Latest news with #MikeStrange
Hamilton Spectator
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Would bigger be better for Canada Day in Niagara Falls?
While praising city officials for organizing an 'amazing' Canada Day celebration, Niagara Falls city councillors mused about creating an even 'bigger' and 'better' event at Firemen's Park. 'A couple of people said we wish we really had one big band at the end of the day or the end of the night to kind of keep people there,' said Coun. Mike Strange during last week's meeting. 'Maybe that's something we can think of. To get a nice big band like The Trews — I think it would keep people there.' Kathy Moldenhauer, the city's general manager of recreation, culture and facilities, said officials would need the support of sponsors for that to happen. 'If anybody has any sponsors who want to help sponsor that big band at the end of the day, we'd love to get that because I know our budget is limited for next year,' she said. 'We do start planning now for next year.' Firemen's Park hosted the city's celebration of Canada's 158th birthday July 1 with live music and entertainment, food, vendors, inflatables, a cake/cupcake giveaway and more. The bandshell stage featured various performances, while the family zone stage included a day of family-friendly entertainment and interactive shows. Coun. Chris Dabrowski said the city should consider turning its Canada Day celebrations into a two-day event. 'We can look at ways of generating revenue to pay for some of those things because the gate numbers draw people and the people draw revenue to the vendors and then the vendors pay to be there,' he said. 'It's really difficult to get a vendor to set up for one day. They come to a one-day event, they try to generate some revenue, but if you have two days, they might pay a little bit more. Having a beer tent or look at ways that we can gate a nighttime concert, I think it's a great idea.' Dabrowski said there are ways to keep the event community oriented but also attract tourists. 'It's great that we do it for our community, but bigger could be better with events and with a large band like The Trews — maybe you could even charge for ticketing on an event like that.' Coun. Victor Pietrangelo brought up carnival rides, similar to years past when the city held its Canada Day celebrations at Optimist Club. 'I know, mayor, you've suggested this already — bring the rides back, have them there on Canada Day, especially if it falls on a weekend, it makes a lot of sense,' he said. 'They're there for three days and then everyone celebrates Canada Day with the rides there — I think that would be a great addition to what we're already doing.' Mayor Jim Diodati said as Niagara Falls' Canada Day celebrations continue to grow, ride companies will take note of the economic benefits that would come from committing to the municipal event. 'I think they're going to make an economic decision, based on bottom line and once they see where we're at … they're going to want to set up their carnival rides and bands are going to want to play where we have a gated, make some money event,' he said. Dabrowski suggested the city consider partnering with community groups such as Ribstock when organizing future Canada Day events. 'A little bit of private, a little bit of public, it takes the burden off a lot of the labour and the staff, and we can partner with a local organization to help benefit some charities — the possibilities are endless,' he said. Coun. Mona Patel suggested finishing the city's Canada Day event with fireworks or a drone show. 'Maybe it becomes our own little celebration.' 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 .
CBC
11-07-2025
- Politics
- CBC
As former Olympian-turned-councillor faces domestic assault charge, women-led advocacy group is silenced
Social Sharing A firestorm of controversy has been brewing in Niagara Falls, Ont., in the weeks since a former Olympian-turned-councillor was charged with domestic assault. Mike Strange, 54, turned to politics, first elected on council in 2014, after representing Canada as a light-welterweight boxer in three Olympics. On May 3, police were called to a Niagara Falls home around 3 a.m. and found a woman with injuries. Strange was charged with domestic assault. In the wake of the criminal charge, Strange has continued to sit on council. He maintained his innocence during a July 8 council meeting, stating "the truth will come out," and his next court appearance is July 20. Meanwhile, unrelated to the Strange criminal case, a women-led advocacy group was holding delegations across Ontario about proposed Bill 9, the Municipal Accountability Act, which If passed would give municipalities more tools to crack down on negligent and misbehaving politicians. When Women of Ontario Say No (WOSN) requested to delegate at Niagara Falls council in June, it had begun advocating for a new addition to Bill 9: that any councillor charged with assault be placed on automatic, paid leave until it was resolved in the courts, WOSN's lead advocate, Emily McIntosh, told CBC Hamilton. (The proposed rules could see them removed from office if a series of requirements are met.) 'An obvious and painful irony' City staff blocked WOSN from speaking about Bill 9. Then, on June 17, Niagara police officers arrested three women in the council chambers after they refused to put away signs that said the name of the advocacy group. "There is, of course, an obvious and painful irony in women being arrested for peacefully holding objectively inoffensive signs, while a sitting councillor was able to remain and participate in his public role in this official capacity despite being charged with serious violent offence involving assaulting a woman and released," lawyer Susan Toth, representing WOSN, wrote in a letter to the city last week. McIntosh said that during the public consultation period, which ends in August, the group is speaking to different councils to get their support for Bill 9 and for their ideas to strengthen it. For instance, automatically removing a councillor from office if found guilty would be comparable to rules applied to police officers facing criminal charges, she noted. CAO says city staff 'in a difficult position' McIntosh said WOSN realized they'd need to advocate for automatic leave when they learned of Strange's charge because it "showcases a gap in the legislation." "We believe in the criminal judicial system," McIntosh said. "We're just saying it's not an appropriate space to be interacting with the public in that official role at that time." Niagara Falls staff denied the WOSN's delegation because "the true subject" wasn't Bill 9, but rather "an ongoing legal proceeding," according to a report by the city's chief administrative officer (CAO), solicitor and clerk. The ongoing legal proceeding is presumably that of Strange. McIntosh said the city's decision is "completely lacking merit," and if Strange does have a conflict of interest, he could leave for their delegation. CAO Jason Burgess told CBC Hamilton in an email it's not that simple because a council debate about Bill 9 could impact the criminal proceeding, although he didn't elaborate on how. "Staff was put in a difficult position and decided not to allow the item on the agenda," he said. 3 WOSN supporters escorted off city property Then, the arrests in council chambers happened. Three supporters of WOSN sat on a bench reserved for the public at the start of the June 17 meeting, protesting the city's decision to not allow them to delegate. The women sat holding their signs printed on letter-sized paper, as seen in a video. When staff asked them to leave, they refused. Niagara police received a call for a "disturbance" at city hall and were told the women were violating city rules, said spokesperson Stephanie Sabourin. After a "prolonged discussion," the three women were arrested and escorted off city property. They were released "after the city declined to proceed with formal charges," Sabourin said. Rules prevent other signs like 'staff are stupid' Afterwards, Burgess told council it was important to uphold "decorum" in the council chamber so that anyone with "divergent views" doesn't feel intimidated. Allowing signs in support of women's rights could lead to people holding ones that say "staff are stupid" or "police are corrupt," or that are homophobic, the report said. But Toth, WOSN's lawyer, called the arrests "unlawful," and said in letters to the city and police that her clients are demanding apologies and a commitment neither party will interfere in WOSN members exercising their rights to free speech. They also requested to be allowed to delegate at the next meeting on July 8, but that was again denied by the city. McIntosh told CBC Hamilton they're now exploring other legal actions. Police said they were preparing a response to Toth's letter. Mayor Jim Diodati did not respond to a request for comment. Tensions rose again ahead of the July 8 meeting. Councillor says he felt 'targeted' The news website Pointer published a story about an email sent on behalf of Strange to all members of the Falls View Hose Brigade, a local fundraising group, to "fill the chambers so there is no space for the women's group to sit." Strange told CBC Hamilton he didn't send the email directly and it was "taken out of context." "I felt targeted by the protesters [during the June] meeting, and asked my friends and supporters to be there," he said in an email. "I am confident that the truth will prevail in my proceedings and I am committed to my responsibilities in my elected office." Some brigade members did show up, said McIntosh, who was also in attendance. They clapped when Strange made a speech stating, "To remove an elected official based on an unproven and unfounded allegation would set a dangerous precedent and undermines the very democratic principles we rely on." Burgess told CBC Hamilton there is no issue from a rules standpoint of the brigade attending the meeting at the request of a councillor. "The concept of filling council chambers is a standard practice," he said, adding that WOSN called for its supporters to do the same. The brigade did not respond to a request for comment. Call to 'stop this nonsense' Strange also put forward a motion directing staff to prepare a report on Bill 9 so there's an opportunity for WOSN to delegate in the future. McIntosh yelled out she was ready now but she wasn't allowed to delegate at that time. Burgess said that as of Thursday, there's no timeline for when the Bill 9 report will return to council. The provincial deadline for public feedback is Aug. 18. A Niagara Region councillor, Haley Bateman, in St. Catharines, was among those arrested for holding a WOSN sign. She posted on Instagram on Tuesday that she is "beyond disappointed" in how it has all played out. Bill 9 "is not about [Strange], this is legislation that's long overdue," she wrote. "Stop this nonsense." Over 200 municipalities — as well as several other organizations, including Ontario Big City Mayors — have signalled their support for Bill 9 and for more oversight of elected officials, said McIntosh. When it comes to Niagara Falls, McIntosh said she's shocked and alarmed at how it has all played out. "I find it so fascinating the extent and lengths this municipality has gone to to silence women," she said. "I think anyone who is interested should watch the council meeting and make up their own minds." For anyone affected by family or intimate partner violence, there is support available through
Global News
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Global News
Ontario councillor facing criminal charge speaks at meeting, advocates denied deputation
Advocates attending the meeting of an Ontario municipality shouted their frustrations Tuesday evening, as a councillor facing a criminal charge was allowed to speak on the very topic they had been banned from discussing. Members of the Women of Ontario Say No advocacy group sat in the Niagara Falls council chamber, alongside supporters of Coun. Mike Strange, where Mayor Jim Diodati struggled to maintain decorum from both sides. The meeting followed dramatic events in June, where the advocacy group was denied the chance to speak about issues of municipal conduct because the city said it could impact an ongoing legal matter. After they were told they could not speak, the group attended a June 17 meeting with signs, and its members were arrested. They were later released without charge. Their frustration bubbled over at Tuesday's meeting, as Coun. Strange, who was charged with domestic assault in May, was allowed to stand during the council meeting and talk about municipal accountability legislation — and the allegation against him. Story continues below advertisement The charge against Strange has not been proven in court. 'Every individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty,' Strange said during Tuesday's meeting. 'This is not just a legal technicality; it is a fundamental protection of fairness and justice in our society. To remove an elected official based on an unproven and unfounded allegation would set a dangerous precedent and undermines the very democratic principles that we rely on.' His speech was punctuated with expressions of frustration from the advocates and met with applause from his supporters. The councillor had previously asked his friends and supporters to attend the meeting and applauded his speech. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy It has been roughly six weeks since the Women of Ontario Say No first asked to present to Niagara Falls council about municipal reform. Their intention, they say, was to seek support for amendments to provincial law, including having councillors put on paid leave if they are criminally charged. Emily McIntosh, the founder of the group, said it was 'shocking' that Strange was allowed to speak on the very topic her group had been denied a delegation on. 'It really undermines the credibility of council to allow double rules,' she said. 'Frankly, it felt terrible to be on the other side of that, where we were denied the opportunity to speak because it may relate to ongoing legal proceedings — even though that wasn't the case, it was very general in nature — and then a councillor could get up, not only speak to that but then also speak to his own personal support that he received.' Story continues below advertisement McIntosh said it was 'extremely unprofessional' that council allowed Strange to speak at all on the topic. 'This is exactly why the public is losing trust in publicly-elected officials,' she said. Another councillor did suggest Strange should not address the ongoing legal matter during the meeting, but the city's CAO said he believed Strange could talk on the topic because he could waive his own privilege rights. Mayor Diodati, who makes calls on who can speak as the chair of the council meeting, told Strange he should avoid referencing his own situation. He did not intervene when Strange discussed the charge. McIntosh said she spoke to a member of the local group who turned out to support Strange. She said they agreed to add supporting the Women of Ontario Say No's municipal reform plans to the agenda at their next meeting. 'So, I will give credit where credit is due,' she said. 'It is very fascinating to me that that core group is willing to provide space to discuss and engage and we couldn't see the same from the Niagara Falls council.' The Women of Ontario Say No has also retained a lawyer, who wrote to the city and local police after the arrests in June. They are considering a legal challenge to force Niagara Falls to allow them to make their presentation and for a public apology. Story continues below advertisement At Tuesday's meeting, Coun. Lori Lococo said her colleagues and the city had not treated the group fairly. 'It was stated that they could not have a delegation; there was no opportunity for something to be put on the agenda,' she said. 'I'm all about fairness — they weren't treated fairly to provide what they needed. I understand what you're saying, maybe in the lawyer's correspondence, they were given that option, but they were not given that option from day one.' During the meeting, Strange tabled a motion to ask staff to research proposed municipal conduct legislation. He said the advocacy group could speak on the day the staff report is finished, at which point — they say — it will be too late. The legislation that the Women of Ontario Say No wanted to discuss at Niagara Falls council is currently being debated by a legislative committee, as the Ford government decides if it needs to make changes. Ontario NDP MPP Jeff Burch said Niagara Falls council was in danger of distracting and taking away from a discussion on how to improve the law. 'It's really detracting from what is supposed to be a bill that makes the municipal arena safer for women, so more people feel comfortable putting their name in the ring to become councillors and work for municipalities,' he said. Story continues below advertisement 'It's about making things safer for women and all of these actions designed to silence the voices of women who are trying to make things safer for women is something I find very troubling.'
Global News
08-07-2025
- Global News
Ontario council braces for potential faceoff after advocates denied deputation, arrested
An Ontario municipality is bracing for a potentially tense council meeting, which a group of advocates calling for governance reform and supporters of a councillor facing a criminal charge are both set to attend. The City of Niagara Falls will meet for its regular council session on Tuesday, with stepped-up security plans in place for a meeting where councillors will discuss dramatic events in June. Among the items on the agenda is a report on its June 17 meeting, where three representatives of the Women of Ontario Say No were arrested inside council chambers. The trio attended the meeting hoping to discuss a reform to provincial law which would put councillors facing criminal charges on paid leave. They were told they could not make their presentation, and instead, they sat in the room with signs reading 'Women of Ontario Say No.' Story continues below advertisement Staff with the local municipality called the police, who told the three advocates they were in danger of trespassing and arrested them. They were later released without charge. Niagara Falls staff said the group could not make its presentation because they felt it interfered with an ongoing legal matter, although they did not cite exactly what they were referring to. Coun. Mike Strange, a Niagara Falls councillor, was charged with domestic assault by Niagara Regional Police in May, a charge which has not been proven in court. The events of that June 17 meeting will be front and centre again on Tuesday because a report written by city staff on the incident will be discussed by councillors. Supporters of the advocacy group and of Coun. Strange are also both set to attend. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Strange said he has asked his friends and supporters to attend the meeting after feeling targeted by the Women of Ontario Say No in June. A communication seen by Global News suggested Strange had asked members of a local group he is involved with to fill the council chamber to make it difficult for the advocates to find space to sit and to support the councillor. 'I will be making a statement tomorrow during the council meeting and yes, I invited my fellow members of the Falls View Hose Brigade because at the last meeting I felt targeted by the protesters,' Strange wrote in an email to Global News. Story continues below advertisement 'I am innocent of the allegations against me and am confident that it will be proven in court.' The Women of Ontario Say No are also planning to attend and said they will bring signage with them to city hall. They told Global News, however, they do not plan to hold it up inside the chamber itself, a key point of contention last time around. The group is pursuing potential legal action against the City of Niagara Falls, demanding they are allowed to make the delegation they originally asked to share with councillors. 'That is really the most critical aspect of what my clients are looking for,' lawyer Susan Toth previously told Global News. 'They're just looking for the right to exercise their democratic process and speak to their elected officials. And it's a bit baffling why the city is so afraid to let these women speak.' The chief administrative officer for Niagara Falls said extra security measures would be in place at the meeting, including requiring those attending inside the chambers to agree that protests should not be held inside the room. 'The City of Niagara Falls has a third party security company on site at all times and we also use our bylaw officers for additional security,' CAO Jason Burgess said in an email to Global News. 'We have established additional security protocols for the Council meeting tomorrow night due to a number of media reports and increased risk.' Story continues below advertisement Burgess previously said that, while the city did not press charges against the advocates in June, its position could change if they are arrested again.
Hamilton Spectator
07-05-2025
- Hamilton Spectator
Niagara Falls city councillor charged with assault
Niagara Falls City Coun. Mike Strange says he's innocent after being arrested on the weekend and charged with assault. The 54-year-old former boxer was arrested by Niagara Regional Police early Saturday after an incident at his home in Niagara Falls. Court documents show Strange was charged with assault on a woman and released from the St. Catharines courthouse the same day with conditions. 'I've never harmed a woman and wouldn't under any circumstance,' Strange said in statement after being reached by phone Tuesday. 'This situation has a vindictive element that unfortunately may need a court process. Until that time, my family and I will have to stay strong in the face of all the negative insinuations.' Strange, who wasn't in council chambers for the start of the Niagara Falls council meeting Tuesday afternoon, added, 'I stand against intimate partner violence in all forms.' Strange wasn't present when council voted to go in-camera at the start of the meeting, but was in attendance when the public portion of agenda resumed. A Niagara Regional Police spokesperson said officers were called to a Niagara Falls residence in the area of Rousseau Place and Appleford Avenue at about 3 a.m. May 3 for a report of a domestic assault. Police said officers arrived to find an adult female with injuries, who was treated at the scene. Shortly after, a 54-year-old male was arrested and charged with domestic assault. Police said they would not release the name of the accused to protect the identity of the victim due to the nature of the charges. Court documents show Strange was released from custody on a promise to pay $2,000 if he fails to comply with conditions of his release order and $2,000 from a surety. The conditions of his release include that he reside at an address approved by his surety, that he not contact or communicate with the alleged victim and that he not be within 100 metres of where she might be, including home, work, or any other place she frequents. He also can't possess any weapons. His next court appearance is on June 6 in St. Catharines. Strange is a three-time Olympic boxer and Commonwealth Games champion, who's now a Niagara Falls city councillor, realtor and organizer of fundraising events to support children and their families dealing with life-threatening or life-altering illness or injury. In March 2024, Strange, who had a 20-plus-year boxing career, was inducted into the Canadian Amateur Boxing Hall of Fame. In 2022, he was inducted into the Canada Games Hall of Honour as a distinguished alumnus. Strange went on to represent Canada at the Commonwealth Games, winning gold in 1994 and 1998, and at the Olympic Games, competing in 1992, 1996 and 2000. In 2001, Strange was acquitted on two drunk-driving charges, but in 2002 was convicted for drinking and driving. He was fined $700 and was prohibited from driving a motor vehicle for one year.
