Petrolia Mural Projects to Begin Taking Shape this Week
Following the results of resident, business owner and visitor surveys and the study completed through the Rural Economic Development Downtown Revitalization Project and our continued work with the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership, and the outlined projects for improvement the committee is moving forward with the final phase of the project.
The three key deliverables were: Retention, Succession and Beautification
Retention – Identifying ways to assist business owners with locating and sustaining business in Petrolia is an ongoing effort that is highlighted by the efforts of the Petrolia Business Association, with support from the Town of Petrolia.
Succession – Succession planning for Petrolia business owners is a key deliverable that will be part of a one-on-one approach to the businesses that have cited this as important for their situation and this outreach has started.
Beautification – As for the beautification deliverable, the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership and the committee held an open call for artists and have selected three mural artists to partner with building owners and Petrolia Business Association in the Town of Petrolia to add to the photo opportunities, walking tours and overall beautification of the Town. The murals will begin to appear throughout Petrolia in the coming days and weeks and will be part of a new Mural Walk promotion for residents and visitors to enjoy.
The first of three murals will begin May 1, 2024, and will be painted in place by Toronto artist Blaze Wiradharma (https://www.blazeworksart.com/ ). This mural will be located on the East side of the Red Apple building on the corner of Petrolia Line and King Street.
One of the following murals will be placed on the side of Leisure Lane, facing East, and will be created by Chatham artist Sarah Steele.
The final mural will be placed on the South wall of Petrolia Home Hardware facing Petrolia Line by artist Sarah Robbins of Windsor, ON.
The murals are the final project to close the grant program. Two of the three murals were funded by the grant program, and the third mural – on the side of Leisure Lane was sponsored by the Petrolia Business Association.
Chairperson of the Petrolia Business Association, Denise Thibeault said, “…Adding to the walkability of a downtown is key to supporting businesses in the area. The more reasons we can provide for people to visit our downtown, the more likely they will spend more time, more money, and discover the unique and friendly businesses in Petrolia.” She added, “We would like to thank the business owners, and building owners for the permission to add these murals to their facades and are excited for everyone to see our murals take shape!”
Residents are invited to visit the mural in progress on the side of The Red Apple this week beginning Wednesday, May 1.