Masjid al Iman, Victoria's local mosque on Quadra street is opening its doors this weekend to people of all denominations for a series of events focused on love and hope.
Monday marks the one-year anniversary of a shooting at a mosque is Quebec City, when a gunman walked in and shot six men to death and wounded 19 others.
An open house Saturday from 1:30pm to 2:30pm will focus on the widows of the six victims as well as others touched by the tragedy.
Guests tomorrow include Green Party leader Andrew Weaver, Mayor Lisa Helps, Victoria Police chief Del Manek, and two professors who will speak about inclusive societies.
Imam Ismail Nur, head of the Masjid al Iman, says more communication and understanding is needed:
"There is still very much a fear that people have because of the misrepresentation of Islam in the media, that connotations and things that people attach to Muslims, they see it as a threat."
On Sunday evening a spiritual rally will bring together members of the Muslim, Jewish and First Nations communities.
A vigil will take place outdoors in a spot near the mosque on Monday night, the one year anniversary of the shooting.