By Riley Murphy

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

On Friday April 24, just hours before announcing her retirement, Caledon Mayor Annette Groves held her annual charity gala in support of community organizations in Caledon.

The event was held at the International Centre in Mississauga. 

Many local leaders and politicians were in attendance that evening, including Premier Doug Ford, who even received a special custom team jacket courtesy of the Humberview Huskies.

Ford was not the only guest that evening.

Two dozen protestors gathered outside the event venue holding signs protesting Ford and Groves' leadership.

Two community groups, HeadwatersStopThe413 and Democracy Caledon, were involved in the protest alongside other individuals.

Signs could be seen reading “Don't pave the greenbelt” and “Caledon's Dirty Deals are not Dirt Cheap.”

Member of HeadwatersStopThe413, Sharon Sommerville, says they thought this was a strong opportunity not only to make a statement to Ford but also to the Mayor.

“Protesting and rallying is one of the few tools that you have,” said Sommerville. “We were there to send a strong message of opposition to the way Annette Groves has been leading Caledon in total opposition to her electoral promises.”

“Double whammy, we can rally against Mayor Groves and her leadership and policy choices and Doug Ford, his leadership and policy choices.”

She added many in attendance were tired of Ford's “thoughtless policy decisions,” as well as many who had hoped for a “slow growth approach” for Caledon following Groves' campaign back in 2022.

“You have to respect your constituents, and that goes for Doug [Ford], and that goes for Annette [Groves],” says Sommerville.