– 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).

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.

The application form can be found at: http://town.petrolia.on.ca/residence/rotary-club-of-petrolia-community-garden/

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.

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.