Work has commenced on the reinstatement of the Prime Ministers Path project in Wilmot Township after a five-year hiatus due to past controversies. The park adjacent to Castle Kilbride will witness the reinstallation of five existing bronze portraits and the introduction of a sixth statue representing an undisclosed prime minister.
The Prime Ministers Path in Baden has been marred by significant controversy. In 2020, the statue of Sir John A Macdonald was relocated near the township offices after being defaced with red paint in protest against Macdonald’s involvement in residential schools. Subsequently, all remaining statues were removed in 2021 and placed in storage. In 2025, Wilmot council decided to proceed with the project and transferred it to Createscape Waterloo Region for reinstallation.
Initially envisioned as a privately-funded initiative to feature 22 bronze sculptures of former Canadian prime ministers in honor of Canada’s 150th anniversary, the project aims to serve as an educational model for the public. After numerous setbacks, the project is now set to be unveiled.
Carolyn Salonen, a retired educator and member of Createscape’s advisory committee, expressed hope that the pathway and artwork will stimulate meaningful conversations. She emphasized the importance of understanding historical figures and their impacts to prevent repeating negative decisions in the future.
Createscape Waterloo Region has taken custody of the nine prime minister statues owned by the township. Under a 20-year agreement with the township, the group will utilize municipal parkland for displaying the statues. Don Bourgeois, the Chair of Createscape, highlighted the importance of comprehending Canada’s history in shaping a shared future.
Further details regarding the project, including updates on the reinstallation process and educational resources, will be shared as progress unfolds. Salonen clarified that the statues are not memorials but representations of figures in Canadian history, urging open discussions about the past and future.
The initiative aims to provide a platform for engaging conversations and learning about the decisions made by prime ministers during their tenures. It promotes the idea that history should be confronted and discussed rather than erased, fostering dialogue on both past events and future prospects.