News – Page 6 – Petrolia

Rainbow Crosswalk to be Painted in Front of Victoria Hall, Petrolia

Petrolia – Upon completion of the Greenfield Street reconstruction project topcoat of asphalt in 2022, a rainbow crosswalk will be painted across Greenfield Street from the front doors of Victoria Hall to the municipal parking lot in dedication to the local LGBTQ2+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Two-Spirit) community.

The crossing will be painted along with the parking lines and other road markings upon the completion of the final coat of asphalt in 2022.

“I am proud of the steps that staff have taken to illustrate to our community and visitors that Petrolia is an inclusive, diverse and accepting place to live, work and play.” Said Mayor R. Brad Loosley.

The six stripes in the widely popularized rainbow flag of today each represent an idea that resonates with LGBTQ2+ people: Red for life, Orange for healing, Yellow for sunlight, Green for nature, Blue for peace, and Purple for spirit.

“This installation of a rainbow crosswalk is a definite, viable, symbol to the LGBTQ2+ community that the Town of Petrolia stands against discrimination and hate. It is a step in the right direction that the Town of Petrolia is taking to be a more inclusive, diverse and accepting community, for all who call Petrolia home and for those that visit.” Said Laurissa Ellsworth, Director of Marketing, Arts and Communications.

“Post-COVID-19, more than 40,000 visitors will use this crosswalk to access Victoria Hall, so the location is perfect for us to welcome all people to our National Heritage Site, and to our world-class theatre. Equality and inclusion are not optional, they are a way of life, and I am pleased with this addition to Petrolia.” Said Rick Charlebois, Chief Administrative Officer/Treasurer.

June 14, 2021/by petrl

Garden of Hope Planted in Petrolia

News, Resident Notice & Advisory

Garden of Hope Planted in Petrolia

Petrolia will be awash in red and white flowers and plants this summer, but one downtown garden will be bright yellow and known as the Petrolia Garden of Hope.

The “Garden of Hope” idea is one that is gaining traction across Canada and beyond, with the idea to see the land awash with gardens featuring yellow, the international colour of hope.

The professional trade association of Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) first endeavours is the Hope is Growing campaign, in partnership with Garden Centres Canada, are encouraging Canadians to plant gardens of hope for 2021 and featuring the colour yellow. From coast to coast, the goal is to create front yards, boulevards and playgrounds brimming with yellow flowers, foliage, and vegetables.

You can take part by planting your Hope Garden and sharing it on social media, and by looking for Hope is Growing displays at participating retail garden centres.

Petrolia in Bloom volunteers have chosen the garden in front of the plaza with Johnny G’s Pizza and Wise Guys Inc. as the home for this bright and vibrant yellow garden.

Dave Menzies, Director of Facilities and Community Services said, “It has truly been a difficult fourteen months for Petrolia residents and our intention is that this bright yellow garden will be a ray of sunshine that people can enjoy on their own time and reflect on their hope for the future. Canadians took up gardening in record numbers last year and so far, the trend is continuing in 2021.

Signs will be in the garden so that residents and visitors will understand the significance.

May 19, 2021/by petrl

$135,000 Ontario Trillium Foundation Grant Gives Victoria Playhouse a Kickstart to Fundraising Campaigns

News, Resident Notice & Advisory

$135,000 Ontario Trillium Foundation Grant Gives Victoria Playhouse a Kickstart to Fundraising Campaigns

Victoria Playhouse Petrolia (VPP) has been named a recipient of $135,000 from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). The OTF grant will allow the VPP to hire a professional fundraiser, that will be covered completely by the grant, to assist in a large-scale fundraising campaign and for further outreach to the theatre’s patrons over the course of the fundraiser. Other goals for the individual will be to develop enhancements to existing sponsorship campaigns and to further develop existing donor programs.

“We are so grateful for OTF’s support in helping us to develop fundraising and detailed sponsorship plans to come out of the COVID-19 intermission with goal-focused fundraising and plans for development of even more community sponsorship.”, said Laurissa Ellsworth, Director of Marketing, Arts and Communications for the Town of Petrolia. Co-Artistic Director, David Hogan, echoed her sentiments with his gratitude saying “Guest experience means everything to us. The VPP is so appreciative to OTF for getting us one step closer to surpassing our fundraising goals with a new focus, and increased community outreach.”

Victoria Hall is home to the VPP and is also used by a variety of community organizations for meetings, celebrations, and fundraisers. Before 2020, Victoria Playhouse Petrolia welcomed 40,000 patrons annually to their summer season and Christmas productions and injected more than $2 million dollars locally each year in economic spinoff.

“Congratulations to the team at the Victoria Playhouse on being awarded this significant Ontario Trillium Grant. A vibrant VPP is such an important part of our community, I’m excited to see the great things that the VPP will accomplish because of this grant. ” – MPP Bailey.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. OTF awarded $115 million to 644 projects last year to build healthy and vibrant communities in Ontario.

May 3, 2021/by petrl