Several groups in Hamilton are speaking out against white nationalist “active clubs” following a recent investigative report by CBC News. The report revealed that these groups are preparing for a “race war” in local gyms and parks.
The Hamilton Anti Hate Coalition, formerly known as No Hate in the Hammer, is urging municipal authorities and residents to take immediate action in response to the investigation’s findings. Various organizations like the Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion (HCCI), Hamilton Anti-Racism Resource Centre (HARRC), and Hamilton Immigration Partnership Council (HIPC) have also condemned these activities and are calling for urgent measures to combat hate in the community.
HIPC expressed deep concern over the report, emphasizing that these groups are not just social organizations but are rooted in fascist ideology, white supremacy, misogyny, and violent extremism. The presence of such groups poses a significant threat to the safety of all residents, especially newcomers and racialized communities who are already vulnerable to discrimination and violence.
According to Kim Martin, the chair of HIPC’s anti-racism committee, newcomers and racialized communities face disproportionate barriers and discrimination. The organized presence of hate groups training in public spaces sends a troubling message that must be addressed with urgency and zero tolerance for hate.
A recent CBC visual investigation, conducted in collaboration with The Fifth Estate, identified local spaces where white nationalists are training, including Myrtle and Gage Parks. Despite portraying themselves as promoting community and fitness, experts warn that these groups pose a growing extremist threat.
In response to the report, the Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion (HCCI) has launched a survey to gather public input on combating hate and supporting impacted communities. Residents are encouraged to participate in the survey to help determine the best ways to address these concerning activities.
The Hamilton Anti-Hate Coalition is also urging residents to report any suspicious activity, such as groups training in parks under questionable circumstances. Residents can report such activities through various channels, including the Hamilton police and WeSupportHamilton.ca, a platform for reporting incidents of hate in the area.
While the Hamilton Police Service is aware of the groups mentioned in the CBC report and is monitoring their activities, no criminal offenses related to these clubs have been reported to the police. Police emphasize that training in a facility is not a criminal offense, and business owners have the discretion to respond as they see fit.
City officials, including Mayor Andrea Horwath and Ward 3 Coun. Nrinder Nann, are urging residents to report any instances of hate in their neighborhoods. Collaboration with organizations like HCCI and HARRC is essential to building community safety and addressing systemic issues of racism and hate collectively.
HARRC’s executive director, Lyndon George, emphasizes the need for collective accountability in confronting hate and racism in the community. He calls for preventive approaches to address hate, bias, and radicalization before they escalate into violent extremism.