Bryan Hayes bows out

Former Sault MP Bryan Hayes announced Tuesday night that he will resign as chair of the Downtown Association, as part of a general withdrawal from public life.

"My position will be available. I'm not seeking re-election," Hayes told the association's annual general meeting at Loplops Gallery and Lounge.

"There are personal things in my life right now that are taking me in another direction."

"My resignation will be coming fairly soon," said the former Ward 3 city councillor, expressing appreciation to fellow board members who've worked with him since he joined the association executive in September, 2016.

Hayes also served notice Tuesday that he will step down from the executive of the Sault Ste. Marie Conservative Electoral District Association.

He made the announcement after a difficult annual meeting marked by an unsuccessful attempt by Grace Tridico to block $15,000 from being spent on a tourism and branding consultant.

A budget including the contested expenditure nonetheless was approved by an 11-8 vote.

The expenditure, expected to be matched by a city contribution, had earlier been approved by the Downtown Association's board.

Hayes and Rory Ring, chief executive officer of the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce, both warned Tridico earlier this month that it would be inappropriate for her to challenge the decision at the annual meeting because she's a director and the board had already voted on the issue.

Tridico nonetheless stood her ground and spoke against hiring the consultant after a downtown business owner asked to hear her side of the issue.

This is an election year for the Downtown Association and Hayes encouraged dissident members at Tuesday night's meeting to seek election to the board of directors.

Nomination forms are available now.