase of the project, the prayer area will be enlarged and will include an Islamic library, offices, kitchen, and space for funeral services.

"It will change the look of the building inside and out," Kaplani said.

The renovation is needed. The Kitchener Masjid provides programs and services to more than 15,000 Muslims in the Kitchener area.

"The number of Muslims in the region, especially in the city of Kitchener, is growing," Kaplani said. "And the needs of the community are growing."

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The money, granted under the community infrastructure program for Canada's 150th birthday, was announced Sunday by Kitchener Centre MP Raj Saini.

The renovation and expansion is one of more than 380 projects approved through the program that will improve and preserve community spaces across southern Ontario in honour of the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017.

"Through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program, we are strengthening our communities across the country, making them safer and more prosperous places to live," Saini said in a news release. "I'm pleased that this local project will benefit residents here in Kitchener and the surrounding area."