Buddhist temple in Cote des Neiges seeking expansion

by Sean McKeogh. CJAD 800, Oct 4, 2015

Montreal, Canada -- The monks of the Quan Am Buddhist temple have been locked in a battle with the city of Montreal over the past decade concerning the expansion of their congregation in Cote des Neiges, despite having the land to do so.

After repeated attempts to expand only to have their requests blocked by the city time and again, the monks have hired attorney Julius Grey in the hopes of expanding their facilities.

Grey told CTV Montreal he believes that the city feels the Quan Am temple is on lands zoned for “places of worship”. Apprentice monks live at the temple, which according to the city means it is classified as a monastery, and not a place of worship. Grey is hoping to get a declaration broadening the definition of the term “place of worship”.

The family of Chantal Phan recently held a Buddhist ceremony for her deceased grandmother, but Phan says not everyone could attend because there wasn’t enough room. She called the temple a gathering place for many Vietnamese in Montreal. Phan says she’s worried that Buddhism could be at risk of extinction if the temple cannot train the next generation of monks.

The monks have started an online petition in the hopes of expanding the Quan Am temple that has nearly one thousand signatures since it was launched in August.


Please support to keep NORBU going:



For Malaysians and Singaporeans, please make your donation to the following account:

Account Name: Bodhi Vision
Account No:. 2122 00000 44661
Bank: RHB

The SWIFT/BIC code for RHB Bank Berhad is: RHBBMYKLXXX
Address: 11-15, Jalan SS 24/11, Taman Megah, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Phone: 603-9206 8118

Note: Please indicate your name in the payment slip. Thank you.


We express our deep gratitude for the support and generosity.

If you have any enquiries, please write to: editor@buddhistchannel.tv


TOP