Several organizations in Hamilton are condemning the presence of white nationalist "active clubs" in the area. A recent investigative report revealed that members of these groups are allegedly preparing for a "race war" in local gyms and parks. The Hamilton Anti Hate Coalition, previously known as No Hate in the Hammer, is urging municipal authorities and residents to take immediate action in response to these findings.

The coalition has released statements since the initial report was published on July 18. Other organizations, including the Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion (HCCI), the Hamilton Anti-Racism Resource Centre (HARRC), and the Hamilton Immigration Partnership Council (HIPC), have also expressed their condemnation and called for urgent measures to combat hate.

HIPC stated it is "deeply alarmed" by the report, emphasizing that these groups are not harmless social organizations. "They are part of a transnational movement grounded in fascist ideology, white supremacy, misogyny, and violent extremism," HIPC said in a statement. The organization further noted that the activities of these groups pose a serious threat to the safety of all Hamilton residents, particularly newcomers and racialized communities who already face discrimination and violence.

Kim Martin, chair of HIPC's anti-racism committee, highlighted the chilling effect of hate groups training in public spaces. "This cannot be normalized. We must meet it with urgency, solidarity, and zero tolerance for hate in all its forms," Martin said.

The CBC's visual investigation identified local parks, including Myrtle and Gage Parks, as sites where these white nationalists gather for training. Known as "active clubs," these sessions serve not only as training but also as recruitment and propaganda efforts. While the clubs claim to promote community and fitness, experts warn they represent a growing extremist threat.

In response to the report, HCCI has launched a survey to gather public input on how to combat hate in the community. The organization aims to understand the needs of residents and identify existing resources to support affected communities. HCCI stated, "Many of you have likely seen the disturbing reports published by CBC about so-called 'active clubs' operating in Hamilton gyms and local public spaces. The escalation of these activities is disturbing."

HCCI's survey consists of three questions aimed at assessing community needs and pooling resources. Residents interested in participating can contact HCCI directly for the survey link.

The anti-hate coalition is also encouraging residents to report any suspicious activities, such as groups training in parks under questionable circumstances. This includes instances where individuals may be wearing masks or displaying militarized behavior and white supremacist slogans. Reports can be made to the Hamilton police or through a dedicated website for reporting hate incidents.

Hamilton Police Service is aware of the groups mentioned in the report and is monitoring their activities. However, police noted that no criminal offenses related to these clubs have been reported. They clarified that training in a facility is not a criminal offense and that business owners have the right to respond as they see fit.

Recent police data indicates a 35% increase in hate-related crimes and incidents in Hamilton, with 297 reported over the past year. This includes 106 hate crimes and 191 hate incidents, with the most frequently targeted groups being Black, Jewish, and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

City officials, including Mayor Andrea Horwath and Ward 3 Councilor Nrinder Nann, are urging residents to report hate in their neighborhoods. Nann emphasized the importance of community awareness regarding hate symbols and the need for collective action against racism and hate. HARRC's executive director, Lyndon George, called for a shift in perspective, stating that confronting hate is a shared responsibility that requires systemic accountability and preventive approaches.