“I will never stop caring about this community” Lynn Kiernan announces she will not seek re-election

July 2, 2026 · 0 Comments

By Riley Murphy

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

After eight years representing Ward 1 as Caledon Councillor, Lynn Kiernan is not seeking re-election.

“Serving the residents of Ward 1 and Caledon has been one of the greatest honours of my life,” says Kiernan. “After eight years, I am proud of what I have accomplished and comfortable knowing I have given this role my full commitment, integrity, and energy.”

For Kiernan, she believes this is the right time for her to step away.

She says over the past several years, she has watched municipal government become “increasingly polarized.”

“Healthy debate is essential to good governance, but too often respectful discussion has become more difficult, making it harder to find common ground and keep the focus on serving residents. I have always believed that elected officials can disagree without becoming disagreeable, and I have tried to lead by that principle throughout my time on Council.”

While she says she remains deeply invested in Caledon’s future, she looks forward to spending more time with her family, volunteering, and supporting her community in new ways.

Looking back on eight years serving Ward 1, Kiernan says the greatest privilege for her has been working alongside residents who “care deeply about their community.”

“Their passion and commitment to what they hold dear has inspired me,” she says.

“I have done my best to be a strong voice for rural Caledon, advocating for environmental stewardship, responsible growth, road safety, agricultural preservation, and meaningful public engagement,” says Kiernan.

She adds that she is particularly proud of supporting the Caledon Agricultural Society (CAS) and its vision of creating a community hub for Northwest Caledon.

In 2024, CAS launched a $3-million campaign to build a community centre on the Caledon Village Fairgrounds, focusing on creating a space for all.

For many years, Kiernan says residents have identified the need for additional recreational and gathering space.

“It has been encouraging to see meaningful steps taken toward a partnership that could help make that vision a reality,” she adds.

On top of the community centre, Kiernan also looks back fondly on organizations she’s been able to both support and work with over the years – organizations that she says “make a real difference in people’s lives.”

“I have been honoured to serve as Vice Chair of Caledon Meals on Wheels, an organization dedicated to supporting seniors and vulnerable residents,” explains Kiernan, “and, to support the important work of Bethell Hospice, which provides compassionate care and comfort to individuals and families during some of life’s most difficult moments.”

One achievement that holds special meaning to Kiernan is her work to help secure a $75,000 grant for the National Wildlife Centre.

“Supporting wildlife rehabilitation, conservation, and environmental education reflects values that have guided me throughout my life. Protecting our natural environment is not only about preserving wildlife today, it is about leaving a lasting legacy for future generations,” she says.

“Most importantly, I am proud that residents knew they had someone who would listen, ask questions, and stand up for what they believed was important.”

It has been a theme throughout her time as Councillor, as Kiernan has advocated for many issues throughout her terms.

“I have always believed that growth must be balanced with protecting the things that make Caledon special,” she says. “Once farmland is paved over or natural features are lost, they are difficult, if not impossible, to restore. I felt a responsibility to ensure future generations inherit a community that continues to value its agricultural roots, natural environment, and rural character.”

Kiernan notes that Ward 1 is defined by its farms, historic villages and hamlets, as well as the Niagara Escarpment and Credit River.

“These are more than just landscapes, they are part of our identity and our quality of life,” she says.

She says that Ward 1 and Caledon are facing “unprecedented pressure” from growth, aggregate operations, fill proposals, increasing traffic, and development interests.

Kiernan says residents have “repeatedly” voiced concerns about protecting farmland, water resources, natural heritage features, and the rural character of their communities.

She notes the past year, when many residents advocated against a proposed motion to enter a grading agreement allowing fill from development sites to be brought in to 0 Shaw’s Creek Road, affectionately known as “Swan’s Lake.”

“The Swan Lake proposal is one example of the difficult decisions facing our community. Residents spoke passionately about protecting a rehabilitated landscape and ensuring that environmental and community impacts were carefully considered,” she says. “Similar concerns continue to arise throughout Ward 1.”

“What concerns me most,” says Kiernan, “is that many of the decisions made over the next four years will have lasting consequences.”

She says the next Council will help determine whether Caledon can “successfully balance growth while protecting the environmental and rural qualities that make this community unique.”

“My hope is that voters choose leaders who will listen to residents, think long-term, and have the courage to stand up for what they believe is right.”

Although she may be stepping back from Council Chambers, Kiernan will not be stepping away from Caledon.

“Public service has been a tremendous honour, and while I may be stepping away from Council, I will never stop caring about this community. I look forward to continuing to support local organizations and remaining engaged as a resident who is deeply invested in Caledon’s future.”