The recent sexual assault conviction of Frank Stronach has prompted a GTA town to drop the billionaire businessman’s name from its recreation centre.
In a statement posted on social media on Tuesday, Aurora Mayor Tom Mrakas said the community centre will now be known as the Aurora Recreation Complex.
Stronach, the 93-year-old founder of the auto parts giant Magna International, was found guilty of sexual assault and the historical offence of indecent assault in a Toronto courtroom last week following a lengthy trial that began in February. He was found guilty of two charges involving two complainants but initially faced a dozen charges in connection with decades-old sexual assault allegations involving seven women.
“As Mayor, I strongly condemn sexual violence and recognize the profound and lasting impact it is has on survivors, their families and entire communities,” Mrakas wrote on Facebook.
“I also recognize the tremendous courage it takes for survivors to come forward and share their experiences.”
He added that the decision to remove the name was made “following discussions with Magna regarding facility naming rights.”
“The Town will now begin the process to identify a new naming rights partner for the facility,” Mrakas said.
Earlier this week, Newmarket Mayor John Taylor told CTV News Barrie that the town has decided change the name of Frank Stronach Park, located at 850 Memorial Circle, to “Veterans’ Park.”
