Visitors to Barrie’s Heritage Park this winter will get to trial run what one city councillor hopes to be a popular permanent draw for the downtown.
Coun. Mike McCann, who first pitched the idea of a landmark 'Heart Barrie' sign last summer, was joined by local MPs Doug Shipley and John Brassard, along with Coun. Gary Harvey and town crier Steve Travers, in front of a replica ice sculpture Saturday afternoon where they celebrated the spirit of Barrie — and enjoyed taking photos with passersby.
McCann has reportedly raised $150,000 toward the cost of the permanent sign, noting he has committed to shelling out $50,000 from his own pocket if he’s unable to raise the rest by the March 31 deadline in order to ensure the project comes to fruition.
The permanent landmark sign, which will be 20 feet wide by eight feet high, will be ready to go for this year’s Canada Day, he noted.
“People have said it’s about time we had a sign like this… and are excited about the sign. I was here last week when the ice sculpture was first erected and there had to have been about 500 people taking their pictures,” McCann said. “I wanted to bring a sign for people to show why they love living in this city and what Barrie means to them. … And I also wanted to drive business to our downtown core.”
McCann said more positive messaging is needed for residents of all ages. He says having a landmark sign by the popular waterfront would be a good way to allow people to come down, take pictures and share why they love Barrie.
“I think the true testament to a great city is what you can do for free in them. This is a way that you can bring your family out… and do it for free,” he said. “This is one spoke in a big wheel to raise the positive that we have in this city.”
When asked if he had plans to run for mayor in this fall's municipal election, McCann said although he has a passion to be the mayor of Barrie "when the time is right," he is currently focusing on Ward 10 and his constituents there, while also "helping out in Barrie anyway I can.”
