In the wake of criminal charges for multiple sexual offences being laid against local businessman and Magna International founder Frank Stronach, organizations in Aurora and Newmarket that have recognized his philanthropy with naming rights on public buildings and awards are closely watching the case.
The founder and former head of Magna has left a prominent mark on Aurora and Newmarket, including the Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex, Stronach Boulevard and Stronach Regional Cancer Centre at Southlake Regional Health Centre. He was also an early inductee in the Aurora Sports Hall of Fame.
A spokesperson for the Town of Aurora said the municipality will be “monitoring (the case) closely.”
“The Town of Aurora is aware of the serious charges recently brought against Frank Stronach. As this matter is now before the courts, we’ll be monitoring closely to determine appropriate action in the future,” the statement read.
Stronach was inducted into the Aurora Sports Hall of Fame in 2013, in part for his donations in support of sports and recreation in town.
In a statement, president and chair Javed Khan said, “We firmly believe that the rule of law applies equally to everyone, regardless of their status or achievements. Upholding the principles of respect, diversity, and fairness is fundamental to our organization.
“It is crucial that everyone is treated fairly and with respect, particularly in matters that are before the courts. This commitment to fairness ensures that all individuals receive equal treatment under the law, and we stand by this principle unwaveringly.”
“Given the ongoing legal proceedings, it would be inappropriate for us to make any further comments on this matter. We believe it is essential to allow the judicial process to unfold without interference or prejudice.”
Southlake's Stronach Regional Cancer Centre in Newmarket opened in 2010, named in recognition of Stronach's donation of millions of dollars.
A spokesperson for Southlake said they were "just learning of the situation regarding Frank Stronach."
In 2014, the Town of Newmarket changed the name of Slingerland Circle, named after Dr. Owen Slingerland, York Region’s former medical officer of health, who was convicted of indecent assault in relation to the sexual abuse of four young patients.
Peel Regional Police charged Stronach, 91, with five sex-related offences last week, including one count of rape, one count of indecent assault on a female, one count of forcible confinement and two counts of sexual assault. The alleged incidents took place between an unspecified time in the 1980s and 2023, police said.
Peel Const. Tyler Bell said there was "more than one" complainant in the case.
Lawyer Brian Greenspan, who is representing Stronach, issued a statement.
“Mr. Stronach categorically denies the allegations of impropriety which have been brought against him. He looks forward to the opportunity to fully respond to the charges and to maintain his legacy both as a philanthropist and as an icon of the Canadian business community.
Stronach was released on conditions and is set to appear at a Brampton courthouse on July 8, Bell said.
Stronach, who was born in Austria in 1932, founded Magna in 1957 and grew it into one of the world's largest suppliers of auto parts. He resigned as Magna's chairman in 2011 and then stepped down from Magna's board entirely the following year to focus on his political aspirations in his native Austria.
He also founded The Stronach Group, a company that specializes in horse racing, and Stronach International, a company focusing on organic foods and "micro-electric mobility." He also opened a restaurant, Frank's Organic Garden Restaurant and Marketplace, in Aurora.
