Two Years Since Hurricane Hazel: Mississauga Remembers Its Iconic Former Mayor
Two years ago, on January 29, 2023, Mississauga lost one of its most iconic figures, Hazel McCallion, who passed away just weeks before her 102nd birthday. Known affectionately as “Hurricane Hazel” for her fierce determination and unwavering dedication, McCallion served as Mississauga’s mayor for 36 years, leaving an indelible mark on the city and its residents.
McCallion’s larger-than-life presence was felt not only in Mississauga but across Canada. Whether she was attending community events in her beloved Streetsville or advocating for the city in Ottawa, she commanded respect and attention wherever she went. Her tenacity and direct approach earned her admiration—and sometimes a little fear—from those who worked with her.
Former Canadian Transport Minister David Collenette, who served from 1997 to 2003, recalled McCallion’s visits to his office in the late 1990s and early 2000s. “She was direct,” Collenette said. “She’d tell me, ‘This is what I need, this is what Mississauga needs,’ and she’d smack her hand on my desk. I had a lot of respect for her, but I was a little afraid of her too.”
Current Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish, who served as a Member of Parliament during McCallion’s tenure, echoed this sentiment. “She impacted my political career immensely,” Parrish said in an interview. “She was a force of nature, always advocating for what was best for the city.”
Parrish also shared fond memories of her post-retirement interactions with McCallion. Shortly after McCallion stepped down as mayor in 2014, she called Parrish, then a newly elected Ward 5 councillor, and asked, “What are you doing for breakfast tomorrow?” Parrish laughed as she recalled McCallion’s early morning energy. “She wanted to meet at 7:30 a.m., and she joked, ‘I’ve been up for three hours by then!’”
The two continued to meet regularly for breakfast until the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted their routine. “She was still a politician in her 90s,” Parrish said. “People couldn’t walk past her without saying hello, and she’d always jump up to shake their hands.”
McCallion’s impact on Mississauga is immeasurable. She burst onto the national stage in 1979, just two years into her mayoralty, when she led the city through the aftermath of the Mississauga train derailment, one of the largest peacetime evacuations in Canadian history. Her calm and decisive leadership during the crisis earned her widespread acclaim.
Before becoming Mississauga’s mayor, McCallion served as mayor of Streetsville from 1970 to 1973. After the formation of the City of Mississauga in 1974, she was elected mayor in 1978 and held the position for 36 years, making her one of the longest-serving mayors in Canadian history.
Even after retiring from politics in 2014, McCallion remained active, serving on several private sector boards and the Greater Toronto Airports Authority, which oversees Pearson Airport. She also kept a close eye on local politics, offering advice and insights to those who sought her counsel.
McCallion’s passion for public service was evident throughout her career. “Every day I was involved in politics, I loved it,” she said. “If you don’t enjoy it, you should get out of it. And that goes for more than just politics. It goes for whatever you do.”
Two years after her passing, McCallion’s legacy continues to shape Mississauga. Her name is frequently mentioned in council chambers, and her contributions to the city’s growth and development are celebrated by residents and leaders alike. From her advocacy for infrastructure projects to her hands-on approach to governance, McCallion set a standard for leadership that remains unmatched.
As Mississauga reflects on her life and legacy, one thing is clear: Hazel McCallion was more than a mayor—she was a force of nature, a trailblazer, and a true icon. Her impact on the city and its people will be felt for generations to come.
