The “Holding Court” Statue Working Group is inviting public input about the future of the Sir John A. Macdonald statue located on Picton Main Street.
The online public consultation page on Have Your Say currently has two feedback options. Participants can share what the “Holding Court” statue means to them. As well, participants can make suggestions about what should be done with the statue. Additional tools may be added later on during the consultation process.
In addition to the feedback tools, the consultation page includes a variety of resources so that the public can learn more about the history of the statue and the 10 principles of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada that are guiding the working group.
The public can also speak directly to the working group in person or virtually during one of its meetings. A town hall event is planned for the fall as well. The public will be notified of the meeting date once it is confirmed.
The public can send written comments by mail to The “Holding Court” Statue Working Group, c/o County of Prince Edward, 332 Main Street, Picton, ON, K0K 2T0, by fax to 613.476.5727, or by email to ecowan@pecounty.on.ca.
Originally installed in 2015, the statue came out of storage in early 2020. Its return in front of the Picton Library sparked a conversation about Sir John A. Macdonald’s past, within the broader context of colonialism.
A working group was formed under the Prince Edward Heritage Advisory Committee (PEHAC) to conduct public consultation, research and ultimately to make recommendations about the future of the “Holding Court” statue. The working group’s findings will inform a staff report that will go to PEHAC and Council by December 1, 2020.
For further information or if you have questions, contact Emily Cowan, Community Programs Supervisor, at 613.476.2148 extension 2503 or email ecowan@pecounty.on.ca.