/
1x
Advertisement
Proudly Canadian, obsessively Toronto. Subscribe to Toronto Life!
City News

The List: 10 things Mississauga mayor Hazel McCallion can’t live without

By Toronto Life
Copy link
The List: 10 things Mississauga mayor Hazel McCallion can’t live without

Mississauga mayor Hazel McCallion, who turns 90 in a few weeks, just started her 12th (and last) term. Here, 10 things she can’t live without

My daily affirmation A few years ago, a friend gave me a book called Starting Your Day Right, by Joyce Meyer, which has an inspiring quote for each day of the year. With all of the reports I need to read for work, I don’t have much time for leisure reading, so this is just right. It keeps me upbeat.

My most cherished photograph It was taken on November 18, 2005, the day I received the Order of Canada. I was surrounded by my children and granddaughter, and it was one of the most memorable days of my life. I keep it in my office.

My Ojibwa bling The city of Mississauga has always had a special relationship with the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation. The late chief Maurice LaForme gave me a necklace that I wear to the powwow in Hagersville every year, and also as everyday jewellery. You can’t find this kind of beautiful beadwork anymore.

My childhood classic I first read Black Beauty as a little girl, and it stuck with me—probably because I grew up on a farm in Port-Daniel, on the Gaspé Coast in Quebec, and spent a lot of time with horses. It has a permanent place at my bedside even today.

My hunger buster A few years ago, I read that walnuts are good for you, and I’ve been eating them regularly ever since. I sprinkle some on my cereal in the morning, and if I don’t have time for lunch, I have a handful of walnuts to tide me over.

My trophy fish I don’t get out fishing very often anymore, but it has always been one of my favourite pastimes. Some of my best catches are mounted on my office wall. The biggest is a coho salmon, which I caught out on Lake Ontario 20 years ago.

My Irish lullaby I listen to a lot of classic country at home and in my car, but “Danny Boy” is the song I love most. When I was growing up, my mother would always sing and play piano after dinner, and it was her favourite song. I get teary-eyed when I hear it.

My best friend I’ve had three German shepherds in the past few decades: first Pal, then Hurricane—yes, I named her after me—and now Missy. German shepherds are smart dogs. The companionship, unconditional love and enthusiastic greetings I get from Missy make every day worthwhile.

My personal produce market I prefer eating from my own pesticide-free garden. I grow flowers and all kinds of vegetables—green beans, peppers, tomatoes, lettuce—and take great delight in watching them grow and thrive. I do all my own gardening and housework.

My home away from home I’ve been living in Streetsville for 49 years, but I’m still attached to Port-Daniel and my family there. My nephew lives in the house where I grew up. I visit every few years, and when I’m there I feel like a kid again. It brings back so many wonder­ful memories. It was a simpler time.

(Images: Black Beauty by Carlo Mendoza; walnut by Kevin Dyer/iStock; others by John Cullen)

NEVER MISS A TORONTO LIFE STORY

Sign up for This City, our free newsletter about everything that matters right now in Toronto politics, sports, business, culture, society and more.

By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy.
You may unsubscribe at any time.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Advertisement
Advertisement

The Latest

"We love a good drama queen or king": This guy is bringing a Summer House –inspired reality series to Muskoka
Culture

“We love a good drama queen or king”: This guy is bringing a Summer House–inspired reality series to Muskoka

Inside the Latest Issue

The June issue of Toronto Life features our annual ranking of the best new restaurants. Plus, our obsessive coverage of everything that matters now in the city.