Mayor R. Brad Loosley Letter to Residents – March 19, 2021
Dear Residents,
Signs of Spring are everywhere! I have seen my first Robin; the daffodils are just starting to come up and the weather is warming up too! With each new season comes a feeling of renewal, and hope.
Now, more than ever, we all have a responsibility to one another, to our business owners, and to our frontline workers. We are each responsible for continuing to wear our masks, maintaining physical distance, and practicing hand hygiene.
As vaccinations become more and more available in our community, I ask that you inform yourself about registering and helping those that need the support to access the online registration portal or by assisting them in calling to register. With the large format vaccination clinic opening next week, and with the delivery of more vaccines to Sarnia-Lambton the future is looking bright! Please visit www.getthevaccine.ca for details.
I would like to talk about our merchants and restaurants for a moment. Support local and shop local have been said time and again – even before the pandemic started. What does that mean? To me, it means that, if possible, please think Petrolia first. If you need something – think, “Can I get that in Petrolia?” and likely you can answer “Yes!”. Now is the time to make the extra effort for these small business owners if you are able. They are always here for us, and we need to continue to be here for them. If you are just buying a small item, perhaps consider adding a gift certificate to your purchase to use later; if you need a haircut and cannot access a closed salon – call them anyway and buy a gift certificate for your future cut. These small changes to the way that we shop will increase cashflow for these businesses during this pause. I understand that there are financial constraints on families, and I respect that this is not always possible, but every dollar counts.
I would like to reiterate that I know how tough this past year has been for everyone. I understand what it feels like for all of us being separated from family members and I empathize with all of you on how difficult it has been to stay vigilant for this extended period. We must continue to stay focused on caring for one another and keep in mind that everyone is living through this time together – all for the first time. The road map for managing this world pandemic is ever changing, and I would like to thank you all for your tenacity and for the kindness that you are showing one another.
Keep well, stay safe and please be kind – online and in person.
Sincerely, Mayor R. Brad Loosley
