As discussed over the years with many neighbours, hate and extremism directly threaten communities in #OurWard3 and across #HamOnt. As a City Councillor, I view it as part of my work to consistently address hate-based incidents, especially those rooted in violent extremist views when they take place in our city. As I have reported previously, I have been working with local community groups like HCCI @hamiltoncivic and HARRC @h.a.r.r.c, while also ensuring the City and Hamilton Police Services are doing everything within their mandates on community safety and wellbeing. I have also been talking to the business owners and operators directly impacted in what the CBC investigative journalism piece exposed, and those directly targeted on Canada Day. This past week, I met with the owners and operators of Amazing Fitness @amazingfitnessclubs after it was discovered that individuals associated with white supremacist activity had accessed the gym using day passes to train for Active Clubs. Those individuals have now been banned.  We discussed how important actions are in not only preventing future incidents but also in letting the community know the values the business operates with and how their operations integrate customer safety. It was also real talk, that for many, until directly impacted by a hate-based incident or in this case, hate-based organizing, business owners don’t know what they don’t know, and end up having to learn fast in an often scrutinizing environment. Amazing Fitness has been a gym of choice for many diversely identified neighbours for over 13 years. They understand the importance of being proactive in fostering a safer, more inclusive space for all, while also becoming better informed of hate-based activity and insignia, and what supports and resources to turn to going forward. I want to thank the team at Amazing Fitness for meeting with me and speaking so candidly and openly about their experiences and commitments going forward. Continued in comments…