Enbridge Gas Ontario teams up with Petrolia & North Enniskillen Fire Department to Reduce Fire and Carbon Monoxide Deaths through Safe Community Project Zero
Petrolia, ON, December 1, 2025 – Today, Enbridge Gas Ontario (Enbridge Gas), the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council (FMPFSC) and Petrolia & North Enniskillen Fire Department announced they are working together to improve home safety and bring fire and carbon monoxide-related deaths down to zero.
Petrolia & North Enniskillen Fire Department received 114 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms through Safe Community Project Zero–a public education campaign that will provide more than 14,200 alarms to residents in 75 communities across Ontario.
This year, Enbridge Gas invested $450,000 in Safe Community Project Zero, and over the past 17 years, the program has provided more than 115,000 alarms to Ontario fire departments.
When properly installed and maintained, combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms help provide the early warning to safely escape from a house fire or carbon monoxide exposure. Carbon monoxide is a toxic, odourless gas that is a by-product of incomplete combustion of many types of common fuels.
“Carbon monoxide alarms play a vital role as a second line of defence against this invisible threat, often called ‘the silent killerʼ,” says Suzanne Shea, Manager, Municipal & Stakeholder Engagement, Enbridge Gas. “Proper maintenance of fuel-burning appliances is the most effective way to prevent carbon monoxide exposure. We’re proud to support our communities by raising awareness and helping Ontarians take simple, proactive steps to stay safe in their homes.”
“Each day, fire departments focus their efforts on educating the public about the importance of having working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in their home. The objective of Safe Community Project Zero, is to deliver these alarms to areas where they are needed most, says Jon Pegg, Ontario Fire Marshal and Chair of the FMPFSC. “It is a program that not only helps fire departments raise awareness about the legal requirement to have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms installed in all Ontario homes but also reinforces the critical role they play in saving lives.”
“Smoke and CO alarms are the first line of defense in fire escape planning,” says Fire Chief Rick Cousins. “Properly installed and maintained, they play a vital role in reducing fire related deaths, injuries and property damage.”
“Programs like Safe Community Project Zero are making a real difference for families here in Petrolia and across Ontario. By providing life-saving alarms, Enbridge Gas, the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council and the Petrolia & North Enniskillen Fire Department are helping prevent tragedies before they happen. This is about keeping people safe where it matters most, right at home, and I’m proud to see these initiatives making an impact in our community,” says Bob Bailey, MPP for Sarnia–Lambton.
About the Petrolia & North Enniskillen Fire Department
The Petrolia & North Enniskillen Fire Department has 30 dedicated volunteer firefighters and 12 active Support Operations Response Team members.
About the FMPFSC
The FMPFSC was established in 1993 with a mission to help create “a world where no one is hurt by fire.” Chaired by the Ontario Fire Marshal, the FMPFSC promotes fire prevention and public education through sponsorships and partnerships with various groups and individuals with an interest in public safety. Follow the FMPFSC on X @FMPFSC.
About Enbridge Gas Ontario Enbridge Gas Ontario is Canada’s largest natural gas storage, transmission and distribution company based in Ontario. With more than 175 years of service, it delivers safe, affordable, reliable energy to over 4 million customers. It is investing in innovations that modernize how energy is produced, delivered and used to support a lower emission future. The storage and transmission business offers a variety of storage and transportation services to customers at the Dawn Hub, Canada’s largest integrated underground storage facility and one of the largest in North America. Enbridge Gas is owned by Enbridge Inc. (ENB), a North American-based leader in energy transportation and distribution. Visit enbridgegas.com to learn more.
L-R Jamie Kovacs, Executive Director – Fire Safety Council; Suzanne Shea – Manager, Municipal and Stakeholder Affairs; Mayor R. Brad Loosley – Town of Petrolia; Fire Chief for Petrolia and North Enniskillen Fire, Director of Public Safety – Rick Cousins; Darlene Babula – Executive Administrative Assistant for Petrolia and North Enniskillen Fire; Rick Charlebois, Town of Petrolia Chief Administrative Officer/Treasurer; Jayla Saunders, Town of Petrolia Financial Analyst.
This is Petrolia’s first municipal budget under the Strong Mayor Powers legislation. Under the legislation, the Mayor is not permitted to delegate the Strong Mayor budget powers. This year, Mayor R. Brad Loosley implemented a Budget Review Team consisting of Deputy Mayor, Joel Field; Councillor Bill Clark (Finance Liaison); and himself.
The Mayor’s proposed 2026 Budget was posted online on October 31 for the public to review and comment, and as always members of the public are welcome to attend Council meetings and contact Council members directly at any time.
The 2026 Budget includes the largest capital expenditure plan in Petrolia’s history with over $14M budgeted to be spent. These are exciting times with significant challenges facing us locally, provincially and nationally.
Following the Public Budget Session today,
- The proposed 3% Budget Increase was reduced to 2%.
- Water Rates will increase by 4% to both fixed and variable rates.
- Sewer Rates will increase by 4%.
- Council Promotional Materials will decrease from $6,500 to $1,500.
- The 2026 Fee Schedule was approved.
- The Dog Park Capital expense of $22,000 was approved to proceed.
- The proposed Cemetery Paving Project valued at $80,000 will be deferred to a future budget for consideration.
- The proposed capital improvements to the Petrolia Farmers’ Market ceiling valued at $70,000 will be deferred to a future budget for consideration.
Following the meeting, Council voted to shorten the amendment period by five (5) days so that the amendment period ends today, Monday, November 25. Mayor Loosley then followed by ending the Strong Mayor Veto Period early, by ten (10) days. This ends today as well. This results in the 2026 Budget being deemed adopted by Municipality. Although the Budget for 2026 has been deemed adopted, legislation provides a mechanism for in-year amendments should that be necessary.
The largest portion of the work on the Water Intake Project will take place in 2026 as well, with more than $10M being spent on this replacement and upgrade. Through a Federal and Provincial Grant, this project will be 73% funded. This project represents the second largest project that Petrolia has undertaken in many years.
The Strong Mayor Powers legislation has added several necessary, and cumbersome steps into the budget process. On Monday, December 8, 2025, a Public Information Session will be held at Victoria Hall, Council Chambers, at 6:00 p.m. with the highlights of the 2026 Budget being presented. Mayor R. Brad Loosley noted that “…I would like to thank staff, and the budget committee for their work on this, and I understand that all the changes have added some extra steps and changes and I appreciate the support.”
LAMBTON OPP LAUNCHES FESTIVE RIDE CAMPAIGN
(LAMBTON, ON) – Members from the Lambton detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) will be kicking off their Festive Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) campaign throughout the County on November 20, 2025.
Festive RIDE is an annual police enforcement and education initiative aimed at taking impaired drivers off Ontario roads during the holiday season. This year’s Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police Festive RIDE Campaign runs from November 20, 2025, to January 1, 2026.
Members of the public can expect to see RIDE spot checks throughout the county. These checks can be conducted anywhere and any time. Lambton OPP remains committed to ensuring Ontario roads are safe from drug-impaired and alcohol-impaired drivers. Please do your part by never driving after consuming alcohol or drugs.
Whether you are impaired by alcohol or drugs, impaired is impaired and driving under the influence of either is a criminal offence.
“As we head into the holiday season, our priority is to keep every member of our community safe. Impaired driving is entirely preventable, and the consequences can be devastating. Throughout the Festive RIDE campaign, Lambton OPP officers will be out in full force, at all hours, conducting checkpoints and removing impaired drivers from our roads. We’re asking everyone to plan ahead and make responsible choices. Traffic safety is everyone’s responsibility”- Interim Lambton OPP Detachment Commander, Inspector Ross STUART.
The OPP relies on the public to report crime. Impaired driving is a serious crime that should be treated no differently. If you suspect an impaired driver, make that lifesaving call and dial 9-1-1.
“It’s about to look a lot like Christmas in Petrolia, and I can’t wait! It’s almost time for us to celebrate the season as a community! On behalf of Council, I could not be more grateful to everyone that makes these events so magical!” Said Mayor R. Brad Loosley.
Christmas in the Park will take place in Victoria Park, Petrolia on Friday, December 5, 2025. We are excited to welcome our Service Clubs, as they are all preparing for the famous (and friendly!) chili cookoff! Families are invited to the park for chili and more starting at 6:00 p.m.
The Lambton Central Petrolia Optimist Club Angel Tree names, and the Angel Tree will be visible in the park. Margaret Stokes IODE will return with their delicious hot chocolate and treats, and there will be family wagon rides too!
At 6:00 p.m. Mayor R. Brad Loosley will have the important job of lighting up the Park and kicking off Christmas in Petrolia! We are pleased to welcome the Churches of Lambton Band back to put us all in the Christmas spirit.
“This is our favourite event. The Community Services Advisory Committee members work very hard to make this a family-friendly, event full of magic for children, and full of memories of more than 30 years of this celebration for adults. We are grateful to the service clubs and organizations that participate each year, and we are so happy to host the chili cookoff!” Said Julie Bullock, Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities.
Saturday, December 6, will mark Petrolia’s Outdoor Christmas Market, taking place at the Petrolia Farmers’ Market site from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. with a variety of vendors and light refreshments available for purchase.
“When we added the Outdoor Christmas Market to the events for the weekend, we had no idea it would completely change the feel of the downtown the way it did. The atmosphere was compared to the “inside of a Christmas snow globe” and to “a Hallmark movie. The Market makes Petrolia the most magical place to be with streets lined with people, and the Market bursting with visitors. We look forward to another successful Market as once again; we have sold out all vendor stalls and have a waiting list!” Said Thera Wagner, organizer, and Marketing and Special Events Associate.
Denise Thibeault, Petrolia Business Association Chairperson said, “The “Shop Petrolia” message will be on full display in Petrolia on Saturday, December 6, and we encourage everyone to visit our merchants, do some shopping, stay for a meal, stop for a coffee, and enjoy finding something unique and special for someone on your Christmas list.”
Santa Claus is coming to town! The Community Services Advisory Committee and events team remind families that Petrolia’s “Christmas at the Farm” Parade will take place on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. through downtown Petrolia.
Details of the parade route include a departure from L.C.C.V.I. high school, West on Dufferin Avenue, North on Maude Street, East on Petrolia Line to Oil Street.
During the parade, the Petrolia and North Enniskillen Fire Department will be collecting non-perishable food items. Please bring something to share if you are able.
The Lambton Central Petrolia Optimist Club along with the Petrolia Camera Club have confirmed that Santa Claus will be making an appearance at The Petrolia YMCA immediately following the Santa Claus Parade. Families are welcome to attend for a free photo with Santa himself, and for some treats and crafts too. The Petrolia YMCA has some fun planned for families to enjoy while visiting also.
If you are wondering how Santa Claus will get your Christmas Letters and Wish Lists this year, he has advised the Town Hall that he will be responding to e-mails and letters. He has asked that e-mails be sent to letterstosanta@petrolia.ca and he will reply. Alternatively, Letters to Santa can be dropped off in the special mailbox at the Santa at Petrolia YMCA event.
This year, our festive activities are sponsored by Bourque Renovations, Beth Hackett Insurance Agency Ltd., and Shelley Podolinsky, Mobile Mortgage Specialist with RBC.
Should you go:
6:00 p.m. – Victoria Park – Service Club Chili Cookoff, Lambton Central Petrolia Optimist Angel Tree, IODE sweets and hot chocolate, Christmas music in the park provided by the Churches of Lambton Band, and a free craft to take home.
6:00 p.m. – Victoria Park – Lighting of the Lights
6:00 – 8:00 p.m. – Wagon Rides
Saturday, December 6, 2025
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – 396 Fletcher Street, Behind the Library – Petrolia’s Outdoor Christmas Market
2:00 p.m. – Downtown Petrolia – Santa Claus Parade “Christmas on the Farm”
Following the Parade – Petrolia YMCA – Lambton Central Petrolia Optimist Club hosts “Santa at The Petrolia YMCA”
E-mails and letters to Santa will be accepted until December 15, 2025, and all letters with an e-mail address or return address will receive replies.
The Petrolia and North Enniskillen Fire Department is proud to be one of the local charities that is partnering with Tim Horton’s Holiday Smile Cookie Campaign.
Buy cookies between November 17 and 24, 2025 at Petrolia Tim Horton’s for $2.00 and support two great causes. $1.00 will go to the Petrolia and North Enniskillen Fire Department for the purchase of fire safety equipment, and $1.00 will go to support youth to attend Tim Horton’s Foundation Camps.
“We’re really excited about this.” Said, Petrolia and North Enniskillen Fire Department Chief Rick Cousins. “…Make sure you stop by and say hello, we thank you in advance for your support!”
About Tim Hortons Holiday Smile Cookie
Tim Hortons annual Holiday Smile Cookie campaign is returning from Nov. 17 to Nov. 23 with 100 per cent of proceeds donated to local charities and community groups, including Tim Hortons Foundation Camps.
Last year, Tims guests helped raise $10.7 million through the Holiday Smile Cookie campaign.
The Tim Hortons Holiday Smile Cookie is a delicious white chocolate sugar cookie infused with red and green sprinkles and hand-decorated with a white icing smile face.