Statement from Regional Chair Iannicca and Peel Regional Council on the passing of Hazel McCallion
BRAMPTON, ON (Jan. 29, 2023)– Region of Peel Chair, Nando Iannicca, along with Regional Council and staff join together to mourn and honour the life of former Mississauga Mayor, Hazel McCallion, who passed away peacefully shortly after 6:30 this morning at home with her family by her side. Hazel McCallion was 101 years old.
McCallion was one of Peel Regional Council's founding members when the Region was incorporated in 1974. She was an architect in the foundation of Mississauga and Peel and oversaw an unprecedented period of growth throughout her lifetime.
Her countless accomplishments include being one of the longest serving mayors in Canada, serving 14 terms as mayor and an additional seven as City Councillor. She served on the executive of many federal and provincial committees and associations including President of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO).
McCallion established the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) Mayors' Committee which brought together 30 GTA Mayors, the Chair of Metro Toronto, and the four Regional Chairs to work co-operatively for the economic promotion of the GTA.
Among her many honours and awards, McCallion was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario, was named one of Canada's Most Powerful Women by the Women's Executive Network and was awarded with a Trailblazers and Trendsetters award. McCallion was honoured by the Famous 5 Foundation as a "Nation Builder".
McCallion stated in her retirement message in 2014, "leaving a legacy is far more important than leaving an inheritance in my view, for a legacy is something left behind to inspire those that come after us and for others to learn from. I hope that those that follow me will be inspired to be great leaders and always put Mississauga first."
McCallion is the namesake of a senior public school, university building, college campus, hospital department, electrical substation, library branch, parade, softball league, and the upcoming LRT line. Hazel McCallion's legacy is woven into the very fabric of our community and cannot ever be forgotten.
Memorial arrangements and details will be provided once they are available. In lieu of flowers, the McCallion family has asked that donations be made to Trillium Health Partners Foundation or to the Hazel McCallion Charitable Foundation for Arts, Culture and Heritage.
In honour of Hazel McCallion's life and her immense contribution to Peel Region and to Mississauga, all flags will be lowered at Regional buildings.
Quotations
"Hazel McCallion was a powerhouse of politics, a trailblazer and a no-nonsense champion for Mississauga. Her contributions to the City and the Region cannot be measured. We have lost a great leader and a fierce advocate for democracy. We will never see her like again."
Nando Iannicca, Peel Regional Chair.
Hazel McCallion made an indelible impact on the history – and the future – of Mississauga and Peel. In the days, months and years ahead, we will draw on her powerful legacy and inspiration as we work toward honouring her commitment to excellence in accountability to the residents of Peel."
Janice Baker, Peel Region Chief Administrative Officer.
Media contact
Kathleen Dueck
Communication Specialist
Region of Peel
Tel: 905-965-6525
About Peel Region
In 2024, Peel Region marks its 50th anniversary. Peel Region works with residents and partners to create a healthy, safe, and connected Community for Life for approximately 1.5 million people and over 200,000 businesses in Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon. Peel's services touch the lives of residents every day. For more information explore peelregion.ca and follow us on X @regionofpeel and Instagram @peelregion.ca.
On December 13, 2023, the Ontario government announced that Peel Region will not be dissolved, and that Bill 112 legislation will be updated to reflect service delivery in Peel. Services for residents and businesses will continue without interruption. For updates and more information, visit Peel's transition page.