Wilmot’s Prime Ministers Path consultation continues; Tea Circle event set for next week

The statue of former Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King, once part of Wilmot Township’s Prime Ministers Path, symbolizes the complex discussions shaping the path’s future as the community engages in innovative consultations like a tea circle to envision what comes next. Contributed photo

Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Township of Wilmot and its consultants have come up with a unique way to get people involved in the controversial and latest Prime Ministers Path project – a tea circle.

LURA Consulting, led by advisors Benny Skinner and Denise Soueidan-O’Leary, is guiding the process. Soueidan-O’Leary said a tea circle is just one form of public discussion.

“There are public meetings, town halls and they bring forward a lot of ideas from people. We intentionally renamed this consultative process and we are going to have a conversation and we want it to feel like a discussion.”

She added the tea circle will be a more intimate setting where people can sit down with their neighbours to share information, thoughts and ideas.

“It will be a little less formal than a focus group or some of the other language we would use in an engagement process. The point is to hear how residents are feeling, hear what they have to say and be open to what comes up.”

Soueidan-O’Leary admitted there will be many different opinions and feelings coming up through the consultation, but that is the goal of the process.

“Benny and I wanted to make sure there was space for those to come out and it’s okay to have differing opinions, thoughts and ideas as we are all in discussion together.”

For anyone wanting to take part but unable to attend in person, a virtual option is available by registering before the event so the meeting link can be sent out to participants. Soueidan-O’Leary explained the goal is to protect the exercise’s integrity.

“We wanted to make sure, especially because we are using Zoom, that only folks who have access to the link are part of the process. We don’t want to waste time and threaten the space with people who find the link somewhere and come in with no intention to participate or no stake in the game,” said Soueidan-O’Leary.

She added those participating at home will be able to interact virtually.

“This is definitely not a spectator sport. Folks in person and online will be encouraged to share their thoughts and feelings and be involved in the conversation.”

Mayor Natasha Salonen said the tea circle is a different way to hear from concerned residents but she’s looking forward to the results.

“(It) represents a distinctive and thoughtful approach to community outreach within the Prime Ministers Path engagement process. At a time when I know our community is eager for substantive engagement and meaningful opportunities to have their voices heard, this format provides an opportunity for dialogue that is both respectful and inclusive.”

She added the discussions create a space where the complexities of our history, community dynamics and shared aspirations can be explored in depth.

“While the format is unique, the emphasis on constructive and open dialogue is exactly what our community needs to move this project forward, together,” Salonen said. “I look forward to seeing how this process evolves to reflect the priorities and values of our community.” 

A final plan isn’t expected to come to Wilmot Township council until next summer, but Soueidan-O’Leary explained she is happy with the public’s interaction at an open house last month.

“We were really pleased with the turnout. There were about 100 people who came to the first community gathering with a lot of engagement. Many attendees wrote sticky notes and gave us their feedback. We have also had people reach out through the project email sharing their thoughts.”

She said the social-media side of the plan isn’t garnering much in the way of attention but she hopes more people will engage through the available channels. A big part of the plan is the appointment of a 12-person working group. While 20 people applied, the 12 selected held their first meeting on Tuesday.

“We hope the group will help share information with the community and get their friends, families and neighbours involved in the process so more people are aware of what’s going on. The level of engagement so far shows us it’s an important issue for people. Ninety-five per cent of those who have engaged live in Wilmot or are close enough that this issue matters to them.”

A link to register has already been sent to those who have signed up for project updates. Those who haven’t can register for the tea circle at https://tinyurl.com/PMPteacircle1.

The event takes place on Dec. 12 at the Wilmot Recreation Complex Community Centre from 6-8 p.m.