Municipal elections will held in Ontario at the end of the month and, for the first time in nearly four decades, Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion's name won't be on the ballot. Nicknamed "Hurricane Hazel," Canada's longest-serving big city mayor is calling it a career, but the feisty mayor insists she isn't really retiring.
Bagpipes were on hand to herald the arrival of Hurricane Hazel at the International Centre in Mississauga. About 1,000 people were on hand when MacCallion came riding in on the back of a bright red 1968 Buick Skylark convertible. Then, under an arch of hockey sticks held high by members of each of the local girl's hockey associations, she walked to the stage.
McCallion has been one of Canada's most successful mayors leading the city of Mississauga for 12 consecutive terms, holding the city's top job since 1978. During two elections she ran unopposed and on at least two occasion she didn't bother to spend time or money campaigning. In her heyday, she was receiving as much as 91 percent of the popular vote.
Now she's stepping aside. At 93 she won't run again. But the feisty mayor insists retirement is not in the cards.
'Well first of all, I'm not going to be idle. I've had many suggestions made. People want me to sit on boards, etc, and I'm going to continue to be very active in trying to strengthen local government," McCallion said.
"I think we need more authority and we certainly need more revenue to discharge our responsibilities so I will continue to work on that," McCallion.
That doesn't sound like someone about to go gently into the night. McCallion leaves behind a daunting legacy.
She transformed the sleepy little bedroom community of Mississauga, just west of Toronto, into Canada's sixth largest city with a population of 800,000 people. More than 60 Fortune 500 companies have their head offices there.
McCallion speaks with pride of her accomplishments.
"I leave the job with every community center up do date, all libraries, swimming pools up to date and I think that to me is important for the future"
At the gala in her honor, McCallion was toasted by politicians, entertainers and sports greats.
Canadian country music star Tommy Hunter was there and Celine Dion sent a special greeting.
"It is an honor for me to pay tribute to Mayor McCallion on 35 amazing years in office," he said.
The premier of Ontario Kathleen Wynne said McCallion is a trail blazer and an inspiration to female politicians everywhere, and surprise guest former prime minister Jean Chretien praised her commitment to public life.
"She's extremely dynamic, to the point, friend with everybody, tough with everybody. Hazel, you are unique."
McCallion has been a force in Mississauga, not only a well respected politicians but well loved. Recently about two thousand city employees gathered in the city's main square to thank her for her contribution to the city. She says she shook every hand.
She also thanked those who attended her retirement gala.
"Promise yourself to look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true. I have tried to do that as I have served you as your mayor. I want to say it's been a wonderful journey."
