Meet Your Council Candidates: Heather French, Ward 4

October 2, 2026 · 0 Comments

By Kathryn Fraser

Having called Caledon home for the last 50 years, Heather French has decided to throw her hat in the ring to become the next Councillor for Ward 4.

Born and raised in the community, French and her husband have not only raised their family of four children here but have also fostered a successful multigenerational family farm.

Her connection through both farming and being a schoolteacher has given her much insight into the needs of residents in Caledon, including families, local businesses, rural areas and youth.

“I believe that serving on Council is an honour and that residents of Ward 4 are going to trust me with this. I am not a career politician, I’m just a neighbour, a parent, a business owner, a volunteer and I want to be a clear, honest voice for this community – as someone who has deep roots in this community,” says French.

“I understand what matters most to everyday citizens because it matters to me. I want to run to be a Councillor who listens, who shows up and who represents the community with honesty.”

Throughout her years in the community, French has become known as a dedicated volunteer and has contributed to many community events, including organizing the Bolton Fall Fair and the Bolton Truck and Tractor Pull.

French has also had several roles within a variety of community organizations, including serving on the Greenbelt Council and Caledon’s Committee of Adjustment, which has provided her with a practical understanding of municipal planning and bylaws, as well as experience in protecting groundwater, green spaces and agricultural land uses.

She says she believes that Ward 4 needs a Councillor that is engaged, accessible and present for them.

“While the population isn’t as dense as the wards to the south, I believe they still deserve the same access to service and economic support. I want to offer a common-sense approach to leadership and be that voice for them,” says French.

Looking to make sure that all members of Ward 4 are heard, French says she believes that open and honest communication is key to a great community.

By hosting frequent sessions, actively listening to residents, maintaining contact through many platforms including phone, email, social media, French says she wants to be able to connect with her residents in any way that she can to help bring forward solutions.

“I’ve been knocking on a lot of doors and had a lot of sit downs with a lot of residents, and I think it’s really important that we respect everyone’s access to technology, and it’s important that we meet people where they are and where they’re comfortable at. One lady, she doesn’t have a computer, so she’ll pick up the phone, or I had to knock on her door to speak with her several times,” says French. “Whether it’s phone calls, social media, email, everyone’s different. But it’s just meeting everyone where they are. I think that’s important.”

When looking at the challenges that Ward 4 is facing, French has identified two of the biggest ones that are important to her, the first being sustainable growth.

“We need to really ensure that all new development is fully backed by essential infrastructure, including roads, parks, [and] emergency services. It is important that we are actively looking after safeguarding Caledon’s farmland, groundwater and the natural environment. As the community expands, we know it’s going to grow. But we need to protect what we have,” says French.

Another main challenge French says Ward 4 is dealing with is road safety.

“This is a hot topic with everyone,” says French. “I think it is important that we work with Town staff and that we work with the OPP. I think another big thing is that we need to educate. We need to create some community awareness on what’s acceptable, what’s not, right? We start with education and then enforcement.”

While making sure that these challenges have a solution, they go hand in hand with many of French’s main priorities, including prioritizing infrastructure, safety upgrades, and essential services, all while protecting the taxpayer and making sure that it doesn’t come back on them.

It is also important, she says, to safeguard prime agricultural lands, protect environmental green spaces, promote local traditions, and advocate for local amenities such as youth sports and family spaces.

French says she hopes that voters will put their trust in her and give her the opportunity to be a strong voice for Ward 4.

“I want to be the voice of the residents for Ward 4. I have a proven track record. My consistent volunteering, business leadership, spanning more than half a century, I’m not running on political ambition. I’m solely focussed on serving the everyday citizen – practical, fair, and transparent representation. I’m just all about the people,” says French.