To pre-order a t-shirt please click the link below. Preorder will be accepted until July 10th.
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!
- Sign up to receive alerts! Simply text PETROLIA to (289)769-9799
- Ask us a question by simply texting “Hi” to (289)769-9799
- 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.
Petrolia Announces Return of the Veteran Banner Program for Downtown
Alongside many communities, Petrolia is pleased to be working with Memorial Banners in the further development of a downtown banner program that will continue to be self-financed and contribute to the Royal Canadian Legion Br. 216 and to Veterans Affairs.
The program is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The application forms will be online at www.town.petrolia.on.ca and available at the Town of Petrolia Municipal Office.
The cost of the banner is $275.00 plus HST, and it will be in place for a 3-year term, at which time they will be returned to the sponsor.
Banners will be displayed each year around Remembrance Day throughout downtown Petrolia.
“…Honouring and remembering those that served with this program is a visual reminder of the sacrifices that many made for our freedom.” Said Thera Wagner, Marketing and Special Events Associate.
Petrolia’s seventh annual Harvestfest meal tickets will be available tomorrow at the Petrolia Farmers’ Market Grand Opening. The seventh annual event, scheduled for Saturday, September 13, 2025, is shaping up to be another culinary delight, artfully prepared by Culinary Catering. This skillful and creative team will be assisted during the event by Town of Petrolia volunteers.
This event features food, beverage, table decorations, dishes and utensils, and entertainment all sourced from Petrolia Farmers’ Market Vendors where possible, and otherwise within 100 km of Petrolia. This celebration of all things local is a very popular harvest event each year, and tickets sell quickly.
We are pleased to announce the following sponsors, with more to be added as the event nears: Barb and Rick Charlebois, Bourque Renovations, and Beth Hackett Insurance Agency Ltd.
Entertainment for this year will be Cabin Fever – a local favourite! Local wine, beer and cider will be available at a cash bar at the event.
Tickets will be sold again in groups of six, enough for a table. Tables will enjoy family-style dining once again in our outdoor space at the Petrolia Farmers’ Market pavilion. Folks looking for single tickets or for groups smaller than six will be added to the waiting list.
Tickets are $390 per table for the multi-course, and live entertainment experience, ($65 per person).
For tickets, please visit town hall in Petrolia between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday, or the Petrolia Farmers’ Market on Saturday’s from 7:30 a.m. – noon. Tickets are limited. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. for the Saturday, September 13, 2025, event, at the Petrolia Farmers’ Market, 396 Fletcher Street, Petrolia.
An adaptive baseball program that empowers children and youth living with physical or cognitive disabilities. This program is for children and youth living with disabilities. It is also open to adults with disabilities.
Challenger Baseball will run Wednesdays starting, June 18 from 10:00-11:30am and will run until August 20.
For more information call 519-882-2350 ext. 253 or email Thera at twagner@petrolia.ca
A timely message in vivid colour, hand-painted by Dresden resident Sarah Steele, has been installed on the East side of Total Hair and Body Care downtown Petrolia and will share a message to “Shop, Dine and Discover” Petrolia.
Sarah Steele was one of three artists selected from the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership and Town of Petrolia “Call for Artists” as part of the Downtown Revitalization project funded by a Rural Economic Development Grant in 2023.
The shop, dine and discover message is not a new one for Petrolia, it’s been the rallying cry since 2014 when the Town took on renewed vigor to support the downtown in a time of a large road reconstruction project on Petrolia Line. Just over 10 years later, the statement remains just as important – even more so considering the ongoing messaging from the Petrolia Business Association (PBA) to – Shop Petrolia, Shop Local, and Shop Canadian.
The PBA paid for the mural that will remind all that see it the importance of supporting local whether it be with a meal out, take out, your shopping habits or your choices for entertainment.
Chairperson of the PBA, Denise Thibeault said, “…It’s always been very important to me that people support the businesses in Petrolia. I have enjoyed working with our merchants for several years to accomplish the vitality that we see in our downtown and am pleased to have so much support from the PBA Board and our merchants to continue doing so.”
This is the third of three planned murals for Petrolia’s vibrant downtown, the first being a postcard offering “Greetings from Petrolia” by artist Blaze from Toronto, ON that was completed on the East facing wall of the Red Apple in downtown Petrolia (at the corner of King Street and Petrolia Line) in the spring of 2024. The second, installed mid-March is on display on the South side of the Petrolia Home Hardware building in Downtown Petrolia (at the corner of Petrolia Line and Eureka Street).
“Making Petrolia a destination with walking tours both historic and natural and providing points of interest throughout the downtown was the result of a Downtown Revitalization Study and Committee in 2023. I am pleased to see that we have accomplished the goals from that study and can continue to build on these experiences for both residents and visitors. We are so grateful for this gift from the Petrolia Business Association and the merchants of Petrolia, and to the building owners for sharing their walls with us.” Said Laurissa Ellsworth, Director of Marketing, Arts and Communications for the Town of Petrolia.
2025 GREEN LEADER PROGRAM Recipient Announcement
In partnership with Waste Management of Canada and the Town of Petrolia
APRIL 22, 2025
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 2025 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.
2025 Successful Projects:
The IODE Margaret Stokes Chapter was successful in their application for Moncreif Park and Jubilee Trail Revitalization in the amount of $5,000.
The funds will be used to plant native trees and vegetation, add picnic tables and benches, prune and remove trees as needed and add safety railings and signage.
The Petrolia and Enniskillen Agricultural Society was successful in their application for Lighting Upgrades at the Fairgrounds in the amount of $4,000.
The funds will be used to upgrade the lighting in the Quonset Hut, the Palace, as well as outdoors on the grounds with modern, energy-efficient LED fixtures. This initiative will improve the visitor experience during the Petrolia & Enniskillen Fall Fair and other community events while significantly reducing energy consumption and maintenance costs. By transitioning to environmentally friendly lighting solutions, they will enhance safety, increase accessibility, and demonstrate our commitment to sustainability and the community.
The Petrolia Discovery Foundation Inc. was successful in their application for the North Perimeter Hedgerow in the amount of $6,000.
The funds will be used to purchase native trees, shrubs, and necessary planting materials from local sources. This is part two of a two-year project. This will enable them to complete the plantings and fall maintenance (hemp mats and Skoot animal repellant) in 2025 and spring 2026 maintenance to ensure a healthy and successful hedgerow.
Previous Successful Applicants:
2024
Petrolia 150 – Indigenous Friendship Garden – $3,000
Generations Daycare – Multi-Generational Nature Garden – $1,000
Petrolia Discovery – North Perimeter Hedgerow – $3,000
Petrolia 150 Bandshell – LED Lighting, Low-Flow Washroom Fixtures, Motion Lighting – $7,000
Kiwanis Club of Petrolia and Area – Expansion of Pre School Gardening Project – $1,000
2023
Lambton Central Petrolia Optimist Club – $3,000
Petrolia & Area Kiwanis Club – $4,000
Queen Elizabeth II School – $5,000
St. Philip Catholic School – $3,000
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 Volunteers Honoured by Mayor R. Brad Loosley
Petrolia, ON – It was a full house at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 216 in Petrolia this evening as Mayor Loosley hosted the annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner for Town of Petrolia Committees and volunteers for 2024.
2024 marked a historic year in the oil town, where the celebrations were seemingly endless, and the community spirit was at an all-time high. While thanking the volunteers, Mayor R. Brad Loosley stated that, “Volunteerism is one of the most important factors in community building, and Petrolia is among the most fortunate for the number of volunteers, and the number of hours that those people share with our community.”
Deputy Mayor, Joel Field added that, “Volunteers are absolutely so important to Petrolia, and personally, I feel so grateful to be at many of these events with you seeing our resident’s pride in Petrolia and visitors seeing our special town for what it is – a community.”
In recognition of the “Volunteer of the Year for 2024” Mayor Loosley formally recognized The Petrolia 150 Committee, a group of people that worked for five years to create the 2024 celebrations, and for their work throughout 2024 to leave nothing to chance. “…Folks that are members of our community, our service clubs, our business community, students at LCCVI, and members of staff.
The number of volunteer hours for the Petrolia 150 events alone, has been estimated to be around 25,660 hours in 2024. This does not include the Petrolia 150 Committee commitment over 6 years. That number is estimated at 16,980 hours of planning, executing, and follow-up.”
The Petrolia 150 Celebrations by the Numbers
- 558 celebration certificates were issued for various birthdays, anniversaries, and other milestones.
- 478 individual events
took place in 2024 in Petrolia
- Many of these events took place over several days.
- Many were hosted by groups, service clubs, organizations, and nearly all of them had a fun 150 nod included.
- With the Victoria Playhouse Petrolia, the signature events, and the 150 events it is estimated that Petrolia played host to nearly 100,000 visitors in 2024, resulting in an economic spin off equaling nearly $16 MILLION dollars to Petrolia, the County, and the region.
- The number of volunteer hours for the Petrolia 150 events alone, has been estimated around 25,660 hours for a volunteer roster of approximately 100 people in 2024 – about 256.6 hours per volunteer.
- This does not include the Petrolia 150 Committee commitment over 6 years. That number is estimated at 16,980 hours of planning, executing, and follow-up.
- We ate around 116 dozen cupcakes … or 1392 of them! Had 7 Slab Cakes, that feed around 100 people.
The Petrolia 150 Committee members:
Volunteer of the Year 2024
In Recognition of Their Outstanding Volunteer Contributions to the Petrolia 150 Celebrations
- Pam Bradshaw
- Barbara Prescott
- Ethan Steinke
- Danika Steinke
- Dawn McNally
- Deb Kohoutek
- Marie Currie
- Ross Ellsworth
- Judy Krall
- Telsie Jackson
- Angie Murphy
- Laura Burke
- Sue Hart
- Teresa Thomas
- Chairperson – Denise Thibeault
In Recognition of Their Outstanding Commitment to the Petrolia 150 Celebrations
- Councillor – Ross O’ Hara
- Fire Chief – Rick Cousins
- Marketing and Special Events Associate – Thera Wagner
- Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities – Julie Bullock
- Director of Marketing, Arts and Communications – Laurissa Ellsworth
Chief Administrative Officer/Treasurer Rick Charlebois punctuated the presentation by stating, “I would like to emphasize my gratitude to the volunteers for the hours of work behind the scenes, for the added workloads that were faced with smiles, and for their unwavering commitment to Petrolia.
I am very happy to be here today, at the annual volunteer dinner, with so many people that care so much about our Town and who work very hard to make it the wonderful place it truly is. Thank you for your support, and for the gift of time that you share with us!”
Each volunteer was presented with a framed certificate to commemorate their historical contributions to Petrolia.
Mural Installed Downtown Petrolia
Petrolia, ON – Following a break in the weather, a new mural is taking shape in downtown Petrolia today.
The mural, one that was completed by Windsor Artist, Sarah Robbins, depicts Petrolia 150 years ago, and celebrates the recent milestone. Ms. Robbins was selected by a Downtown Revitalization Committee from a call for local and regional artists.
About the Artist:
Sarah M Robbins
muralist | illustrator | graphic designer
Sarah M Robbins is a Windsor mural artist, graphic designer and illustrator who uses bright colours to spread joy one wall at a time.
After the passing of her father in 2021 and falling into a bit of depression, Sarah saw a call out for artists to paint for the Brain Injury Association now called Butterfly Lane. Once accepted, she painted her first mural saying “The future is bright” because she deeply wanted it to be true, and knew others would feel same.
Sarah quickly realized the power of public art and how it can have an impact on others who might need a bit of light in their day. So, she picked up her paint brushes and began painting for communities and businesses.
Next thing she knew, she was a muralist full-time, sharing her love of colour and art with the world.
Sarah is driven to bring colour and joy to communities and neighbourhoods. One of the few muralists in Windsor that paint with a brush, so her murals are orderless, less messy and less hazardous than a spray-artist – allowing businesses to stay open while she paints.
Sarah’s work is often inspired by nature and colour but always works with the client to bring their true vision to life first and foremost.
When she’s not painting murals, Sarah is often supporting local businesses as a Graphic Designer or can be seen walking in parks or the riverfront.
The mural will be on full display on the South side of the Petrolia Home Hardware building in Downtown Petrolia (at the corner of Petrolia Line and Eureka Street).
This is the second of three planned murals for Petrolia’s vibrant downtown, the first being a postcard offering “Greetings from Petrolia” by artist Blaze from Toronto, ON that was completed on the East facing wall of the Red Apple in downtown Petrolia (at the corner of King Street and Petrolia Line) in the spring of 2024. The final mural in the set, hand-painted by Dresden resident Sarah Steele, will be installed shortly on the East side of Total Hair and Body Care downtown Petrolia and will share a message to “Shop, Dine and Discover” Petrolia.
Petrolia will be full of many vibrant blooms once again this summer, as the Petrolia in Bloom Committee is planning and planting flowers of all colours for the 2025 season.
In the spring, gardeners will begin to plan their planting beds for the season and residents are encouraged to participate in the colour palette and to have some fun.
Mayor R. Brad Loosley said, “It is with great appreciation to our volunteers that I look forward to our town full of beautiful plants and flowers each year!”
Volunteers interested in helping for the 2025 season are asked to call Leah Belan at (519) 882-2350. Parks Department summer students will assist the volunteers with watering and weed maintenance.
PETROLIA YMCA
FARMER’S MARKET
VICTORIA PLAYHOUSE
COMMUNITY FUND
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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