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Hamilton Spectator
01-08-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Hamilton immigration council ‘deeply alarmed' by reports of white nationalists training in city parks
The Hamilton Immigration Partnership Council (HIPC) says it is 'deeply alarmed' amid reports that white nationalists are gathering to train in local parks and gyms. Dubbed 'active clubs,' the far-right groups aren't 'benign social organizations,' HIPC warned in a news release Thursday. 'They are part of a transnational movement grounded in fascist ideology, white supremacy, misogyny and violent extremism.' The council's 'unequivocal' condemnation comes in the wake of a CBC News investigation which reported white supremacist groups have been training for an impending 'race war' in the Hamilton area, including public spaces like Myrtle and Gage parks, as well as a pair of local boxing gyms. The troubling activity is part of a broader trend. In ' Hate Rising ,' a multi-part series released in 2023, The Spectator reported about a group of Hamilton-grown neo-Nazis who called themselves Nationalist-13 — and who claimed to be part of the 'fastest growing nationalist community in Canada.' The investigation revealed Nationalist-13 was responsible for a sticker and vandalism campaign across Hamilton, including a white pride sticker placed over the face of a Black municipal election candidate's billboard. Existing as a white nationalist community on messaging app Telegram — like many other modern neo-Nazi outfits — the group also organized publicity stunts, such as waving racist banners over the Red Hill Valley Parkway and using Sam Lawrence Park to engage in survivalist exercise. In its July 18 story, CBC described Nationalist-13 as one of Canada's most prolific 'active clubs.' Ongoing public displays rooted in hate are particularly concerning given newcomers are among the city's largest users of parks, said Grace Baldwin, chair of the HIPC and director of Goof Shepherd's Family Centre. 'They should be able to feel safe as they go about in the city.' Immigrants most often experience discrimination in public places, according to Baldwin. She pointed to early results from HIPC's 2025 Immigration Survey — expected to be released this fall — which suggests 'stores, banks, restaurants, parks and sidewalks were among the top five contexts where participants experienced discrimination' in the past year. Baldwin said about one-third of survey participants — 630 newcomers responded — reported experiencing discrimination since 2024, with racialized immigrants more likely to be victimized than white participants. 'When we're seeing this type of (white nationalist) activity out in the open, in the community, what message is this sending to newcomers?' Baldwin said over a call. 'We felt it was important to speak about this and send a message to newcomers that there are people within this community that are here to support you.' In a statement, Coun. Nrinder Nann — whose ward includes the parks cited by CBC as training grounds for white supremacist groups — called violent extremism a 'national security threat.' 'This presence is concerning to neighbours across Ward 3 and to me personally,' said Nann, who also spoke about the issue at length in a 16-minute Instagram video July 23. 'Active clubs operate under the guise of sparring and physical training — however, their mandate is to incite national race wars.' White nationalists operating in Hamilton are not an isolated concern, according to the HIPC. Hamilton police recently reported a fourth-consecutive annual increase in hate-related incidents with 297 reported in 2024 — up 35 per cent from 2023 and well above the 10-year average of 146 per year. Staff Sgt. Ryan Hashimoto of the hate-crime unit attributed the uptick in part to more reporting, but also a rise in alt-right ideologies, anti-immigration rhetoric and geopolitical events like the Israel-Hamas conflict. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Hamilton Spectator
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
The Redhill Valleys among local winners at CMAOntario Awards
Hamilton-grown musicians, a band and a radio station took home CMAOntario awards Sunday. Three-member band the Redhill Valleys won 'Group or Duo of the Year,' Ancaster's Mackenzie Leigh Meyer won 'Roots Artist or Group of the Year,' Waterdown's Josh Ross won the 'Compass Award' and KX94.7, Hamilton's country station, won 'Radio Station of the Year.' The win was a first for the Redhill Valleys. 'Winning Group of the Year in our hometown makes this moment extra special,' said Chelsea McWilliams, the bass player and singer. 'Hamilton has a rich, resilient music scene, and we're proud to be part of a community that keeps showing up, creating, and lifting each other up. It's a win for all the local bands out there making noise.' The CMAOntario Awards and Festival was Sunday at several venues across Hamilton, including the Textile Building and the Music Hall. The 13th annual awards show was the last to be hosted by Canadian country star Jason McCoy. McCoy announced 20 winners at the show, which ended off a weekend of workshops, intimate performances and open mics. Country singer-songwriter Owen Riegling won the most awards, taking home five trophies. Riegling is from Mildmay, Ont., a small town about 150 kilometres northwest of Hamilton, past Elmira, Ont. The show featured performances from country singers such as Andrew Hyatt, Sacha, Nate Haller and Robyn Ottolini. The Redhill Valleys also performed. McCoy was also honoured with the first Real McCoy Award, sponsored by Slaight Music. The award will honour an individual who represents the compassion, integrity and commitment to the craft of Ontario's country music community. The Country Music Association of Ontario was founded in 2007. Cheyenne Bholla is a reporter at The Hamilton Spectator. cbholla@
