Introduction: Turning Fear Into Collective Strength
A London, Ontario city councillor is taking a bold and symbolic approach to reclaiming community space after a white supremacist demonstration left residents shaken and angry. Ward 11 Councillor Skylar Franke has announced a public gathering—optimistically named the “Wortley Bridge Party”—at the Wortley Road Bridge, aiming to replace fear and tension with unity, music, and joy. The event, scheduled for Sunday, is intended as both a celebration of community spirit and a direct response to the unsettling display that occurred on the bridge one week earlier.
Franke’s initiative represents a growing call for communities to actively confront hate-fuelled displays by reaffirming shared values of inclusion and solidarity. Her plan has drawn support from residents and local officials who were disturbed by last weekend’s demonstration involving an organized white nationalist group.
Community Reaction to a Disturbing Display
A Gathering That Sparked Outrage
The controversy began last Sunday when members of the white nationalist organization Second Sons appeared on the bridge wearing dark uniforms, masks, and standing in formal formation. Approximately 30 individuals participated in the demonstration, unfurling a large banner reading “REMIGRATION NOW.” While the phrase might sound innocuous to the uninformed, experts and officials note that it is a coded call for ethnic cleansing through the deportation of non-white immigrants and racialized communities.
Motorists driving beneath the bridge were confronted with the banner, and residents quickly expressed alarm as images circulated online. Videos and photographs of the masked group prompted widespread condemnation and raised concerns about safety, intimidation, and the growing visibility of extremist groups in Canada.
Residents Voice Their Fears
Councillor Franke was among the first public officials to receive a flood of messages from distressed residents.
“On Sunday I started to get phone calls, emails, and texts from people who were really concerned and really upset,” she said. “I passed the information along to the London Police Service, who sent officers to ensure the group eventually left. But I was actually quite angry—not only because I strongly disagree with their ideology, but because fear and intimidation are clearly part of their strategy. And it is absolutely not reflective of our community.”
For many locals, the masked presence on the bridge was perceived as a threat rather than a protest. Parents, seniors, new immigrants, and long-time residents expressed frustration that extremists were attempting to claim a well-loved public space to amplify hateful rhetoric.
A Creative Counter-Response: The Wortley Bridge Party
Reclaiming Space Through Positivity
Rather than allow the disturbing images from last weekend to define the bridge, Franke decided to organize something that would bring people together rather than drive them apart. “I’m inviting the community—and anyone who wants to join—to the ‘Wortley Bridge Party,’” she explained. “There will be music, coffee, cookies, dancing, bubbles, chalk… I’m hoping the weather cooperates. But more than anything, it’s an opportunity to simply hang out on the bridge and fill it with joy and happiness.”
Her vision is simple but powerful: reclaiming a public space by overwhelming hate with positivity, unity, and collective presence. The event is not positioned as a counter-protest, but rather a reaffirmation of the inclusive values the community wishes to embody.
Families, Neighbours, and Local Artists Expected to Join
Residents have expressed enthusiasm about the idea, with many planning to bring children, homemade signs, art supplies, or musical instruments. Neighbourhood groups say they see the gathering as a symbolic reminder that public spaces belong to the entire community—not to groups attempting to spread fear.
Local coffee shops and bakeries have also shown interest in participating by offering refreshments, while several musicians have volunteered to perform. For many, the bridge party is not just an event; it is a statement of resilience.
Political Leaders Condemn White Supremacist Messaging
Strong Statements From NDP MPPs
Local NDP Members of Provincial Parliament—Terence Kernaghan, Teresa Armstrong, and Peggy Sattler—issued a joint statement condemning the demonstration and expressing solidarity with community members who felt threatened. The trio emphasized that extremist rhetoric has no place in Ontario and warned of the harm such messaging can inflict.
Sattler, speaking further on the issue, underscored the danger behind the seemingly coded language used by white nationalist groups.
“This is not about having a policy conversation about immigration levels,” she said. “This is a message directed at anyone who does not fit a white nationalist vision of the country. It is essentially telling them, ‘You don’t belong here—get out.’ This kind of rhetoric puts people at risk.”
Her comments reflect a broader national concern about the rising boldness of extremist groups and their attempts to normalize hate speech through public demonstrations.
Police Response and Safety Concerns
The London Police Service confirmed that officers responded to the scene after reports from residents and that the group dispersed without a physical confrontation. However, police did not release specific details about their assessment of the demonstration or any potential investigations.
Community members have since called for clear guidelines to prevent extremist displays from occurring in public spaces without consequences. Some have urged city officials to review protocols related to public safety, hate propaganda, and the use of municipal infrastructure for demonstrations.
Understanding the Group Behind the Demonstration
Who Are the “Second Sons”?
Though not widely known to the general public, Second Sons has been described by researchers as a white nationalist group with growing online activity and strong ideological ties to far-right extremist movements. Their demonstrations often use militaristic presentation—such as masks, uniforms, and rigid formations—to project intimidation and strength.
The group did not respond to CTV News’ request for comment before publication deadline.
The Ideology Behind “Remigration”
Experts note that “remigration” is a euphemism used by extremist groups to promote forced removal of non-white communities. It is aligned with racist ideologies that reject multiculturalism and diversity. By using coded language, these groups aim to disguise violent intentions while still communicating clearly to their followers.
Community Leaders Stress the Need for Continued Vigilance
In the wake of the incident, community leaders have emphasized that inclusive actions like the bridge party are important, but long-term efforts are needed to prevent the normalization of extremist ideology. Advocates are calling for education, dialogue, and policies that strengthen community resilience.
Franke echoed these sentiments, stressing that unity is the most effective counter to hate. “We can’t let fear win. This community is stronger than that. We are welcoming, diverse, and supportive—and this event is a reminder of who we really are.”
Conclusion: Reclaiming the Narrative
The upcoming Wortley Bridge Party represents more than a cheerful Sunday gathering—it is a symbolic reclaiming of public space and a declaration that extremist ideologies will not define the community. By transforming a site of intimidation into a place of joy, residents of London are sending a clear message: hatred may appear loudly, but it will not drown out the collective strength of unity, compassion, and inclusion.
As communities across Canada grapple with the rise of extremist rhetoric, events like these demonstrate how citizens and leaders can work together to preserve the values they hold dear. The words on last weekend’s banner sought to divide. The celebration planned for this weekend aims to heal.
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