Work has commenced on the reinstallation of the Prime Ministers Path project in Wilmot Township after a five-year hiatus due to previous 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 unidentified prime minister.
The Prime Ministers Path project in Baden has been embroiled in significant controversies in the past. Notably, the statue of Sir John A Macdonald was relocated in 2020 from its original location near the township offices after being vandalized with red paint as a protest against Macdonald’s involvement in residential schools. Subsequently, the remaining statues were removed in 2021 and stored away. In 2025, Wilmot council decided to revive the project and handed it over to Createscape Waterloo Region for reinstallation.
Originally, the project aimed to feature statues honoring all of Canada’s prime ministers along a pathway in the park, serving as an educational tool for the public. Initially conceived as a privately-funded initiative to create 22 bronze sculptures commemorating past Canadian prime ministers for Canada’s 150th anniversary, the project faced numerous delays.
Carolyn Salonen, a retired educator and member of Createscape’s advisory committee, emphasized the group’s aspiration for the pathway and artwork to spark meaningful conversations. She highlighted the importance of understanding historical figures’ impacts and decisions to shape a better future. Createscape Waterloo Region will now oversee the Prime Ministers Path project, including maintenance and fundraising for future statues.
The custody of the nine prime minister statues owned by the township has been transferred to Createscape Waterloo Region. While currently in storage, an agreement has been reached with the township to display the statues on municipal parkland for the next 20 years. Don Bourgeois, Chair of Createscape, stressed the significance of comprehending Canada’s history in guiding the nation’s collective future.
The group plans to share updates on the project’s progress and educational materials as the reinstallation process unfolds. Salonen clarified that the statues are not mere memorials but representations of figures in Canadian history, encouraging open discussions about the past and future. The pathway is envisioned as a platform for engaging conversations and learning about the decisions made by prime ministers during their tenures.
Overall, the project aims to foster dialogue, understanding, and reflection on Canada’s history to pave the way for a more inclusive and informed future for all Canadians.
