Hurricane Hazel tells Kincardine crowd to make every day worthwhile

Maintain a positive attitude and make every day worthwhile.

That's the word from Hazel McCallion, former mayor of Mississauga, and now chief elder officer of Revera Living which owns Trillium Court Seniors' Community in Kincardine.

Speaking to a great crowd in the atrium at Trillium Court, McCallion said she has visited a lot of Revera homes but had never been piped into one as she was in Kincardine. She congratulated the municipality on embracing its Scottish heritage.

“I've had a wonderful life,” she said. “It hasn't always been an easy one, but I believe challenges make you a better person.”

Born in eastern Quebec, her family farmed and her father worked in the fish-processing industry. She attended school to Grade 9, and then, thanks to the support of her sisters, managed to continue her education at business school in Montreal. She also played professional hockey.

She worked for a company in Toronto and then, at the age of 55, left the corporate world and entered public service.

“When I became mayor of the City of Mississauga (in 1978), there was a population of 260,000,” she said. “When I left in 2014, the population had grown to 800,000. Working in public office is about looking after people. That's what I wanted to do.”

McCallion said on the highway of life, you must have a positive attitude. “There are negative people out there, and I feel sorry for them. I had residents of Mississauga who were negative about everything.

"But if you think this were to be your last day in this world, then make it worthwhile. Otherwise, it's just another day. You want to accomplish things, help others, make a difference. That's why volunteers are so important.”

She urged seniors to never stop volunteering even when they move to retirement homes. “Help others who need help. You have moved to a new community so bring your talents with you. If you were a choir director, do that here. If you have the right attitude, you can make the best of where you are.”

McCallion, who still lives in her own home at the age of 96, with her German Shepherd dog, urged seniors to maintain their independence, and do as much as they can for as long as they can.

“Life is a learning experience,” she said. “Learn something new every day. Education never ends, until you depart from this life. I don't play hockey anymore, but I still skate. Don't fear the future, shape the future.”

She said Trillium Court is a beautiful facility, and the atrium is more like a public theatre than a retirement home.

“Revera has assisted-living homes, retirement homes and long-term care homes,” said McCallion who has been visiting them and receiving information from the residents who live there. “This is much easier than being mayor. I get to have a lot of fun and none of the responsibility. It was much tougher trying to get elected.”

Having listened to a lot of residents, she said she never gets complaints about staff, only about the shortage of staff. “Say thank you to the staff who work here. We all appreciate a kind word, and we need to encourage people to do their best.”

As she wrapped up her presentation, the crowd gave her a rousing standing ovation.

She then responded to a few questions.

With respect to encouraging more women to enter politics, she said women have to do a better job of supporting women.

“In 1968, when I ran for mayor of Streetsville, it's the women who were against me, and I was defeated. The next year, I ran again and won. Then, in 1978, when I became mayor of Mississauga, I believe it was the women who elected me. We have to promote women. Sometimes, men do a better job than women.”

Kincardine mayor Anne Eadie was invited to the front and noted that this is her first term as mayor.

“When I became mayor, some friends gave me your book to read,” she said to McCallion. “I read it and it has helped me in my work as mayor. I welcome you to come back to Kincardine in the summer when the Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band marches down the main street and you can walk with me behind the band.”

When asked about how she keeps up with advances in technology, McCallion said it's important to remain up-to-date, but not to let it take over your life, as many young people are doing.

“They're losing connection and can't engage in conversation,” she said. “The Internet is wonderful but it also has a negative side. To every bit of progress, there is a negative. I'm always amazed to see a child, aged five or six, using an iPad.

“I have a cell phone in my purse in case I need it. Some people can't seem to leave their cell phone alone. They're addicted to it, like alcohol. That's when they're in trouble.”

When asked about any other goals she has yet to achieve, McCallion joked that she would like to become the Pope.

But in all seriousness, she is the Chancellor of Sheridan College and it's always a thrill to attend graduation and present the diplomas.

“One young man came up to the stage and said, 'You were at my graduation from junior school, from high school, and now college.' Then, he hugged me and the crowd went wild. I'm doing what I want to do, and that's a great feeling."