Council looking forward to celebrating Caledon’s 50th anniversary

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Caledon is now 50 years old. 

The Town of Caledon was incorporated in 1974 at the same time as the Region of Peel. It has numerous initiatives planned where its 50th anniversary will be celebrated, such as at its annual Caledon Day event.

This year, Caledon Day will be held on June 15 and will feature live music, family-friendly activities, vendors, and a fireworks display.

While it hasn't released much information about them yet, the Town is planning to host “Culture Days” where it will have a special program dedicated to highlighting the Town's artistic heritage, expressions and traditions.

The Town is also planning to create pop-up exhibitions at its community centres and at Town Hall. Town communications staff said the exhibitions will offer a glimpse into Caledon's past, present and future. 

A social media campaign has also been launched by the Town in honour of Caledon's 50th anniversary. The Town is asking residents to share their personal stories, memories, and reflections on Caledon's impact on their lives using the hashtag #Caledon50.

Mayor Annette Groves said in a statement that Caledon's 50th anniversary is a momentous occasion for every resident, business and community member that's contributed to the growth and vibrancy of Caledon.

“The planned celebrations reflect the spirit of Caledon — diverse, dynamic, and deeply connected,” said Groves. “Join us as we honour our past, celebrate the present, and look ahead to a future filled with endless possibilities.”

Ward 6 Councillor Cosimo Napoli said he's especially looking forward to celebrating Caledon's 50th anniversary at this year's Caledon Day event.

Regional Councillor, Wards 4, 5 and 6 Mario Russo agreed and said this year's Caledon Day event will be a focal point in Caledon's 50th anniversary celebrations, calling it a prime opportunity for Caledon's biggest celebration ever.

He said he'd like to see the Town celebrate all year, educating newer Caledon residents about the Town's history while looking optimistically to the future. 

“Caledon's 50th birthday is taking place as we are nearing the most unprecedented growth our town has ever seen,” said Russo. “It allows us to appreciate and reflect on our past… while maturing into one of the most unique urban cities in Canada that will surpass 300,000 people while remaining 80 per cent protected from urban sprawl.”

Ward 5 Councillor Tony Rosa shared in the excitement for Caledon Day and said Caledon's 50th anniversary is an important milestone.

“I am hoping we can also… incorporate the ‘golden anniversary' theme into our annual Midnight Madness event in Downtown Bolton,” said Rosa. “I will be discussing this opportunity further with the Downtown Bolton BIA.”

Ward 1 Councillor Lynn Kiernan said she wants to see Caledon's historical societies, agricultural societies, and seniors be given a big role to play in celebrating Caledon's 50th.

“Let's reach out to them and gather their stories, this is an opportunity to capture those stories,” said Kiernan. “We have a very rich, fascinating history… it's a great opportunity to respect and acknowledge it.”

The Region of Peel is also celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and is commemorating the occasion.

In a media release, Region of Peel staff said Peel has grown to become one of the largest municipalities in Canada, servicing 1.5 million residents and over 200,000 businesses every day. 

“From our early days, Peel has delivered services such as public health, long-term care, water, sanitary sewers and waste collection over a large geographic area, with an initial population of just over 300,000 people,” reads the release. “In 50 years, Peel's programs and services have grown significantly to respond to an increasingly complex and changing environment and to enhance the community's health and safety, social and cultural development, infrastructure and transportation systems.”

Staff said the Region of Peel is committed to serving the community in a way that's responsible, transparent and accountable, now and in the future. 

“We will continue listening closely to what our community needs and expects, ensuring services and programs are responsive to those needs,” reads the release.

Nando Iannicca, Region of Peel Council Chair, said he's looking forward to what the next 50 years of Peel will bring.

“As we celebrate Peel's significant milestone of 50 years of service excellence, we owe our long history of service to residents, staff, volunteers, community partners, vendors and stakeholders who have worked with us tirelessly to make a difference,” said Iannicca. “Together, we forge ahead, inspired by the past, and committed to serving our community for many years to come.”

Peel's CAO, Gary Kent, said Region of Peel staff are proud and humbled to be celebrating 50 years of service.

“This significant milestone emphasizes the hard work, passion and dedication of our staff and the impact they are making every day,” said Kent.