Windsor's Cambodian community opens permanent temple doors for the 1st time

Windsorite Ron Sim grew up going to Cambodian Buddhist temple in basements, community centres and residential homes. The first time he stepped foot into a formal Buddhist temple, he was in Cambodia. 

But on Thursday, he turned they keys on the door of the community's first permanent temple space in Windsor, a "monumental" moment years in the making that will allow the next generation of Cambodian-Canadians in Windsor to grow up with a local temple. 

"It was very enlightening and it was very spiritual moment," he said of his visit to a Cambodian temple. "I wanted to bring that back. And I think it's very important to have that here close to home."

Sim, a former vice-president for the Cambodian temple and now an advisory board member, says the purchase was final earlier this week.

It's been a labour of love to get the temple a permanent location in part because of the small nature of the Cambodian community in Windsor: He estimates there are about 100 families, maybe 300 people in total, so financial constraints were a hurdle. Before, they'd rent small spaces wherever they could afford. Previously, they had a residential house the community was outgrowing. 

Another issue was finding the actual location. The temple found its home on Howard Avenue, not far from two other religious communities. 

"Windsor is a growing community, a lot of people are moving here and other congregations and faiths are moving here as well," he said. "So even this location, we had to bid quite aggressively just to get it."

Sim said it was "humbling" to be located nearby two other faith communities. 

"It's great because we can reach out and unite and share different cultures with one another."

Bunthoeurn Huo is one of the monks for the temple. He came to Windsor from Cambodia two years ago. 

"It's extremely important and it's an honour for me to be in Windsor to be able to teach the Cambodian Buddhist faith in Windsor because it teaches us all to be better humans and neighbours to each other," Huo said, with Sim translating.  

"All of our ancestors are Buddhist and have passed that culture to us. For me to be able to serve the community and the Buddhist faith is an honour and I plan to be here for a long time."

Tim So is one of the many people to attended the celebration of faith and food on Thursday. She says she's happy to have a bigger space. 

"We used to stay in a small spot. Now it's all open, we want more people to come in, " So said. "We're happy to invite everyone to come in, it doesn't matter where they come from. We want to keep going."