Wilmot council chooses consultant to create working group for Prime Ministers Path

Wilmot council has chosen a consultant to help with the forming of a working group on the future of the Prime Ministers Path.

Land Use Research Associate Inc. was chosen from four submissions reviewed by staff and councillors Kris Wilkinson and Steven Martin. A report to council noted the company will work immediately on the first phase of the project: planning and selecting the working group.

Ward 2 Councillor Wilkinson said during Monday’s council meeting his priority is to ensure council sets the terms of reference instilling a balanced perspective for the group.

“That goes back to the conversation we had in council where we were talking about taking a step back and more so observing and getting opinions from the vast population that lives here,” said Wilkinson.

Barry Wolfe, a delegate at council, echoed this statement who alluded to paint thrown on the statues during the summer of 2020 which was “thrown by someone whose attentions and high emotional feelings were resurrected by news reports of events that had occurred many years ago.”

“Our history is complicated and will continue to cause angst if we continue to exclude voices when we communicate, as the last council did,” Wolfe said.

The staff report said there will be numerous opportunities for the public to engage and communicate with announcements coming in the next few weeks. Council will also work with the group to create a charter and a plan to be shared with the public.

Updates will be posted on the city’s website and social media accounts.

A final report with recommendations is expected by early 2025.