Impaired driving charges against Barrie Coun. Mike McCann have been withdrawn, and he has pleaded guilty to a careless driving charge relating to a September crash.
“In regards to a minor motor vehicle collision that I was involved in on Sept. 5, 2020, I would like to inform you that all criminal charges have been withdrawn,” McCann said Saturday afternoon. “I am grateful for my family, friends and supporters who have been standing with me during this time. I consider this issue closed.”
McCann said these matters were resolved Dec. 7.
City police charged the Ward 10 councillor with impaired driving and over 80 (having equal to or more than 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood) following the Saturday, Sept. 5 incident.
According to court documents, police alleged the 44-year-old Barrie resident was operating a vehicle while his ability to do so was impaired by drugs or alcohol, or both, contrary to the Criminal Code.
Police say they responded to a collision involving a vehicle and a hydro pole at around 2 p.m. in the area of Yonge Street and Cox Mill Road in Barrie’s south end.
McCann said Saturday this incident is behind him now.
“It’s done. It’s resolved,” he said. “It was a minor accident and careless driving was the right charge.”
McCann declined comment when asked why the impaired driving charges were withdrawn and what his penalty was for pleading guilty to careless driving, which is a Highway Traffic Act charge.
It carries fines ranging from $490 to $2,000, a loss of six demerit points and a possible six-month suspension for all drivers.
