Could Sault get a 'satellite' music hall of fame?

As SooToday.com reported last night, Sault Ste. Marie didn't make the short list as a potential location for the new Canadian Music Hall of Fame.

Yesterday's coverage

However, a letter sent by Chris Topping, project manager for the proposed hall of fame, holds out hope that a hall of fame 'satellite' site could still be located in the Sault.

The bricks-and-motor satellite locations may include traveling interactive computer exhibits, some physical exhibits, as well as retail opportunities and music education programs.

Ward 2 Councillor Terry Sheehan, who's spearheaded Sault Ste. Marie's bid to have the hall located here, has replied to Topping, indicating he's interested.

The following is the full text of Topping's letter to Sheehan, followed by Sheehan's response:

*************** CARAS Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences October 25, 2004

Councillor Teny Sheehan 147 Alexandra St. Sault Ste. Made, ON P6A 1J5

Dear Councillor Sheehan,

Thank you again for submitting a proposal for the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.

Unfortunately, we regret to inform you on behalf of the Canadian Music Hall of Fame (CMHF) Committee, that Sault Ste Marie was not accepted as a potential host city.

All proposals were cross-referenced and rated in accordance to the degree to which project criteria were met and in consideration of overall assets.

The consulting firm. Lord Cultural Resources, painstakingly completed this assessment in consultation with the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.

Among others, key elements considered were future audience potential, including tourism and population base.

Despite this decision, there may be future opportunities to include a select group of markets for smaller bricks and mortar satellite CMHF's.

While the idea is in its early stages, these satellite CMHF's would possibly run in conjunction with traveling exhibits, and would include interactive computer exhibits, some physical exhibits, retail opportunities and music education programs.

We hope that this concept may be of interest to you.

Again, we greatly appreciate your interest, your time and your enthusiasm to this project.

Please do not hesitate to call me if you would like to discuss the matter in more detail.

We will be issuing a press release on Tuesday, October 26, 2004 at 12 noon to announce the short list of cities for the bid.

Regards, Chris Topping, Project Manager, CMHF

*********************** Chris Topping Project Manager, Canadian Music Hall of Fame Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Science 355 King St, West, Suite 501 Toronto, On

Dear Mr. Topping,

On behalf of the Sault Ste. Marie Canadian Music Hall of Fame Committee I would like to express our appreciation for having had the opportunity to bid on providing a home for the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.

I would like you to accept this letter on behalf of the Sault Ste. Marie Canadian Music Hall of Fame committee as a positive response to your offer to be included as one of a select number of satellite sites of the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.

We appreciate your offer and would like to receive more information on the offer once the details and parameters have been established.

From your letter and conversations with you it is my understanding that a satellite Canadian Music Hall of Fame site would possibly run in conjunction with traveling exhibits, and would include interactive computer exhibits, some physical exhibits, retail opportunities and music education programs.

Chris, thank you for working with us over these last few months and please extend our best wishes to the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences for continued success in their ongoing efforts to promote Canadian Music.

The Sault Ste. Marie Committee has been very proud to be apart of such a historic undertaking and will support the Canadian Music Hall of Fame wherever it is located.

Thank you,

Terry Sheehan Chair SSM CMHF City Councillor Ward 2

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