Hazel McCallion (1921–2023)

What a remarkable woman! Hazel McCallion was the mayor of Mississauga for 36 years, building it from the ground up into what it is today. She retired from office the same year I turned 18, so I’m still a little disappointed that I never got to vote for her, but as she was 93 at the time she had definitely earned a break! She will be turning 99 years old on Feb. 14th (2020) and she’s still in good health!

In her book, Hazel recounts her early life growing up in Quebec and falling in love with hockey, her business and political career, her husband’s battle with Alzheimer’s, and, of course, her experience as mayor, including the train derailment that took place in 1979 – only a few months after she took office – and prompted one of the largest peacetime evacuations in North America.

I’ll admit, I didn’t really follow all of the political/municipal issues she discusses, but her dedication to her city and the people living in it shines through in every chapter. It was fascinating to learn so much about Hazel as a person and about the history of the city I’ve always called home.… (más)