PETROLIA HARVEST DAYS CARVED PUMPKIN CONTEST WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Saturday, October 9 marked the second annual pumpkin carving contest and pumpkin walk in Victoria Park, Petrolia. This event was the final opportunity for participation in the four Petrolia Harvest Days weekend events. Petrolia Harvest Days replaced the annual Harvestfest meal held annually in September.

Volunteers from the Community Services Advisory Committee accepted the carved pumpkins from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Each participant was given a bag of chips and a Frisbee, compliments of Cogeco, one of the event sponsors.

The pumpkins were judged by the committee in a variety of age categories. Deciding on the winners was not an easy task given that more than 35 pumpkins that were submitted.

The Committee placed a battery-operated candle in each pumpkin, and they remained lit up for the evening on Saturday where many families took advantage of viewing the displays and taking photos with the pumpkins and the scarecrows.

Once the event concluded, the pumpkins were shared with Albany Retirement Village, Fiddick’s Nursing Home and Meadowview Villa so that they be enjoyed by the residents of each community.

Dave Menzies, Director of Community Services and Facilities said, “… with the great response from last year, the committee decided to make this an annual event. This year the Lambton Central Petrolia Optimist gave out free pumpkins to the first 150 children, which was a great benefit to event participation.” He added, ‘That there was so much creativity this year, we even had one pumpkin that was carved into the Robert. M. Nicol Library.”

The winners:

BEST OVERALL AGE 0-5 – Noah Roberts

BEST OVERALL Age 6-9- Archer/ Raevyn Mitchell

BEST OVERALL 10-15 – Trenton Hyatt

BEST OVERALL 16+- Maggie Borthwick

The winners will receive a $25 gift certificate for a Petrolia business of their choice.

The Committee would like to thank all the participants and the following sponsors for making Petrolia Harvest Days a huge success: SUNCOR Energy, Stewart Electric, Barb & Rick Charlebois and Cogeco.

Winners can pick up their prizes at Town Hall Monday and Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 4:30

p.m. Once again, we thank all participants for a fun, family event!

October 12, 2021/by petrl

Greenwood Recreation Programming Update – Family Skating Opportunities

News, Resident Notice & Advisory

Greenwood Recreation Programming Update – Family Skating Opportunities

Petrolia – The Town of Petrolia is pleased to announce the return of Family Skating Opportunities at Greenwood Recreation Centre in Petrolia.

TYPE	GUIDELINES	SCHEDULE
Learn to Skate (Formerly Moms Pops & Tots) Starts Oct 14	Tots defined as 11 and underNo sticks permitted, skate aids are availableCSA approved helmets are mandatory for all skaters 6 and under and strongly recommended for all skatersStrollers are permittedMaximum participants on ice: 70Masks are mandatory for ages 2 and up	Mondays & Thursdays 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Adult Skate Starts Oct 14	17 years and olderNo SticksCSA approved helmets are strongly recommendedMaximum participants on ice: 70Masks are mandatory	Mondays & Thursdays 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Learn to Play Starts Oct 15	Children 11 and under with parent or providerSticks and pucks permittedNo aggressive playCSA approved helmet, and gloves are mandatory at a minimumMaximum participants on ice: 70	Fridays 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Public Skating Starts Oct 10	All participants 11 and under need to be accompanied by a responsible guardianMasks are mandatory for ages 2 and upCSA approved helmets are mandatory for all skaters 11 and under and strongly recommended for all skatersNo sticks permittedStrollers are permittedMaximum participants on ice: 70	Sundays 1:50 p.m. to 2:50 p.m.

All Greenwood Recreation Centre Covid-19 safety measures will be enforced.

Key Points for participants:

All patrons 12 years of age and older are required to be fully vaccinated
All COVID-19 safety protocols are still in place and must be adhered to
Masks are mandatory for all Town of Petrolia operated arena activities unless otherwise posted in the guidelines
Children 11 years of age and under must always be under adult supervision
Carrying an infant on the ice is not permitted
Use of cell phones and or headphones while on the ice is not permitted
Skaters are requested to not sit on the boards or in the players benches
Figure skating is not permitted
Those displaying unsafe or inappropriate behaviour on or off the ice will be asked to leave
Skating aids are available for public use
Sledge skating is permitted

The Greenwood Recreation Centre in Petrolia continues to employ deep cleaning practices and sanitation throughout the day. These changes include more time between groups, a full sanitation and deep cleaning of benches, the lobby, washrooms, and public areas.

The Town of Petrolia is committed to creating safe, healthy, vibrant spaces. In promoting shared positive experiences, we ask all participants to observe the principles of public safety, respect, and courtesy.

We thank you for your continued support as we navigate the changes to the COVID-19 guidelines and work to keep you safe and well.

October 12, 2021/by petrl

Thanksgiving Closure & Greetings

News, Resident Notice & Advisory

October 7, 2021/by petrl

Public Skating – Thanksgiving Weekend

News, Resident Notice & Advisory

Town Arena Activities Guidelines

October 7, 2021/by petrl

COVID-19 CONTACT TRACING FORM

News, Resident Notice & Advisory

Petrolia Introduces Christmas Market

News, Resident Notice & Advisory

Petrolia Introduces Christmas Market

For the past eleven years Petrolia has seen tremendous success with the Saturday morning Petrolia Farmers’ Market, and then in 2021, the Petrolia Tuesday Night Market was introduced with resounding success. Organizers are planning to add one more special Market date to round out the 2021 season and ask both vendors and patrons to save the date for Saturday, December 4, 2021, as we introduce our first Christmas Market. The Market will be held downtown Petrolia at the same location as the popular Tuesday, and Saturday Market – 396 Fletcher Street, right behind the library.

The Christmas Market will see different vendors than both the Tuesday and Saturday Market, and organizers promise a variety of arts, crafts, local partnerships, food vendors, breweries, wineries and more. The Christmas Market will run for one day only, December 4, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Director of Facilities and Community Services, Dave Menzies said, “…Following the extremely successful Tuesday Night Market addition, we are excited to offer a Christmas Market this year as well. Vendors will be selected by a lottery as limited spaces are available, and we have some festive surprises in the works too.”

Plan to attend: Petrolia Christmas Market, located at 396 Fletcher Street, (behind the library) Saturday, December 4, 2021, between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Street parking is available.

Interested vendors are asked to please visit http://town.petrolia.on.ca/residence/farmers-market/ for the application forms, or to contact Thera at twagner@petrolia.ca or call (519)882-2350, for the application forms. All COVID-19 protocols are in place for the health and safety of the visitors and vendors and volunteers.

September 28, 2021/by petrl

Curb Side Leaf Collection in Petrolia Starts October 18

News, Resident Notice & Advisory

Curb Side Leaf Collection in Petrolia Starts October 18

The Town of Petrolia Operations Department will begin curb side leaf collection for the season on October 18, 2021.

Residents are reminded to use only paper bags for curb side leaf collection. To reduce the use of single use plastics, the Council of the Town of Petrolia passed this requirement to be effective as of January 1, 2020.

Only leaves will be collected. Residents are reminded to sort your compost and take it to the Compost Depot on Maude Street between 8:00 a.m. and noon on one of the following days:

Saturday, October 2

Saturday, October 9

Saturday, October 16

The Depot will accept branches, vines, and twigs that are less than 4” in diameter. Yard waste such as leaves grass, flowers, and plants. Please note that the yard waste needs to be separate from the branches, vines, and twigs.

Leaf Collection will take place Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on your regular waste collection day, starting Monday, October 18, and it will continue through Wednesday, December 15, 2021, weather permitting. The route will be completed as timely as possible with staff reminding residents that as the volume of leaves increases there may be a slight delay in collection as the team works through the streets of Petrolia.

Residents are reminded of the following quick reference details:

Starts October 18, 2021

ONLY leaves will be collected

ONLY paper bags will be accepted

Collection will take place on your regular waste collection day.

All items that are not leaves must be taken to the Compost Depot.

This service will continue until December 15, 2021, weather permitting.

September 27, 2021/by petrl

ADDITIONAL PLANNER HOURS AT PETROLIA MUNICIPAL OFFICE

News, Resident Notice & Advisory

ADDITIONAL PLANNER HOURS AT PETROLIA MUNICIPAL OFFICE

Petrolia is growing again with many current and potential developments on the horizon and is seeing a surge in residential property improvement projects. To continue to provide excellent service to residential, commercial, industrial developers, and residents the Town of Petrolia is pleased to announce that County of Lambton Senior Planner, Rob Nesbitt, and Planner Phil Rough will be working out of the Petrolia Municipal Office a total of four full days each week.

The County of Lambton and the Town of Petrolia have partnered for more than 20 years with a shared Planner, and Clerk, Mandi Pearson said, “As part of our commitment to provide the best customer service to developers and residents, and to help make the development process easy for them, we are pleased to have a Planner at the Petrolia Municipal Office four days per week.”

The role of the Planner is to help the town determine the best way to use land and resources. They help draft land use policies and review proposed developments. In addition, the Planner meets with public officials, developers, staff, and the public regarding development plans and land use. They gather and analyze economic and environmental studies, censuses, and market research data, and conduct field investigations to analyze factors affecting land use.

Planner hours at the Petrolia Municipal Office are Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Residents are welcome to visit the Municipal Office on either of these days to speak with a Planner regarding your planning items. Appointments are strongly encouraged and can be arranged by reaching out to Mr. Nesbitt. All COVID-19 restrictions continue to be followed, and as a reminder, masks are required, and those attending in-person meetings are asked to register upon arrival.

Even when Mr. Nesbitt or Mr. Rough are not working at the Petrolia Municipal Office, they are available at the County of Lambton building, by telephone to (519)845-0801 or by e-mail to rob.nesbitt@county-lambton.on.ca, or to philip.rough@county-lambton.on.ca.

September 24, 2021/by petrl

The Petrolia Resident Tree Program Will Return October 12

News, Resident Notice & Advisory

The Petrolia Resident Tree Program Will Return October 12

Each year, the Town of Petrolia Community Services department hosts a tree giveaway program where residents may request one tree (while supplies last) that they can plant on their property at no charge to the homeowner.

The trees are traditionally native trees, trees that provide a large canopy for shade, and trees that show off their bright colours in the autumn.

“This is always a successful program, and we are grateful for the number of residents that participate each year.” Said Director of Community Services and Facilities, Dave Menzies.

Residents are limited to one tree per Petrolia address. Only residents of Petrolia may participate in this program. Trees are available on a first come, first-served basis.

This year there are five varieties available:

Autumn Blaze Maple – Fire-red Fall colour, virtually keyless, up to 50 feet tall.

Hackberry – Very tolerant, grows 40-70 feet with a 50-foot spread. Leaves are spearhead-shaped, produces small dark red berries that are great for birds.

Tulip Tree – The tulip tree is a large, fast-growing tree, up to 35 metres tall with a trunk up to 160 centimeters in diameter.

Celebration Maple – Fall colour – Orange, Yellow and Red on the same tree.

New for 2021! Morgan Red Maple – Open habit, oval rounded, very fast-growing tree. Up to 45 feet tall and 40 feet wide. Leaves are large and deeply three lobed (usually), with the side lobes rather widespread. Fall colour is orange red to red to purplish.

The Morgan Red Maple Variety have been generously donated by Murphy Contracting Company.

For 2021, residents are advised that tree certificates will be available by telephone only on Tuesday, October 12, 2021, starting at 8:30 a.m. while supplies last. Residents are asked to call (519)882-2350.

Walk-in requests are not available this year to help with physical distancing.

Tree certificates will be available for pick up on Wednesday, October 13 through Friday, October 22, 2021, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the Municipal Office. When collecting the tree certificate residents are reminded that they must wear a mask and adhere to physical distancing requirements.

Trees are available for pick up with the certificate starting on Friday, October 22, 2021, from Windover Nurseries.

September 23, 2021/by petrl

PROVINCIAL GUIDELINES CHANGE POLICY AT INDOOR MUNICIPAL FACILITIES IN PETROLIA

News, Resident Notice & Advisory

PROVINCIAL GUIDELINES CHANGE POLICY AT INDOOR MUNICIPAL FACILITIES IN PETROLIA

Petrolia – Following Premier Doug Ford’s announcement on September 1, 2021, the Town of Petrolia will be changing facility policies to adhere to Provincial requirements effective, Wednesday, September 22, 2021.

Details of the new Mandatory Provincial Requirements can be found here: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1000779/ontario-to-require-proof-of-vaccination-in-select-settings#

“…Safety is our priority and by working under the new Provincial guidelines, it will help our facilities with the goal of a safe re-opening and continued safety for all users.” Said Chief Administrative Officer, Rick Charlebois.

As of September 22, 2021, visitors will need to be fully vaccinated (two doses plus 14 days waiting period) and provide proof of vaccination along with approved Provincial I.D. to access the following Town of Petrolia facilities: Victoria Hall for the purpose of meetings, events, films and theatre performances***, Greenwood Recreation Centre*, and the Petrolia YMCA**.

*Greenwood Recreation Centre policy includes:

Any spectator 12 years of age or older will need to be fully vaccinated (two doses plus 14 days waiting period) and provide proof of vaccination along with approved Provincial I.D. upon entry
Children 11 years of age and younger will be admitted with a fully vaccinated adult aged 18 or older.
Any participant in an organized sport, under 18 years of age will follow the policy set forth by their individual organizations.
Any participant 18 years of age or older will need to be fully vaccinated (two doses plus 14 days waiting period) and provide proof of vaccination along with approved Provincial I.D. upon entry.

Only exemptions:

Those 11 years of age or younger with a fully vaccinated adult aged 18 or older.
Those with written proof of a medical reason, provided by a physician, that sets out:
- That the person cannot be vaccinated against COVID-19; the medical reason; and the effective period for the medical reason (i.e., permanent or time- limited).

**Petrolia YMCA policy includes:

Any participant/spectator who is 12 years of age or older will need to be fully vaccinated (two doses plus 14 days waiting period) and provide proof of vaccination along with a approved Provincial I.D. upon entry
Children 11 years of age and younger will be admitted with a fully vaccinated adult aged 18 or older.
Any person 12 years of age or older will need to be fully vaccinated (two doses plus 14 days waiting period) and provide proof of vaccination along with approved Provincial I.D. to enter the facility.
Any participant in swimming lessons under 12 years of age will not require proof of vaccination

Only exemptions:

Those 11 years of age or younger with a fully vaccinated adult aged 18 or older.

***Victoria Hall policy includes:

Any visitor 12 years of age or older attending for the purpose of meetings, events, films, and theatre performances will need to be fully vaccinated (two doses plus 14 days waiting period) and provide proof of vaccination along with approved Provincial I.D. upon entry
Children 11 years of age and younger will be admitted with a fully vaccinated adult aged 18 or older.

Only exemptions:

Those 11 years of age or younger with a fully vaccinated adult aged 18 or older.
Those with written proof of a medical reason, provided by a physician, that sets out:
- That the person cannot be vaccinated against COVID-19; the medical reason; and the effective period for the medical reason (i.e., permanent or time- limited)
Those attending Victoria Hall for Municipal Services (example tax payments, dog tags, etc.)

This requirement does not apply to outdoor facilities owned and operated by the Town of Petrolia including parks, the Petrolia Farmers’ Market, and playgrounds, nor does it apply to Municipal Services at Victoria Hall.

Starting September 22, 2021, Ontario residents are asked to download a copy of their COVID-19 vaccination records so that it can be shown to gain entry to facilities that are included in the new guidelines. The Province of Ontario will be introducing a digital vaccine receipt that features a QR code for safe and secure proof that is portable and easily accessible and that will be utilized once it is in place.

September 21, 2021/0 Comments/by petrl