Prime Ministers Path Public Engagement

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The Prime Ministers Path: Collective Reflections, Future Directions

The concept of the Prime Ministers Path started in 2013 with a group of citizens raising money to honor Canada’s political history. For more than 10 years, it has been a sensitive project that has stirred up thoughts and feelings for many community members.

This current initiative is the direct result of the March 2024 Wilmot Council decision to move forward with a working group to help shape the future of the path. The Township of Wilmot has embarked on a community engagement project with the intention that this work will form the future of Prime Ministers Path. It embodies the Township’s commitment to transparency and is an opportunity to return to the principle of connecting deeply with community and community members. It is a step towards collaboration in the decision-making process in the Township of Wilmot.

The Township issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) that closed August 2024. Wilmot awarded the contract for consulting services to Land Use Research Associates Inc. (LURA). LURA bring a wealth of experience to this engagement process, including a highly qualified team to lead and support the Township with this project.

Key aspects of The Public Engagement Process for the Future of the Prime Ministers Path include:

The creation of a working group to ensure broad and fair representation in the Prime Ministers Path discussion. This group will form part of the overall engagement process.
Development and implementation of a community engagement plan, based on the findings of the working group and including visioning and value discussions, with the objective of providing Council with information that can support them in moving forward with next steps for the Prime Ministers Path.

The estimated timeline for these deliverables is:

Prime Ministers Path engagement plan development and training for the working group will take place in the fall of 2024.

The working group will be launched in the fall of 2024.

The Prime Ministers Path engagement plan will roll out in the fall of 2024.

Engagement will be completed by 2025.

Recommendations will be compiled in 2025.

Engage in the Process

You are invited to engage in this process and there are many ways you may participate:

Social Media: Follow us on our social media platforms (Facebook, X, YouTube) for updates and opportunities to provide your thoughts.
Email Updates: Subscribe to updates via Engage Wilmot | EngageWR to stay informed about updates and upcoming engagement opportunities. Information will be added to the engage page shortly.
Surveys: Participate in surveys and community polls that will be distributed to gather further insights from residents.

Community Poll 1: Emotions - complete
Community Reflections: What does community mean to you? What are the important elements? - Coming Soon
Community Poll 2: Learning - Coming mid-December

Community Meetings: Attend the upcoming meetings to discuss ideas and share feedback in person. Please register in advance if you are able.

Upcoming Community Tea Circles

Join us for meaningful conversation and shared experiences at a Community Tea Circle! These events are part of the ongoing dialogue around the Prime Ministers Path and serve as a space to reflect on the project's impact, our community values, and the threads of history that connect us. Please note that Tea Circles are not for observatory purposes, but for all attendees to actively participate in the conversation.

What to Expect:

Warm Tea & Welcoming Space
Guided Conversations: Share your thoughts and listen to others in a respectful and inclusive circle discussion, based on a theme.
Discussion Leaders: The conversation will be guided by the project Co-leads Benny Skinner and Denise Soueidan-O'Leary. They will help to guide the conversation and ensure all voices are heard and respected.

Dates and Themes:

December 12, 2024 (hybrid) In Person location: 6-8pm at Wilmot Recreation Complex Community Centre, Meeting Room A

Theme - Community Reflections: the project, the community, history

January 13, 2025 (in person) 6-8pm at New Hamburg Community Centre
- Theme - History: who tells it, how it’s told, who is left out
February 12, 2025 (in Person) 6-8pm Wilmot Recreation Complex Community Centre
- Theme - TBD based on community need through the project

Upcoming Community Gatherings

Community Gatherings are an open house-style event where residents can learn, share, and shape the future of the Prime Ministers Path. Community Gathering events will feature the proposed recommendations from the Prime Ministers Path Working Group and provide an opportunity for meaningful dialogue.

What to Expect:

Interactive Displays: Explore information stations showcasing the Working Group's recommendations, background research, and the community engagement process.
Facilitated Feedback: Participate activities to help you provide feedback and share your thoughts on recommendations.
Drop-In Format: Come and go at your convenience! Staff and facilitators will be available throughout the event to answer questions and guide discussions.

Whether you want to learn more, provide input, or connect with your community, this gathering is a welcoming space for everyone. Your feedback will play a crucial role in shaping the final recommendations for the future of the Prime Ministers Path.

Dates and Themes:

March 5, 2025 (in Person) 4:30-8:00pm at New Hamburg Community Centre
- Theme - Collective Reflections: Community input on proposed working group recommendations.
April 2, 2025 (in Person) 4:30-8:00pm at Wilmot Community Centre
- Theme - New Futures: Report back on the final recommendations to Council.

Past Engagement Sessions (from November 2024)

Tuesday, November 12, 2024 - First Community Gathering: Connections & Information

100 members of the community attended this open house/drop-in style event between 4:30 and 8:00pm held at the Wilmot Recreation Complex. Attendees had the opportunity to meet the engagement team and learn about the process and how to get involved.

Council Meetings to Date Regarding Prime Ministers Path

Since June, 2020, the topic of the Prime Ministers Path has been discussed at various Township of Wilmot Council Meetings. The links below provide details related to those meetings, including Agendas, Minutes and submissions from delegations. All meetings can be viewed on the Township's YouTube channel.

First Peoples Group Engagement and Findings

First Peoples Group completed its report for the Prime Ministers Path Public Engagement in July 2021. The information is included here and in the Council Agenda Package for the Special Council Meeting that took place at 6 p.m. on July 5, 2021, over a digital platform due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Following the July 5, 2021, Council Meeting, a media release was circulated about the decision to remove and store the remain statues on the Path. On July 7, 2021, the remaining statues were removed and the Township issued another media release to advise the public.

On July 27, 2020, the Council for the Township of Wilmot adopted a Notice of Motion to undertake public engagement of the Prime Ministers Path and the Sir John A. Macdonald statue located on the east portion of the Township's Administration Complex property.

First Peoples Group was been retained to design and lead the engagement strategy and worked with a Township working group to prepare for this process starting in the spring of 2021.

Public Announcement of the Launch of the Prime Ministers Path Community Engagement Process

The working group for this project consisted of Councillors Barry Fisher and Jenn Pfenning, the CAO, the Director of Information and Legislative Services/Municipal Clerk, the Director of Corporate Services, the Curator/Director of Castle Kilbride, the Assistant Curator, the Communications Specialist, and the Manager of Legislative Services/Deputy Clerk. This staff working group worked with the First Peoples Group. The project lead from First Peoples Group is Melissa Hammel, Vice President. First Peoples Group designed and will lead the engagement while the staff working group provides them with the local resources to carry out the engagement and advises on the local community partners or members who have indicated their desire to be involved.

The agendas of each meeting will be posted here.

May 20, 2021

The minutes of each meeting were posted here as approved by the working group.

First Peoples Group provided bi-weekly updates, which were posted here.

On April 21, 2021, a media release was circulated introducing the engagement process.

Contacts