A city council under siege

Threats. Claims of insurrection. When alt-right activists targeted Pickering, the city was unprepared for the chaos that ensued

- RACHEL MENDLESON, R.J. JOHNSTON

Pickering city officials steeled themselves. They watched as a line of people filed into council chambers to support Lisa Robinson.

Since her election in October 2022, the rookie councillor has opposed Pride events and denounced Black History Month. But when councillors try to speak out against her, and rein in what they feel is a growing distraction, Robinson's defenders get louder.

The mayor received an email from a resident, who suggested he could face a public hanging. Two councillors say they were followed home after meetings by people they believe are Robinson supporters.

On this evening in March, for the fourth time in recent months, the business of the municipality of more than 100,000 was sidelined to specifically address Robinson's conduct. And, once again, the meeting spiralled out of control.

Pickering Mayor Kevin Ashe struggled to contain outbursts from the gallery.

Robinson repeatedly interjected, and accused Ashe of running a dictatorship. When one of Robinson's supporters alleged that the council was committing "an act of insurrection," the mayor snapped.

He interrupted and told the woman to get back on topic, but she carried on, saying, "I have the right to speak." Ashe cut her mic. Then he turned to Robinson.

"You should be very proud Lisa, very proud, the nutcases you bring in here," he said. "You should be ashamed of yourself."

In the lobby outside council chambers, the woman argued with Durham police officers. She was arrested over her alleged refusal to leave.

When news of the arrest reached Robinson, she was reportedly pleased. At the next meeting, Ashe publicly chastised her, claiming that Robinson was overheard saying: "Good. She took one for the team."

'I've never seen anything like this'