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 519-845-5420
Animal Control, JSG Animal Solutions, Jeff Dewhirst – Call/Text 519-312-1322 OR email animalcontrolofficer101@gmail.com
By-Law Concern Form: https://www.lambtononline.ca/en/business-and-development/by-law-concerns-complaints.aspx
General Online Resident Feedback https://petrolia.civicweb.net/Portal/CitizenEngagement.aspx
Please take note of some upcoming scheduled training. Residents may notice smoke during these training periods. Residents are asked to avoid the area during the training, for their safety.
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.
MARCH 27, 2025
PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT ANYONE ON THE PETROLIA WATER SYSTEM INCLUDING MAIN LINE CUSTOMERS, PETROLIA RESIDENTS AND ENNISKILLEN, OIL SPRINGS AND DAWN-EUPHEMIA RESIDENTS ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THE CURRENT NOTICE FROM ST. CLAIR TOWNSHIP.
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR UPDATES PLEASE VISIT:
https://member.everbridge.net/892807736721815/notif/vgZZA0LBg
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.
2025 Green Leader Program
Exciting news for Petrolia residents, businesses, and organizations!
The Green Leader Program, a collaboration between WM Canada and the Town of Petrolia, is back to support local environmental projects and community initiatives. This partnership is all about working together to create a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future right here in Petrolia.
The program offers grants to fund projects that focus on:
- Environmental Conservation: We’re looking for efforts that help protect natural resources and preserve and/or enhance renewable resources.
- Environmental Education: Initiatives that make our community a better, cleaner place to live and learn.
- Community Vitality: Projects that improve the safety and sustainability of our neighbourhoods, making them better for everyone.
In 2024, we saw some amazing projects come to life, including garden expansions, energy-saving upgrades, and nature-based spaces. These were just a few examples of what this funding can support!
Now, it’s your turn. You can apply for up to $15,000 in funding to bring your idea to life. This funding is a one-time, non-repayable, fully funded grant. Whether you’re a business, organization, or institution working in or benefiting Petrolia, this is your chance to make a lasting impact.
Applications are reviewed by a committee, and the successful projects will be announced on Earth Day, April 22, 2025.
Have questions? Reach out to us at:
Let’s continue to make Petrolia a leader in sustainability—together!
APPLY BY MARCH 30, 2025
To begin the
application process, visit: http://town.petrolia.on.ca/town-hall/forms/green-leader-grant/
Successful Budget Deliberations in Petrolia – 3% Municipal Tax Rate Increase Proposed, 0% Variable Water Rate Increase Approved
Petrolia, ON – Petrolia Town Council deliberated the draft 2025 municipal budget yesterday. The proposed budget would see a proposed 3% increase to the Municipal tax rate, with a 3% increase in sewer costs, and a 0% increase to the variable water rates with a $15.00 fixed monthly rate.
The session concluded with Council providing direction to staff to amend the 2025 draft budget to reflect the following:
- Council directed staff to amend the fixed water rate to $15.00 and to proceed with a 0% increase to the variable water rate.
- Council approved a recommendation from the Scotiabank Committee that will see the Scotiabank property used for a retail/commercial rental space in the front half, and a community meeting room with a Petrolia memorabilia display in the back half of the facility. Council approved $65,000 in upgrades for the facility that include an accessible washroom, alarm system, and new side entrance door.
- Council directed staff to pay a stipend of $1,500.00 annually to Town Crier, Les Whiting, instead of responding to out-of-pocket expenses requests.
- Council directed staff to add an additional $500.00 to Council Donations for the Lambton County Seniors Committee to use as required for promotional materials and events.
- Council directed finance to look at seeking loan funding for construction of appropriate decontamination station and accessible washrooms in 2025 for the Fire Hall; and that the Fire Chief and Joint Fire Committee in preparation for the changes to legislation that will dictate the installation of proper decontamination station at the Fire Department return with a proposal, and that an agreement be established with the Township of Enniskillen to allow the Township the financial flexibility to re-pay their 40% over a reasonable period of time.
- Council directed staff to return to Council with a quote to rent decontamination showers to be located at the Fire Station in the interim.
- Council directed staff to take $250,000.00 from the Capital Reserve to extend road resurfacing and sidewalk replacements. Resurfacing work will now be completed on First Avenue from Petrolia Line to Garden Crescent (if possible), and on Pettibone Street. Sidewalk replacement will be completed on First Avenue and on Fifth and Third Streets between First and Fourth Streets.
A Motion was passed Regarding – Provincial OPP contract
Whereas municipalities across Ontario experienced as significant increase in the OPP provincial policing contracts expenses recently released The town of Petrolia would like to state our concern with the 21.5% increase to our municipality and this effect across the province; AND WHEREAS the provincial auditor stated the OPP do not have processes in places to deliver police services effectiveness and with NOW therefore THAT council send a letter to the Minster, Premier, MPP Bailey, and municipalities across Ontario to request that the province provide financial assistance to offset the large percentage increases that are difficult for small municipalities to adjust to each year.
The Proposed 2025 Fee Schedule was approved with the following amendments:
- THAT Schedule “D” – Greenwood Recreation Centre be increased by 3% from the 2024 fee and rounded to the next dollar.
- THAT Schedule “G” – Fire Department – inclusion of a line for “Lock Box” with a fee set for “at cost”. These will be installed at most Petrolia business’
Following the approval of the draft 2025 Budget, staff plan to proceed with several capital projects including:
- The resurfacing of First Avenue from Petrolia Line to Garden Crescent (if possible).
- New Dugouts at Diamond 1.
- Sidewalk program expenditures on First Avenue, Third and Fifth Streets between First Avenue and Fourth Street.
- Community recreation project amenities.
- New washrooms with decontamination showers at the Petrolia and North Enniskillen Fire Hall.
- Major construction on the Water Treatment Plant Intake will start in 2025.
Chief Administrative Officer/Treasurer, Rick Charlebois said, “Council reviewed the draft 2025 budget with staff, and I am very pleased with the process and what was accomplished for the future of Petrolia. Staff spend many hours preparing their best advice for Council, and I would like to thank them for their expertise.”
Mayor R. Brad Loosley was, “…pleased with the detailed information that staff prepared for Council’s consideration.” Mayor Loosley added, “I would like to thank Rick and his team for this comprehensive draft budget, and I would like to thank Council for their feedback and participation in the review process.”
A Public Budget Meeting is planned for Monday, December 2, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in person at Victoria Hall Council Chambers, where all are welcome. The Public Meeting will feature a presentation by Chief Administrative Officer/Treasurer Rick Charlebois. Staff plan to bring the proposed 2025 budget to Council on December 9, 2024, at the Regular Meeting of Council.
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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