By Riley Murphy

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

In a Facebook post shared on Friday evening, April 24, Caledon Mayor Annette Groves announced her retirement.

This announcement follows a decades-long career in Caledon politics.

Groves was first elected to Caledon council in 2000 and re-elected in 2003 and 2006, when she was elected to Regional Council.

Upon losing the 2010 mayoral election, she had a four-year hiatus from politics before returning to win the 2014 Ward 5 Regional Council race, and again in 2018.

In 2022, she was elected Mayor by the Caledon community.

In the post shared to her Facebook account, Groves said this decision came after “much reflection,” and that this was “not a decision that comes lightly, but one made with careful thought and a deep sense of gratitude.”

“Serving the residents of Caledon has been the honour of a lifetime,” continued Groves in her video message. “I am deeply thankful for the trust, support and encouragement I have received over the years.”

She said the strength and spirit of the community is what makes Caledon “such a special place.”

In the remainder of the video, she expressed her gratitude to Town Staff and thanked her Council colleagues.

Groves called her friends and family her constant support system, and thanks them for their patience, encouragement, and for “standing by me throughout this journey.”

She expressed her appreciation to her team and said she could “not have done this without you.”

“Finally, I thank God for guiding me along this path for the opportunity to serve. While this chapter is coming to a close, my commitment to this community will always remain. Thank you, and God Bless you all,” closed Groves.

The video, posted after 9 p.m. on Friday evening came the same evening as her Mayor's Charity Gala.

With Groves announcing her retirement, there will be no incumbent for Caledon's top job in this year's municipal election, slated for October 26.

The nomination period for the election begins on Friday, May 1st.