VICTORIA HALL CLOCK TOWER TO BE ILLUMINATED IN BLUE
AND YELLOW
In humanitarian support of the People of the Ukraine, our clocktower on Victoria Hall in Petrolia will be illuminated this week in the national colours of the Ukraine, blue and yellow.
Canadian and Ukrainian organizations are
sharing some ways that individuals can show support:
Canadian Red Cross: the local wing of an international emergency-relief
organization. The federal government says it will match individual donations by
Canadians.
/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/newpetrolia-logo.png00petrl/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/newpetrolia-logo.pngpetrl2022-03-10 11:00:022022-03-01 13:25:08VICTORIA HALL CLOCK TOWER TO BE ILLUMINATED IN BLUE AND YELLOW
– It was another proud day in Petrolia yesterday, when the members of the Petrolia Support Operations Response Team (SORT), an important part of the Petrolia and North Enniskillen Fire Department, received the June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award. “… The June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award for Voluntarism recognizes individuals and groups who have made an exceptional contribution to voluntarism in Ontario. Whether by volunteering their time, efforts, knowledge or resources, citizens from across Ontario are making valuable contributions to the quality of life in their communities and the province.
Up to 20 recipients are awarded the June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award for Voluntarism each year. Ontario recognizes and highlights the contributions of those who serve to inspire others by the positive examples they provide.
The strength of Ontario depends on the strength of its communities. Volunteers help build diverse, vibrant, caring, and safe communities. They help make this province a socially, culturally and economically strong place in which to live.” (http://www.citizenship.gov.on.ca/english/citizenship/honours/oaa.nomination.html)
Nominated for their work with the COVID-19 testing centres, their tireless efforts at community and area fall fairs and agricultural events and more, the group of volunteers could not be more deserving of the honour.
Some background on SORT, from the virtual award presentation. The volunteers of the Support Operations Response Team also known as SORT are trained in basic emergency management principles and firefighter rehabilitation skills.
Each year, they provide thousands of volunteer hours to support the Petrolia north Enniskillen fire department and residents of the surrounding area.
SORT volunteers are prepared to respond to emergencies. They’re on the scene with firefighters, hazardous materials responders, and rescue personnel to ensure the health and safety of all fire department members and affected residents. This includes rehabilitating the frontline workers and decontaminating hazardous material.
They support the emergency management for the town of Petrolia. They provide input on the emergency response plan and establish and manage emergency shelters, educate the public about emergency management and more.
During the early stages of the pandemic, SORT volunteers stepped up to help the community.
They implemented a plan for the COVID drive-through assessment centre and supported mass vaccination clinics held at the local arena by providing monitoring and logistics support.
Each month, they meet to train and sharpen their skills to be in support to Petrolia and North Enniskillen Fire Department.
Sarah Milner, Executive Director for the Central Lambton Family Health Team said, “SORT has supported the COVID-19 testing and vaccination efforts through partnering with the Central Lambton Family Health Team over the past two years. They set up a tent here six days a week for a year to ensure there was a structure to support testing. Their tireless efforts benefitted our entire community. This award is very well deserved.”
Judith Krall, Petrolia and Enniskillen Agricultural Society said, “Well deserved! The efforts put forth by this group of dedicated volunteers as integral to the success of our Fall Fair. Their commitment to oversee the health and wellness of our attendees is so appreciated.”
Fire Chief, Jay Arns added, “They’re truly a fine group of people that have the very best interests of our community at the top of mind all the time. They are the first to arrive at community events, and often some of the last to leave. They are some of the most selfless and generous people I have had the pleasure of working with.”
“I am so proud, and so pleased that our SORT team has been recognized for their commitment to Petrolia and the health and safety of our event attendees. The Town of Petrolia is fortunate to have a great community-minded group of people. The work that they have done for our community and surrounding area over the past two years alone by setting up and tearing down COVID-19 testing centres each day is nothing short of amazing, not to mention all the other events and activities they support. Bravo, and thank you!” Said Mayor R. Brad Loosley.
Members include Paula Stokes, Colleen Johnson, Brooke Osthoff, Valerie Dejeu, Pam Barrington, Amber McLaughlin, Martin McLaughlin, Karen Kuykendal, Mitchel McCauley, Andrew Hart, Erv Sullivan, Tori Macdonald, Steve McLaughlin (retired), and Jed Gould (retired).
/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/newpetrolia-logo.png00petrl/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/newpetrolia-logo.pngpetrl2022-02-04 12:40:552022-02-04 12:40:58PETROLIA SUPPORT OPERATIONS RESPONSE TEAM (SORT) RECOGNIZED FOR VOLUNTEERISM, PROUD RECIPEINTS OF THE JUNE CALLWOOD OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
THE 2021 PETROLIA HERITAGE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS
ORNAMENT IS AVAILABLE NOW – A LITTLE LATE, BUT WORTH THE WAIT!
Beginning with National Heritage Site, Victoria Hall, in 2020, the Petrolia Heritage Committee launched a series of commemorative ornaments featuring heritage buildings in Petrolia.
Each
ornament is $20 (including HST) and over a ten-year period, collectors will see
a different heritage building with a paragraph of history about the building
available for purchase.
The
delivery of the 2021 installment was delayed due to multiple shipping factors. The
good news is that they are now available for purchase by calling the Town of
Petrolia Municipal Office between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through
Friday and paying by Credit Card, or by making an appointment to visit the
Office in person to pay by cash or debit.
Please call (519)882-2350.
The 2021
commemorative ornament features the East End Fire Hall, drawn by artist Susan
Perry. “Susan Perry has been a
resident of Petrolia for 3 decades. Her subject matter is primarily local
landscapes and landmarks, but she also enjoys figure drawing and portraiture.
Susan sketches on site, transforming these preliminary images into finished
lino prints and watercolours.”https://susanperryart.wordpress.com/about/
Some extra ornaments are available for those
that missed the 2020 ornament featuring Victoria Hall. They are available for
$20 (including HST) and can be requested at the same time as the 2021 ornament.
Proceeds from the sales of the commemorative ornaments support restoration work at Hillsdale Cemetery and other Petrolia Heritage Projects throughout Petrolia.
/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/newpetrolia-logo.png00petrl/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/newpetrolia-logo.pngpetrl2022-01-11 13:38:132022-01-11 13:41:50THE 2021 PETROLIA HERITAGE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT IS AVAILABLE NOW – A LITTLE LATE, BUT WORTH THE WAIT!
The Rotary
Club of Petrolia has partnered with the Town of Petrolia to offer a Community
Garden Program that is now available for application. Participation in this program comes at no
cost to apply and are awarded by lottery during the first week of December each
year. For 2022, the lottery will take
place the first week of February. Each
plot is awarded for one season, but permit holders are welcome to re-apply each
year. It is up to the permit holder to
choose your preferred garden style. Plot locations will be assigned by the
Committee.
To keep
the area looking tidy, plot permit holders are asked to maintain weeds, and are
expected to participate in the Fall cleanup of their plot.
Community
gardens provide residents with many opportunities including access to healthy
and low-cost food, healthy physical activity, skills enhancement, the
development of meaningful relationships, and building cross-cultural
partnerships.
Dave Menzies, Director of Community
Services and Facilities said, “I am very pleased to have the Rotary Club take
on this project for our community. It is
important that all people have access to fresh and nutritious food, and for
some members of our community this will assist with an immediate need.”
The location of the Community Garden is
on the West side of Centre Street, between Portland Avenue and the Town of
Petrolia Public Works Yard.
/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/newpetrolia-logo.png00petrl/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/newpetrolia-logo.pngpetrl2022-01-10 13:22:592022-01-10 13:23:03THE ROTARY CLUB OF PETROLIA COMMUNITY GARDEN PROGRAM ANNOUNCED
2022 Budget Approved in Petrolia – 0% Municipal Tax Rate Increase
Petrolia Town Council approved the 2022 municipal budget last night in regular Council. The approved budget will see a 0% increase to the Municipal tax rate.
Mayor R. Brad Loosley said, “I would like to thank Rick Charlebois and his team for an excellent budget and look forward to another great year of projects that benefit Petrolia, and to the improvements to our community.”
Chief Administrative Officer/Treasurer Rick Charlebois said, “Due to a $534K increase to our annual 2022 Ontario Community Investment Fund capital grant, staff were able to amend the proposed 2% municipal tax rate increase recommendation to a 0% municipal tax rate change. We are very grateful for this unexpected news from the province late last week.”
Following the approval of the Town General 2022 Budget, staff will proceed with several capital projects including:
a) The reconstruction of Derby Street, Mutual Street, Third Street and Valentina Street.
b) The installation of a new Town entrance sign South of Petrolia on Oil Heritage Road
c) New solar lighting in Bridgeview Park
d) Road resurfacing, and partial resurfacing of Pearl Street, England Avenue and Glenview Avenue.
e) A splash pad, sponsored by The Kiwanis Club of Petrolia and Area that will be financed up front by the Town and repaid by the Club.
f) Parents-4-Parks would see the final funds needed to proceed with park equipment installation in Greenwood Park.
The Town’s Sewer and Water rates will both increase by 2.5% in 2022. Our Sewer major capital work for 2022 will include: the sewer portion of the road reconstruction projects; and some capital work at four pumping stations throughout Petrolia (Glenview, Progress, TG Waterville and Garden Crescent). Our major Water capital work next year will include: the water portion of the road reconstruction projects; and some pre-engineering work to prepare for the replacement of our Water Treatment Plant In-take (large pipe that brings in water from Lake Huron) which is estimated to cost $16.2M.
Summary Report Regarding
Council/Staff Relations Special Meeting of Council
On Monday, November 22, 2021, the Council of the Town of Petrolia had the opportunity to speak with Mr. John Fleming, Independent Investigator regarding a Council/Staff relations concern. As outlined in the rise and report, and under parameters established by the Municipal Freedom of Information, Privacy and Protection Act, the summary of Mr. Fleming’s report is available here: John Fleming Report – Public Summary.
Mayor
R. Brad Loosley has followed the recommendations of the report and has taken
appropriate actions with Council. Integrity Commissioner, John Mascarin, of Aird
and Berlis will host an Education Session for Council on Monday, December 13, 2021,
at 5:00 p.m. electronically via Zoom. This meeting is open to the public, and
the link and other details will be available online at https://petrolia.civicweb.net/portal/ 48 hours in advance of
the meeting.
Chief
Administrative Officer/Treasurer, Rick Charlebois has taken the actions
identified in the recommendations of the report, and in addition to the annual
staff training programs, has led in-depth training sessions with staff that
offered a great deal of focus on policies and procedures as they pertain to
personnel policies and to workplace safety. A thorough review of job
descriptions for key positions is currently underway.
Mayor R. Brad Loosley and Chief Administrative
Officer Rick Charlebois have full confidence that, moving forward, Council and
staff will continue to work together to ensure the very best for the residents
of Petrolia.
/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/newpetrolia-logo.png00petrl/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/newpetrolia-logo.pngpetrl2021-11-25 10:11:132021-11-25 10:11:17Summary Report Regarding Council/Staff Relations Special Meeting of Council
ADDITIONALPLANNER
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.
/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/newpetrolia-logo.png00petrl/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/newpetrolia-logo.pngpetrl2021-09-24 08:52:072021-09-24 08:52:10ADDITIONAL PLANNER HOURS AT PETROLIA MUNICIPAL OFFICE
/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/newpetrolia-logo.png00petrl/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/newpetrolia-logo.pngpetrl2021-08-20 09:05:082021-10-21 08:41:34Notice of Completion: Municipal Class Env. Assessment - Storm Water Master Plan Servicing Study
/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/newpetrolia-logo.png00petrl/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/newpetrolia-logo.pngpetrl2021-08-19 08:26:102021-08-19 08:26:48Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Notice of Study Commencement