Plans for a new three-storey Gurdwara Kalgidhar Darbar Sikh Temple in northwest Winnipeg have received unanimous approval from the Lord Selkirk-West Kildonan Committee, marking a significant milestone for the city’s growing Sikh community.
The new temple will be built on King Edward Street and will be five times larger than the existing facility, expanding from 7,000 square feet to approximately 35,000 square feet. The upgraded gurdwara will accommodate between 400 and 500 worshippers, providing much-needed space for religious gatherings, weddings, and community events.
Terry Kozak, consultant for the project, emphasized that the new gurdwara will serve generations to come, reflecting the increasing presence of the Sikh community in northwest Winnipeg.
“What this project will provide for the community and for the gurdwara will be felt for generations,” Kozak stated. “The design includes ample green space along King Edward Street, adding to the curb appeal and making it a landmark for the area.”
According to 2021 Census data, Sikh residents make up 17.3% of the population in the Seven Oaks community area, making them the second-largest religious-affiliated group after Catholics.
Gurdwara President Gurpal Bhullar expressed the community’s excitement for the new space, highlighting its importance for social and cultural gatherings.
“This area is growing, and we need more space for weddings, religious events, and other community functions,” Bhullar said.
The project, designed by Affinity Architecture Inc., will retain two large, triangular-shaped green spaces to the north and west of the gurdwara. In response to community needs, Old Kildonan Coun. Devi Sharma requested an additional 30 parking stalls, bringing the total to 283 stalls.
“It’s a great plan, and it looks beautiful,” Sharma said during the approval meeting.
With City Council approval expected soon, the next phase will focus on fundraising for the project. While the final cost estimate is still being refined, the temple is expected to require millions of dollars to complete.
The expansion of Gurdwara Kalgidhar Darbar represents a landmark moment for Winnipeg’s Sikh community, reinforcing its commitment to faith, culture, and social engagement.