Hurricane Hazel: A Life With Purpose

by Hazel McCallion, Robert Brehl

NATIONAL BESTSELLER Throughout her groundbreaking career in business and politics, Hurricane Hazel McCallion saw it all. In 1978, she defeated a popular incumbent to win election as mayor of Mississauga, a rising city near Toronto that was, until then, a collection of towns, villages and farms. No one foresaw that the indomitable Hurricane Hazel would become so wildly popular that she would remain mayor until 2014, retiring at age 93. Within months of taking office, Mayor McCallion orchestrated the world’s largest peacetime evacuation at the time after a train derailment put almost 250,000 Mississauga residents in harm’s way of deadly chlorine gas. The incident made her an international media star and cemented her reputation as a plain-speaking, decisive political leader. She’s been courted by federal and provincial parties over the years but has turned them all down, declaring, “I could never toe the party line. I’d wear out the carpet crossing the floor.” In Hurricane A Life with Purpose , McCallion writes about her early years as the feisty mayor of a growing city; her battles with politicians and business leaders; her love of hockey and abhorrence of on-ice violence; where the feminist movement misses its mark; and how she watched and dealt with her beloved husband’s fall into the grip of Alzheimer’s. Hazel’s run as the leader of Canada’s sixth-largest city has been nothing short of remarkable. This book is the story of Hazel’s political, personal and business life, with all of its bumps and bruises along the way, and is as honest, bold and straightforward as the woman herself.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published October 20, 2015

Reviews

[Alysha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wouldn't be able to call myself a member of the Mississauga community without knowing Hazel's story! After hearing her speak earlier this year at UTM, I knew this book would exceed my expectations as she is vibrant, charismatic and truthful both in person and on paper. The history of Mississauga as told from Hazel's perspective is so interesting and makes me really appreciate how much she has done and continues to do to be one of the best leaders locally and across the country. Her legacy will last a very long time. Read this book!!!!

[James Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had my own prejudices against Hazel McCallion before reading this book. I heard that she was the "Queen of Sprawl" during her tenure as mayor. However, after reading her book, I came to respect her as an individual who sought to make the best decisions for her constituents. I believe that Canada needs more mayors like her, that are visionary, down to earth and honest. I also enjoyed her perspectives on municipal issues, and her duties as mayor of Mississauga.

[Lynn Matisz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having moved to Mississauga a year ago, this book was great in finding out the history of the city and the GTA as a whole. Hazel is honest and not afraid to share her opinion, making the book an interesting read the whole way through.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a woman. She has accomplished a lot and tells it a straightforward manner. She is a bit of a legend so I was happy to learn more about her.

[Abid · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating account of Hazel's life. Truly inspiring.

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

My favourite part of this book is that you can almost hear Hazel talk, the way it is written.

I was pretty surprised to find out a few things about this inspirational dynamo... like she never had a chance to go to university; or that she got her first job running a business office because all the men were off to WWII.

One of Hazel's favourite expressions is now one of mine too.."The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not mean to sit."

She built Mississauga from a sleepy backwater into the thriving city it is today, and it's too bad we don't have more civic leaders like her.

This is a fast, entertaining read and I think I must-read for anyone who is interested in a life of public service.