Wilmot Council Faces Urgent Decision on $78K Path Statues

UPDATE: Wilmot Council is grappling with an urgent decision regarding the reinstallation of the statues along the Prime Ministers Path in Baden. During a council meeting on Monday, October 16, 2023, officials revealed that the total cost for reinstalling nine statues is estimated at $78,000, which includes constructing six bases and repairing the statues.

The council had previously approved recommendations concerning the future of the Prime Ministers Path in July 2023, but they have yet to finalize plans. Local resident feedback has been overwhelmingly critical, with one attendee stating, “This is going against what the majority of township residents want.”

According to township staff, once the council approves funding for the reinstallation, no additional public funds will be allocated beyond regular maintenance, which is already covered in the township’s budget. Councillor Lillianne Dunstall proposed that community members passionate about the project could assist in funding, noting, “I know I have had some people actually ask if there was someplace they could contribute.”

Since the project’s inception in 2020, the township has incurred costs exceeding $220,000 related to legal fees, community engagement, and storage of the statues. Councillor Steven Martin expressed concerns about the expenditure of township funds on what he described as “one-time capital costs,” emphasizing that the $78,000 figure is likely a rough estimate, as prices typically increase over time.

If the council approves the reinstallation in an upcoming meeting, a volunteer group will be established to develop a new name and educational strategy for the path. This decision is critical as it will affect community sentiment and the cultural landscape of Wilmot.

As residents await a final decision, the future of the Prime Ministers Path remains in limbo, with strong opinions on both sides of the issue. Stay tuned for further developments as this story unfolds.