Pickering City Council Shifts to Virtual Meetings Over Security Concerns

Mayor Kevin Ashe cites threats tied to Councillor Lisa Robinson's actions as the reason for moving all council meetings online.

Pickering Mayor Kevin Ashe announced that all city council meetings will be held online in 2025 due to safety concerns for councillors and staff.
The decision follows threats allegedly linked to the conduct of Councillor Lisa Robinson and her supporters, including incidents involving far-right rhetoric and harassment.
Councillor Robinson has faced multiple integrity commissioner investigations, resulting in pay suspensions for violating the code of conduct and engaging in unacceptable behavior.
Some residents worry that moving meetings online will reduce democratic engagement, though virtual participation will still be allowed.
The Ontario government is considering legislation that could allow municipalities to remove councillors for serious misconduct, a measure Mayor Ashe supports but has not confirmed he will pursue against Robinson.