Did Coun. Mike McCann attend last Saturday’s ‘freedom rally’ in downtown Barrie, without a mask, after signing a letter from all councillors telling people to stay home?
McCann says he did not, although the Ward 10 councillor did confirm to BarrieToday that he was in the vicinity of Meridian Place, where 400 to 500 lockdown protestors gathered April 17 at a midday demonstration which was assembled in defiance of provincial stay-at-home orders.
“I did not attend the rally,” McCann said. “I walked past the rally and purchased a latte at a local coffee shop on Dunlop Street, en route back home from a work-related emergency call.
“I was wearing a mask in the coffee shop. I was stopped a few times by residents who were sharing their views about the rally and I was polite, brief and moved on quickly heading back home,” he added. “I continue to abide by all provincially mandated rules and safety measures, only leaving the house for essential reasons.”
Ahead of the April 17 rally, McCann’s name was included on an open letter from Mayor Jeff Lehman, along with every other Barrie councillor, saying illegal gatherings put lives at risk and to reconsider this type of protest.
The letter ended with: “We understand you don’t like the lockdown. We don’t either, nobody does. But it is saving lives. It’s what we need to do right now. Please don’t gather. It’s wrong, it’s dangerous, and it’s incredibly selfish. On behalf of all of our residents, particularly the elderly, immunocompromised, and all others vulnerable to COVID-19, please stay home.”
Reached Thursday morning, Lehman was asked about McCann’s presence in the downtown around the time of the rally.
“I’m sure all members of council are very aware it would be foolish to attend these protests,” the mayor said.
McCann was asked by BarrieToday whether even being in the vicinity of the ‘freedom rally’ flies in the face of him signing the letter.
“The mayor’s letter was important, this is why I attached my name,” McCann said. “I have the deepest respect for my fellow colleagues in council and would not ‘fly anything in their faces’.
“I did not plan to attend nor did I attend this rally," he added.
McCann says he first walked to Homestead Artisan Bakery and Cafe, at 80 Dunlop St. E., found it closed and went to The Wired Owl Coffee Company, at 49 Dunlop St. E., and purchased a beverage. Homestead is just northeast of Meridian Place, while The Wired Owl is just northwest of it.
McCann says he was in the downtown to help a client of SunFlow, a company of his, with a leaky roof.
“When clients, potential or existing, call feeling threatened that their roof is leaking and needs immediate action so mould does not set in, I respond immediately,” he said. “And this is the only reason I left my house.”
McCann declined to identify the client, but did say the building was in the downtown area.
“After my work emergency call, the total duration of time spent downtown was less than 10 to 15 minutes,” he said.
