Resident Notice & Advisory
Petrolia Municipal Office Closed Monday, May 22, 2023 in Observation of Victoria Day
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 23, 2023.
Waste collection remains on schedule.
After Hours contact:
Water related Emergency, call 1-888-522-0117
Public Works Emergency (non-water), call 519-882-2351
General By-Law Enforcement, call 519-845-5420
Parking Enforcement, call 519-312-1238
Animal Control, JSG Animal Solutions, Jeff Dewhirst – Call/Text 519-312-1322 OR email animalcontrolofficer101@gmail.com
or through our online portal https://petrolia.civicweb.net/Portal/CitizenEngagement.aspx
Hiking Encouraged on International Trails Day on June 3
Petrolia – The Petrolia Trails Committee is urging residents and outdoor enthusiasts to get out and enjoy the trails in Petrolia on Saturday, June 3 in observation of International Trails Day.
The volunteer committee has been working on re-developing Petrolia’s trail system in Bridgeview Park North for about three years and has been expanding the offered walking trails and improving signage for users. Petrolia is rich with green space and has some interesting terrain for a variety of trail difficulties.
In the autumn of 2022, the Margaret Stokes IODE dedicated the “Jubilee Trail” and added some benches and trees to the trail. Shell Canada donated over 300 trees to the trail system and helped plant them, and countless hours of volunteer time has been spent clearing and cleaning up the walking trails and developing interesting routes through Bridgeview Park North.
Chairperson, Terry Syer, said, “This has been a real labour of love for me and for others on our committee – I love the outdoors, hiking and trail exploring and I think it’s very important that people are active to help maintain a healthy lifestyle. Trail walking is never the same walk twice, there’s always different birds and wildlife, the trees and plants are ever-changing and it’s just a peaceful place to enjoy some time alone in nature.”
Work continues on the Petrolia Trails System, with plans for additional trails in the works. Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities, Dave Menzies said, “We’re in the middle of a five-year plan to redevelop the trails system in Petrolia and so far, great progress is being made each season toward our ultimate goal of connecting several areas in Petrolia with walking trails.”
International Trails Day is an annual celebration of trails, trail development and the healthy lifestyle they encourage. It is celebrated each year on the first Saturday in June. Started by the American Hiking Society in 1992, trails Day has spread to encompass all forms of recreational trail usage in more than a dozen countries worldwide. It promotes public awareness of and appreciation for trails and the people who build & maintain them, and builds partnerships among trail groups, businesses, and public land managers. It also encourages cooperative efforts among different trail users, including hikers, bicyclists, equestrians, walkers, runners. International Trails Day brings together trail enthusiasts to participate in educational exhibits, trail dedications, gear demonstrations, instructional workshops, and trail work projects. Leisure Information Network
10th Annual Petrolia Pizzafest Returns to Victoria Park on June 3
Petrolia – Petrolia Pizzafest returns to Victoria Park, Petrolia on June 3, 2023, the 10th annual pizza-lovers event will be a celebration of the cheesiest event the town has to offer. Organizers are hoping to top the 9th annual pizza sales total of 7,000 slices.
Petrolia is not short on pizza restaurants looking to fill hungry bellies, and event organizers are pleased to boast 7 participants for 2023 – Bud’s Family Pizza; Dominos Pizza, Petrolia; Godfathers Pizza; Johnny G’s Premium Pizza; Petrolia Pizza & Subs; Pizza Hut, Petrolia; and Wise Guys Inc.
Known for the pizza, this event packs a whole lot of fun in to one day. For kids – bouncy castles, and games! For families, pizza, a Service Club BBQ, cold non-alcoholic drinks, and Petrolia Scouting offering freezies and ice cream!
The day is packed with live entertainment starting at noon with the dynamic Victoria Playhouse duo – Jesse & Brian, then Electric Popsicle will bring 80’s pop back to the park (dancing encouraged!), then Petrolia favourites The Geoff Masse Band take the stage, and the event closes with another Petrolia favourite – Painkiller Jane! There is even a beer garden for those that can’t resist the famous combination of pizza and cold beer!
The event has been generously sponsored by Co-operators – Pinto Financial Group Inc. Petrolia, Riverside Print & Signs, Bourque Renovations, Rick and Barb Charlebois, Black Gold Brewery and Beth Hackett Insurance Agency Ltd.
“We’re looking forward to our tenth Pizzafest this year! One thing is for sure – Petrolia sure loves their pizza!” Said Dave Menzies, Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities. He added that, “This is one of our favourite events each year, what’s not to love? Pizza, family, friends, and lots of fun!”
The participating pizza restaurants are facing increased expenses but have chosen to hold the pizza ticket price at $2.50 for the event citing that they “…Want to keep the price affordable for families to enjoy a day in the park.”
The event runs from noon until 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 3, 2023, in Victoria Park, Petrolia.
“These events are not possible without a tremendous team of volunteers, we are so grateful to the Community Services Advisory Committee, our Service Clubs, and our community members that step-up year after year to support our community events and activities.” Said Thera Wagner, Marketing and Special Events Associate.

As the fourth annual Provincial Day of Action on Litter approaches, the Town of Petrolia is encouraging volunteers to come out and participate in a Town Clean Up Day on Saturday, May 6.
The Town of Petrolia will host a downtown and parks clean up day in support of the Provincial initiative. Volunteers are asked to meet at the Kerr Building, 396 Fletcher Street (behind the library) at 8:45 a.m. on Saturday, May 6, 2023. From there, volunteers will be deployed around Petrolia armed with garbage bags, and garden waste bags. Those interested in volunteering are asked to bring gloves, a rake, and a broom.
This initiative has been in place for several years now, and each year a variety of community groups, individuals and organizations participate. Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities, Dave Menzies said, “It’s always a lot of fun, and the results speak for themselves – in about three hours Petrolia is cleaned up, litter is collected and we’re ready for another season of enjoying our parks and outdoor spaces.” Student volunteers can earn high school volunteer hours by bringing their sheets to be signed by Town staff.
There is no need to pre-register, but if you would like to request a certain area of Petrolia to help with, please contact Thera at twagner@petrolia.ca. This event will not proceed in rain, an alternative date will be announced if required.
Trees Planted in Bridgeview Park in Celebration of Earth Day
Volunteers with the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee gathered in advance of Earth Day to add two new Celebration Maple Trees to Bridgeview Park on either side of the Playground Equipment.
The Celebration Maple is a fast growing, seedless selection of Freeman Maple. Its naturally symmetrical habit with strong, open branching structure is well-suited for street and residential use. Crisp green foliage turns into an attractive golden-yellow with red hues in fall.
The Town of Petrolia would like to thank Windover Nurseries for providing the expertise in planting the trees along with the community volunteers.
Photo: L-R – Councillor Chad Hyatt; Chief Administrative Officer/Treasurer Rick Charlebois; Owner of Windover Nurseries, and Petrolia in Bloom Member Jean Windover; community volunteer Stuart Sharp; Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities Dave Menzies; Councillor Ross O’Hara; Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Member Kiera Maw; and Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Member Ava Sylvester
2023 GREEN LEADER PROGRAM Recipient Announcement
In partnership with Waste Management of Canada and the Town of Petrolia
The Green Leader Program is part of Waste Management and the Town of Petrolia’s ongoing efforts to encourage the development of local community engagement and environmental solutions that build sustainable communities. The program is centered around a grant opportunity that is available to applicants living, working, and learning in the Town of Petrolia or benefiting Petrolia and its residents.
Waste Management and the Town of Petrolia are pleased with the number of businesses, organizations, and institutions that applied for this funding opportunity in the 2022 intake. The program is designed to support initiatives that highlight the following sustainability goals:
Environmental Goal:
• The Green Leader program supports organizations and initiatives that preserve and/or enhance natural resources and/or help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Community Goal:
• The Green Leader program focuses on local initiatives that support employees, enhance our environment, promote education, and improve the safety and livability of our communities.
Each year, a committee of community members look over the applications and grade each application on the above criteria and rank the applications with assigned dollar value recommendations. There is an available funding amount of $15,000 available for the projects. Each applicant may request up to $15,000 in program/project funding. This funding is a one-time, non-repayable, fully funded grant. Applications are due each year on March 30. Waste Management and the Town of Petrolia would like to thank our volunteers for their assistance in the selection of this year’s recipients.
“Earth Day is the perfect day for this annual announcement as it brings community attention to the issues facing the earth and through this program, it is a nice opportunity to do our part. Residents are encouraged to visit earthday.org to learn more about what they can do for our planet. We are very grateful for this partnership with Waste Management for the betterment of our community and for our earth.” Said, Chief Administrative Officer/Treasurer Rick Charlebois.
2023 Successful Projects:
KERR PARK PROJECT
Lambton Central Petrolia Optimist Club
$3000
Project Summary
To place soft surface under the small playground equipment using recycled rubber material in the fall area for youth safety at Kerr Park.
EXPANSION OF PRESCHOOL GARDENING PROJECT
Petrolia & Area Kiwanis Club
$4000
Project Summary
Our project which started in 2021, provided eight preschool and school-aged summer programs with the necessary materials and tools needed to create hands-on learning opportunities about gardening and composting. We plan to expand to four additional preschool programs.
QUEEN E GOES GREEN
Queen Elizabeth II School, Petrolia
$5000
Project Summary
The project is a school composting initiative that will see an outdoor school garden, composting buckets in each classroom, and 2-3 outdoor composters in the garden. This project also includes an indoor Hydroponic Grow Tower near the library, and one that travels from classroom to classroom.
NATIVE SPECIES WELCOME GARDENS
St. Philip Catholic School
$3000
Project Summary
The purpose of this project is to plant two welcoming gardens at the front of the school created from plants that are native to south-western Ontario. The students will work with the nursery to choose, plan, create, and maintain the gardens (as a legacy to their school and community).
Previous Successful Applicants:
2022
Hillcrest Public School (School Council) – $5,000.
The Rotary Club of Petrolia – $5,000.
Petrolia Heritage Advisory Committee – Special North Street Cemetery Project – $2,500.
IODE Margaret Stokes Chapter – $2,500.
2021
The Petrolia Discovery Foundation Inc. – approved for – $10,000.
The Petrolia and Area Kiwanis Club – approved for – $5000.
2020
Parents For-Parks – approved for – $15,000.
St. Clair Conservation Authority – approved for – $10,000.
The Petrolia and Enniskillen Agricultural Society– approved for – $5,000.
(2020 was a double intake year)
PETROLIA WELCOMES YOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE & CALLS FOR APPLICATIONS
At the Regular Meeting of Council in March, Council approved a motion brought forward by Councillor Debb Pitel regarding the development of a Youth Advisory Committee for the Town of Petrolia.
At the Tuesday, April 11, 2023, Regular Meeting of Council, the by-law creating the Youth Advisory Committee was unanimously approved and applications were approved to be circulated.
The idea encompasses the goal of including youth in the Town of Petrolia, and to provide experience and leadership opportunities including the following:
• To provide a platform to gain local insights into needs and resources for youth in our community of all ages; and to provide a community presence and engagement with youth through participation in local events.
• To encourage an opportunity to educate and mentor ages youth 12-18; and to provide opportunities outside the school board curriculum of interest to youth.
• To partner with local businesses for learning and recreation opportunities to support youth in our community.
• To provide a springboard for insight into the potential needs of youth ages in our community
• To connect and engage with local service clubs around opportunities and events they offer to youth of our community.
• To gain local involvement and interest with all members of our community.
One of the key goals of the Youth Advisory Committee is to develop a Youth Summit, where youth will lead a weekend trade show and series of events for youth for Petrolia and surrounding area.
“…The Town of Petrolia is pleased to be offering an opportunity for more youth to be involved with the Municipality, and Council is pleased to support this important initiative that will bridge a gap in our community. Council and staff look forward to working with the youth, and to sharing knowledge and experiences.” Said Acting Mayor, Joel Field.
Applications are now being accepted for participation through the Town of Petrolia, and available at area schools also. Applications can be found at http://town.petrolia.on.ca/residents/community/committees/, or can be picked up at the Municipal Office. Once completed applications can be submitted in person 411 Greenfield Street, Petrolia or by e-mail mpearson@petrolia.ca by Friday, May 12, 2023.
C00 – ADM 20 – Committee Application Form 2020-22 – YAC special call
NOTICE Petrolia Youth Advisory Committee Mandate, Objectives & Responsibilities
In 2024, Petrolia will celebrate a major milestone – the Oil Town will celebrate 150 years of incorporation. Known affectionately by volunteer Committee members as a Sesquicentennial Celebration, the 150th, our big birthday and more, a team of community members have been hard at work since 2018 brainstorming, discussing, surveying, planning, and figuring.
Hampered only slightly by some online event applications being closed in late 2020 through to late 2022 or early 2023, the Committee has continued to meet monthly and plan activities, events, and reasons for people to celebrate together. “Our committee has taken a clear approach from the very first meeting, and that is to involve as many people in the planning and execution of our events as we can, and to create events and activities that pull as many residents and former residents together as possible.” Said, Denise Thibeault, Chairperson for the Petrolia 150 Committee.
At the regular meeting of Petrolia Council this evening, the Council heard the Committee’s recommendation for a Legacy project for the community. As some background, the Committee identified their approach, which included that the Petrolia 150 Committee identified the goal of creating a Legacy Project that would benefit the community for many years. The Committee believed that this project should meet the following guidelines:
1. Be available for use for all.
2. Be fully accessible.
3. Be an item that is a low-cost/no-cost option for use, that is not limited to one age group.
4. Take a prominent physical position in the community.
Although many projects were discussed, none of the projects fit all four of the required parameters. However, recently, the Petrolia 150 Committee became aware of a community need and discussed the option at the Sub-Committee level as an item for consideration for the Legacy Project.
Through recommendation to Council, the Committee was delighted to receive approval to replace the existing bandshell in Victoria Park, Petrolia with a new fully accessible one that addresses the following:
• Meets AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians for Disabilities Act) Compliance
• Available for use by all members of the community as an outdoor stage space or for outdoor gathering for music, etc.
• Permanent accessible washrooms
• New sound and lighting for events (Christmas in the Park, Art in the Park)
• Continued use by churches, services clubs, Town of Petrolia events (Pizzafest, Art in the Park, and Christmas in the Park) and many other groups and organizations
The expected project cost is approximately $250K, with $200K in the 2023 Town of Petrolia Capital Budget and the remaining expenses to be fundraised through the Petrolia 150 Committee with Coin Set, clothing, and souvenir sales.
The expected timeline is that the existing unit would be removed in early September 2023, (after the scheduled community use for Art in the Park, Pizzafest, and the non-denominational church activities planned throughout the summer). Work would take place in the fall of 2023, and the bandshell would be open with a celebration in the late spring of 2024.
The Committee was also pleased to bring the first glimpse of the 2024 activity plans to the public and look forward to furnishing a detailed list later in 2023. “…It’s a reminder to “Save the Date” and to reach out to family, friends and other to do the same.” Said, Laurissa Ellsworth, Director of Marketing, Arts and Communications for the Town of Petrolia.
The Committee will look to launch a website and social media presence in the coming months as they prepare for some “…really big announcements! You only turn 150 once!” Added Ellsworth.
SAVE THE DATES
JANUARY
Monday – 1 — Petrolia 150 Event 1-3pm, 730pm-1030pm
FEBRUARY
Fri-Mon 16, 17, 18 & 19 — Family Fun Days Weekend
MAY
Sat & Sun – 25 & 26 — Two Day Petrolia 150 Event – Greenwood Park
Saturday – 25 –Farmers’ Market Grand Opening
JUNE
Saturday – 1 — Pizzafest
Fri-Sun 14, 15 & 16 — Three Day Petrolia 150 Event – around Petrolia
JULY
Monday – 1 – Canada Day Celebrations
Fri & Sat 12 & 13 — Art in the Park
Saturday 13 – Barn Dance
AUGUST
Thurs – Sun 15, 16, 17 & 18 — Four Day 150 Event – Around Petrolia, and Greenwood Park
SEPTEMBER
Saturday – 14 — Harvestfest – Farmers’ Market
DECEMBER
Friday – 6 – Christmas in the Park, Chili Cook Off
Saturday – 7 – Christmas Market, 10-3
Saturday – 7 – Santa Claus Parade – 2pm “Celebrating Petrolia 150”
Tuesday – 31 — Petrolia 150 Closing Event

PETROLIA MAYOR TAKES MEDICAL LEAVE – LONGTIME COUNCILLOR JOEL FIELD TO STEP IN TEMPORARILY
Petrolia’s long-serving member of Council, Joel Field will be supporting the community in the coming weeks as appointed Acting Mayor while the currently elected Mayor, R. Brad Loosley takes a leave to focus on a medical issue.
Councillor Field was appointed by his peers, and on the recommendation of Mayor R. Brad Loosley during the closed session meeting held during the regular council meeting tonight.
Traditionally, when the Mayor is not available for an engagement, meeting or other event an acting Mayor will be appointed to take their place. The Town of Petrolia has, through by-law, a schedule of acting Mayor’s that rotate between Councillors in two-month periods.
For this temporary leave, Council approved that there would be an appointed Acting Mayor for a period of three months in the role, thus continuing the tradition of support for the community and Council and providing a clear point of contact.
Acting Mayor Joel Field will attend County Council and many events on behalf of the Municipality, when unavailable to fulfill a commitment, just as they regularly would through the acting mayor by-law, other Councillors will continue to support Acting Mayor Joel Field during these events as required.
We thank residents for contacting Acting Mayor Joel Field with items that would otherwise be directed to Mayor R. Brad Loosley during this approved three-month timeframe.
On behalf of Council and staff, we wish Mayor R. Brad Loosley the very best, and look forward to his return to his seat at the Head of Council for the Town of Petrolia.
CONTACT US
411 Greenfield Street, Petrolia, ON N0N 1R0 | TEL: (519)882-2350 | petrolia@petrolia.ca
The Corporation of the Town of Petrolia 2016 | PRIVACY POLICY
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