Work has commenced on the reinstallation of the Prime Ministers Path project in Wilmot Township, marking the end of a five-year hiatus following significant controversy. The park adjacent to Castle Kilbride is set to reintroduce five existing bronze portraits and reveal a sixth statue of an unidentified prime minister.
The Prime Ministers Path in Baden encountered a series of controversies in the past, notably in 2020 when the statue of Sir John A Macdonald was relocated from its original location 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 voted to proceed with the project and handed it over to Createscape Waterloo Region for the reinstallation.
Originally conceived 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 tool for the public. Despite numerous delays, the project is now on track for its long-awaited unveiling.
Carolyn Salonen, a retired educator and member of Createscape’s advisory committee, emphasized the group’s aspiration for the pathway and artwork to stimulate discussions. Salonen, who is also the mother of Wilmot Mayor Natasha Salonen, stressed the importance of preserving historical figures to deepen understanding of their impact and guide future actions.
Createscape Waterloo Region now holds custody of the nine prime minister statues owned by the township, with plans to display them on municipal parkland for the next 20 years. The group’s chair, Don Bourgeois, highlighted the significance of comprehending Canada’s history in shaping a united Canadian future.
The group intends to provide updates on the reinstallation process and educational resources as the project progresses, underscoring the statues’ role as representations of historical figures rather than mere memorials. Salonen expressed hope that the pathway would encourage dialogue about past decisions and foster a deeper understanding of Canadian history and its implications for the future.
