It is with sincere congratulations that we celebrate Councillor Debb Pitel on her receipt of the King Charles III Coronation Medal!

The Coronation Medal commemorates the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III as King of Canada. Recipients of the King Charles III Coronation Medal are being recognized for their contribution to their community and nation.

Councillor Pitel is a tireless advocate for mental health and through her “No One Stands Alone” program and booklet. Ms. Pitel has touched the hearts of many through her advocacy and her speaking engagements, and with the printed booklets helped countless people understand that there is support out there, and that they are not alone.#PetroliaProud#Congratulations#KingCharlesIII#CoronationMedal

Freedom of Information Act Appeal Successful

The Town of Petrolia advises residents that through application and appeal through the Freedom of Information Act, that information regarding a letter from Mayor R. Brad Loosley, barring former Councillor Marty Souch from In-Camera Meetings in response to the former Councillors defiance of the Town of Petrolia Confidentiality Policy and for his actions violating the Council Code of Conduct, has been released to the public.

Following our policies at the Town of Petrolia, this information was protected under the employee confidentiality policy.  The release of this information is pursuant to the decision of the Adjudication Review Officer from the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario.

There will be no further comments from the Town of Petrolia in relation to this matter.

Petrolia Mayor Returns Several Strong Mayor Powers to Members of Council and Administration

Following the Provincial announcement that several new communities would see Strong Mayor Powers come to their community as of May 1, 2025, Mayor R. Brad Loosley has spent some time reviewing the new role and how he would like to proceed for the balance of his term in Petrolia.

Following an in-depth Council Education Session provided by Integrity Commissioner, John Mascarin, and after reviewing the new powers and guidelines, Mayor R. Brad Loosley has chosen to delegate the following Strong Mayor Powers to both Council and Administration respectively.

These include:

• The Establishment of Committees and Functions to Council
• Organizational Structure and Hire and Dismiss Certain Senior Staff to the CAO
• Delegate Recruitment and Dismissal of CAO to Council

Those powers that Mayor R. Brad Loosley has retained cannot be delegated.

Full details of the Strong Mayor powers as provided by the Province of Ontario can be found here https://www.ontario.ca/document/ontario-municipal-councillors-guide/10-strong-mayor-powers-and-duties.

“…The biggest takeaway from all of this is that this is a broad, sweeping change for us, and that I strongly felt that a detailed review was important before I made a quick decision. I trust our administrative staff, and I value the input of Council and the role that we all play in the continued betterment of the Town of Petrolia for our residents and visitors.” Said Mayor R. Brad Loosley. He then added that, “I appreciate the time I have spent with staff to review the Strong Mayor powers, and for the opportunity to understand how we can continue to proceed with open and accountable governance in the Town of Petrolia.”

TWELFTH ANNUAL PETROLIA PIZZAFEST A CHEESY GOOD TIME!

Petrolia, ON – Petrolia Pizzafest organizers are celebrating a resounding success following Saturday June 7’s event in Victoria Park, Petrolia.  Six pizza vendors were in the park and served a staggering amount of pizza.  Line ups were stretching across the park, at times, while attendees waited for a slice from the vendor of their choice, and empty pizza boxes could be seen piling up between deliveries. 

More than 6,500 slices were sold at the event, that started at noon and wrapped up at 7:30 p.m.  Proceeds from the event were presented to the Petrolia Community Fund at the June 23, 2025, Town Council meeting. The Petrolia Community Fund awards grants to Petrolia organizations that support the town’s goals and initiatives for a safe and healthy community.

Petrolia is not short on pizza restaurants looking to fill hungry bellies, and event organizers were pleased to host six participants for 2025 – Domino’s Pizza, Godfather’s Pizza, Johnny G’s Premium Pizza, Petrolia Pizza & Subs, Pizza Hut, Petrolia, and Wise Guys Inc. 

Four bands, including Smoke Break Duo, Speed Wobble, 402 West Band and Leave Those Kids Alone rocked the TD Stage in Victoria Park all day as part of the free entertainment; residents enjoyed the music from the comfort of their lawn chairs set down in the shade of the giant maples throughout the park.  The First Petrolia Scouts sold cold treats, the Petrolia Lions Club tempted visitors with fries, burgers and more, The Rotary Club of Petrolia sold 50/50 tickets, Petrolia and Area Kiwanis Club members sold candy and snacks, and the Lambton Central Petrolia Optimist Club offered cold drinks. Young people were able to bounce and play all day in the bouncy houses.

Julie Bullock, Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities estimates that, “More than 2,500 people enjoyed the pizza, family fun and ice cream.”  The estimated economic impact in Petrolia for an event such as this is around $126,700.00 for the seven-and-a-half-hour event using the TREIM model. 

The event was generously sponsored by TD Bank, Bourque Renovations, Rick and Barb Charlebois, and Crimestoppers.  The crowd was well cared for by the Support Operations Response Team (SORT).

“Events like this don’t happen without a very long list of volunteers.” Said Mayor R. Brad Loosley, who added that “…We are so fortunate to have so many passionate people in our community who participate and make the community signature events a huge success!”

PETROLIA LAUNCHES A NEW WAY FOR RESIDENTS TO COMMUNICATE WITH THE MUNICIPALITY

Petrolia – Proud to be a leader in innovation for more than 150 years, Petrolia is pleased to announce the launch of “TextMyGov” a 24/7 way to directly connect with the information you need, when you need it.

There are three ways to connect with this new FREE service!

1. Sign up to receive alerts! Simply text PETROLIA to (289)769-9799
2. Ask us a question by simply texting “Hi” to (289)769-9799
3. Visit www.petrolia.on.ca and ask your question in the widget in the bottom right corner!

“This is an idea that is gaining traction in many communities as the world looks for answers to questions on a 24-hour period and not just while offices are open to the public.” Said, Laurissa Ellsworth, Director of Marketing, Arts and Communications.

This service will be a very useful two-way communication tool, with both the ability to respond to questions, and the ability to send alerts if needed. Users are first asked to opt-in and are reminded that they can opt-out at any time.

Some frequently asked questions:

What do we do with your number when you enroll?

Nothing except send you alert texts. You have the option of opting out of these at any time!

Do we share your number with anyone?

No.

Will you hear from us often?

No, you will receive alerts for emergencies, water service interruptions, or items that we need to reach subscribers to advise them of including waste collection delays, planned power outages and other similar items. You will only hear from us if you enroll to do so.

Standard text messaging rates apply, although most users’ plans will not incur any cost for use.