Caledon needs someone who understands the community, says Mayoral candidate Early

By KATHRYN FRASER

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

With the municipal election fast approaching this October, the ballot has doubled with the number of candidates running to become Caledon's next mayor. 

Councillor Christina Early was the first candidate to throw their hat in the ring for the upcoming Mayoral race. 

Early has been a resident of the Town of Caledon and has made it a home for the last 30 years and she has not only raised a family here, but became highly involved and connected to the Caledon community. 

“Caledon deserves a mayor who knows and understands our community and is committed to our future, to build what we need, and protect what we have,” says Early. “For me, being mayor is about leading the community responsibly and with integrity, and not just about politics.”

Early was first elected to Council back in 2018 and re-elected once again in 2022.

Early has also served on the Boards of the Credit Valley Conservation Authority, Rural Ontario Municipality Association (ROMA), and Caledon Community Services. 

She says that serving on these boards and committees has given her a broader understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing both Caledon and other municipalities in Ontario. 

For Early it's not just about politics, but also being able to bring the community together and have the leadership to help find solutions and make sure that no one in the community is left behind. 

“Like so many residents, I care deeply about this community and about preserving what makes it such a special place to live. Astrong, cohesive Council that shares a common vision for doing what is best for residents now and in the future is fundamental in building a strong community,” says Early. “I had the privilege of being part of two terms of Council and understand that leadership can make or break the Council dynamic. I believe that good leadership is about bringing people together, listening to different perspectives, and finding common ground.

“Caledon is at a crossroads. We are about to grow significantly in a way that will determine the future of our community. Residents want a mayor who believes in democracy, listens to residents, brings people together, and keeps the focus where it belongs: on the people we're elected to serve. That's why I'm running for mayor.” 

If elected Early, has three main priorities for Caledon: growth, restoring confidence in local leadership, and ensuring accountability at Town Hall and ensuring that every Caledon community member feels respected and represented, as she understands that one solution doesn't always work for everyone. 

“I want residents to feel their voices are heard, their concerns matter, and their local government is working for them. I also want Caledon to be recognized as a municipality that plans responsibly for the future”, says Early. “Growth will continue, but it must be managed in a way that protects our quality of life, while ensuring infrastructure, roads, recreation, and municipal services keep pace. [If] four years from now, residents can say Caledon is heading in the right direction. I'll know we've been successful”.

Early expresses that she wants to be very visible for all of Caledon and to be incredibly present and connected with the community if elected. 

“I want to make sure that if there are community events, that I'm present at the community events as much as possible,” says Early. “I want to try to make sure that whenever a resident or a group or an association requires the mayor to have some time with them, that I make myself available to them. I feel that one of the strongest roles of a mayor is being extremely present within the community, even though our geography is as large as it is.” 

Looking to the future, Early says she is hopeful to create change and foster connection within the community. 

“One of the greatest privileges of serving the Council has been meeting the incredible people who quietly make Caledon a better place every day. Our volunteers, service clubs, local businesses, sports organizations, agricultural community, and cultural groups are the heart of this municipality. Caledon is made up of many unique neighbourhoods, villages, and hamlets, with their own identity, traditions and priorities”, she says. “Together, they create communities built on caring for one another, giving back, and taking pride in where we live. As Caledon continues to grow, we need to protect more than our farmland, natural environment, and heritage. We need to protect culture and the culture that makes people proud to call Caledon home.”