While not large in numbers, an April 24 rally outside of the International Centre in Mississauga delivered a strong message to Premier Doug Ford and Caledon Mayor Annette Groves.
Approximately 25 protestors, many from Caledon, were picketing the Mayor Annette Groves’ Gala and demonstrating against both her record and the provincial plans for Highway 413. When she was a regional councillor for Ward 5 Bolton, Groves opposed the highway, and even participated in a demonstration in Bolton.
The event raised a reputed $800,000 according to social media posts by some attendees. Those posts also showed her high-profile gala was attended by Premier Ford, Deputy Premier and Caledon MPP Sylvia Jones, other cabinet ministers, Brampton North MP Ruby Sahota, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, and Caledon Councillors Doug Maskell, Cosimo Napoli and Mario Russo.
While billed as a Mayor’s Gala, the Town of Caledon emphasized it was a private event.
The gala coincided with Groves’ announcement on social media that same evening that she was retiring after “much reflection and careful thought.” While her social media post made no mention of a retirement date, it’s assumed the 20+ year career politician will serve as mayor to the end of the current council’s term this fall.
At the April 21 Caledon planning and development committee meeting Groves was the only member of council not to support a motion by Councillor Dave Sheen that the town oppose the Ontario Government’s Bill 100 (called the Better Regional Governance Act.)
Under that Act, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing would have the authority to appoint heads of council for Peel Region and seven other upper tier municipalities. Those heads would have Strong Chair Powers similar to Strong Mayor Powers which several mayors, including Groves, use.
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