Wilmot’s Prime Ministers Path community steering committee members announced

Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Wilmot Township council has selected nine people to sit on a community steering committee to guide the next phase of the Prime Ministers Path project.

Members were selected to represent a broad range of perspectives and subject-matter expertise. Seven of the appointees are Wilmot residents, while two come from neighbouring municipalities within Waterloo Region.

Those selected to sit on the committee are Donald Bourgeois, Dave Caputo, John English, Lee Fitzpatrick, Steve Kalbfleisch, Andrew Kipp, Pat Mighton, Alison Rodger and Carolyn Salonen. The group will meet regularly and will report to council on their progress.

The committee will be supported by three advisors, Ruth Abernethy, Benny Skinner and J.D.M. Stewart. They will provide guidance as needed but will not have voting privileges at committee meetings.

The township explained the committee and its advisors will oversee the reinstallation of the Prime Ministers Path statues and develop inclusive, historically grounded educational materials to accompany them. Early priorities include drafting terms of reference (TOR) and identifying funding sources for the project. Staff will assist with developing the TOR, and township council will review and approve it.

“On behalf of the Township of Wilmot, I would like to congratulate the members and advisors of this new committee,” said CAO Jeff Wilmer. “We are confident that the project is in capable hands and look forward to seeing the next phase come to fruition under their direction.”

Wilmer added a township clerk must attend meetings and take minutes, just like any other township committee, and he highlighted the role the advisors will play.

“The frequency of meetings will be up to the committee. It is expected to report to council quarterly. (The advisors) bring perspectives and expertise that should be beneficial to the committee and will be advising on art and site design, Indigenous perspectives, and history and education.”

Since council’s unanimous decision to reinstate the statues, close to $10,000 has been donated to the project. Those who wish to contribute can donate online at wilmot.ca/payments or in person at the township administration complex (60 Snyder’s Rd. W, Baden). Donations will be used solely to support the project and will not be part of the township’s operating or capital budgets.

Wilmer said he is confident the community will rally behind the project and donate the necessary funds to get the statues back in use.

More information about the project is available at wilmot.ca/pmp. Questions or comments about the committee can be sent to pmp@wilmot.ca.