An official grand opening of the city’s first Sikh temple was held today.
The Timmins Gurdwara is located at the former Gibby’s Tavern on Cedar Street.
Mayor George Pirie, MPP Gilles Bisson and representatives from the Timmins Chamber of Commerce, Downtown BIA and Timmins Police Service were on hand.
“The community of Timmins has changed a lot in the past years, and your community is very much a part of Timmins,” incoming Timmins Police chief Daniel Foy said to Kanwaljit Bains and the members of the Sikh community gathered at the temple. Foy also thanked them for bringing diversity to the city.
At the beginning of the ceremony, volunteers served chai and snacks to the guests. The food was served in the basement where everyone sat on the floor.
In a Sikh temple, everyone sits on the floor together because everyone is equal, Bains explained.
Then, there was a prayer held upstairs followed by the speeches and a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“We wish to grow with you guys. We’d like to grow with this community,” Bains said.
The temple welcomes everyone and is open 24/7.
