ABOUT ME
Hi, I'm Shirley Keaveney
Rooted in Meaford.
Committed to Our Future.
I am a fourth-generation Meaford resident, raised on a local fruit and dairy farm in St. Vincent Township. This community has shaped who I am, and it has been the foundation of everything I have built throughout my life.
Many of you know me from my years at Dairy Queen. My husband and I proudly owned and operated the Meaford Dairy Queen for 37 years. Those years taught me the value of hard work, the importance of supporting local businesses, and the privilege of getting to know generations of families in our community.
I am the proud mother of two sons and grandmother of two wonderful grandchildren. Like so many of you, I have a personal investment in the future of the Municipality of Meaford. I want to help build a community where our children and grandchildren can thrive, where businesses can succeed, and where residents and visitors alike continue to enjoy everything that makes our municipality special.
A Lifetime of
Community Service
Serving this community has been one of the greatest honours of my life.
I am currently serving my third term on Council, including two terms as your Deputy Mayor. Throughout my time in municipal government, I have focused on listening to residents, working collaboratively with Council and staff, and finding practical solutions that move our municipality forward.
My experience extends beyond municipal government. As Past President of the Meaford Chamber of Commerce, I chaired the Dragon's Den competition, the Business Awards Gala, and the Chamber Silent Auction for several years. As a proud member of the Meaford Rotary Club, I was honoured to help lead the purchase of Rotary House and the establishment of the Rotary Thrift Shop, two initiatives that continue to make a positive impact in our community.
Every conversation matters. If you have a question, an idea, or would simply like to connect, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Leadership That
Delivers Results
During my time on Council, I have worked to advance projects and initiatives that strengthen our municipality and improve the quality of life for residents.
This term alone, I have successfully brought forward 27 motions to
Council, including initiatives to:
-
Improve gravel road maintenance practices.
-
Establish a physician recruitment policy.
-
Explore opportunities for a tiny home community in Meaford.
-
Support responsible community growth.
-
Strengthen local infrastructure and services.
I have also proudly served on numerous committees and boards, including:
-
Growing Our Economy Advisory Committee.
-
Pumped Storage Advisory Committee.
-
Grey County Council.
-
Northeast Grey Health Clinics Board of Directors.
-
Numerous local, county, and regional committees and task forces.
Looking
Ahead
On May 1, 2026, I officially announced my candidacy for Mayor of the Municipality of Meaford.
After serving three terms on Council, I believe I have the experience, leadership, and commitment needed to lead our municipality into its next chapter.
Our community is changing. Our demographics are evolving, our economy continues to grow, and we face new opportunities and challenges. I believe we can embrace that change while protecting the values, heritage, and rural character that make the Municipality of Meaford such a wonderful place to call home.
This campaign is about you.
It is about our residents, our farmers, our business owners, our volunteers, our families, and everyone who calls this municipality home.
I look forward to meeting with you throughout the campaign, listening to your ideas, hearing your concerns, and working together to build a shared vision for our future.
I truly believe our best days are ahead of us.
Experience
at a Glance
-
Fourth-generation resident of the Municipality of Meaford
-
Raised on a fruit and dairy farm in St. Vincent Township
-
Councillor (2014–2018)
-
Deputy Mayor (2018–Present)
-
Grey County Councillor (2018–Present)
-
Former owner/operator of Meaford Dairy Queen for 37 years
-
Past President, Meaford Chamber of Commerce
-
Member, Rotary Club of Meaford
-
Proud mother of two sons and grandmother of two grandchildren
-
Extensive municipal, business, volunteer, and community leadership experience
