Pickering Mayor Kevin Ashe announced that the city has temporarily suspended all in-person meetings and transitioned to a virtual format, citing escalating threats linked to “alt-right” groups.
In a detailed YouTube video, Ashe revealed that the city has faced increasing attention from “alt-right” factions, which he attributed to supporters of Councillor Lisa Robinson.
“Over the past two years, the City of Pickering has experienced a growing infiltration of alt-right individuals and ideologies,” Ashe said. “This has fostered an atmosphere of fear and intimidation for our council, staff, residents, and the broader community.”
The city is implementing enhanced security measures to protect its officials and residents, Ashe explained, adding that virtual meetings will commence in January.
The 13-minute video outlines various allegations against Robinson, set against a backdrop of ominous music.
The city accused Robinson of making “baseless and increasingly erratic claims” against the mayor, council, and staff. Robinson has faced criticism throughout her term for controversial remarks and actions. In September, she received a 90-day pay suspension for what Pickering’s integrity commissioner described as a pattern of “unacceptable behaviour.”
This was Robinson’s third pay suspension since September 2023, following her appearance on a right-wing podcast hosted by Kevin J. Johnston. During the podcast, Johnston made inflammatory remarks, including publishing personal details of council members and suggesting violence against them. Johnston’s comments included statements like “they all deserve a baseball bat to the face” and references to unleashing an aggressive dog on city officials.
Robinson later distanced herself from Johnston’s comments, stating she did not condone violence. However, she continued to appear on his show, drawing further criticism.
In November, Robinson hosted a town hall meeting at the George Ashe Community Centre, where city staff were reportedly barred. According to the city, the meeting featured “alt-right material” rather than local program information, and personal data was collected at a mandatory sign-in.
The city’s video also highlighted threatening voicemails targeting councillors and their families. Concerns were raised after one individual who laughed at violent comments during Johnston’s podcast was later seen filming a council meeting. Another masked individual was also observed recording proceedings, exacerbating concerns about intimidation.
“After the meeting, both council members and residents expressed grave concerns about feeling intimidated by these strangers who had no legitimate business in Pickering,” the city stated. “This situation demands action.”
In response, Robinson dismissed the mayor’s video as “fear-mongering,” accusing Ashe of spreading lies and engaging in name-calling. She claimed she could not control the actions or statements of others and released her own video accusing the city of “bullying tactics” by labeling dissenters as “alt-right.”
The city has not specified how long meetings will remain virtual.
