Resident Notice & Advisory
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.
Eats, Beats & Boutiques – Coming to Downtown Petrolia on June 6, 2026
Petrolia – Petrolia is launching a brand-new event in 2026!
Join us in downtown Petrolia on Saturday, June 6, 2026, for Eats, Beats & Boutiques, an event designed to showcase the best of our local community. From 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., visitors can explore an expanded selection of shops, street performances, unique vendors, enjoy diverse dining options, and experience live entertainment throughout the downtown core.
“Expect the unexpected, …” Said Julie Bullock, Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities “…We’ve invited all kinds of unique vendors, we’ve encouraged our merchants to take their shops out to the streets, and we’ve booked unique entertainment and much more!”
The event will feature a licensed drink area, an engaging Kids Zone with activities for families, and a range of vendors and attractions that highlight the creativity and vibrancy of Petrolia’s small businesses. Bring your family, invite your friends, and enjoy shopping, food, music, and fun in the heart of downtown.
Those looking for vendor applications, can apply by visiting https://visitpetrolia.ca/eats-beats-and-boutiques/ and artists interested in performing can contact staff at lellsworth@petrolia.ca
Admission is free, and open to all ages. Free shuttles will be available with thanks to the generosity of Langs Bus Lines. Visit www.visitpetrolia.ca for more information.
Following information obtained from Circular Materials, and Waste Management the following actions will take place in the Town of Petrolia for compliance with the new guidelines as outlined by the Provincial government.
Under the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act, 2016, the Blue Box Regulation designates Blue Box materials, including packaging-like and paper products, under Ontario’s new regulatory framework for resource recovery. The regulation makes producers resident in Canada that supply packaging and paper to Ontario consumers fully financially and operationally responsible for their products and packaging at the end of life. Communities currently operating under the Waste Diversion Transition Act will have transitioned to the new Blue Box program by January 1, 2026.
Through a Provincial tendering process, Emterra has won the tender for recycling collection in the Town of Petrolia. This means that throughout November, Emterra will visit each residence with two 80L Blue Boxes. You are to continue to use your Waste Management Recycling Bins (the bins with the yellow lids) until December 31, 2025. Starting January 1, 2026, Emterra will take over the collection of your recycling on the same day as your garbage collection. The Town of Petrolia is working directly with Waste Management and will provide information regarding when the old recycling carts will be picked up.
Why are we switching back to bins after we just recently switched to carts?
We recognize the impact of change and thank residents and communities for their continued engagement and participation in recycling through this transition. Resident participation is vital to increasing recycling rates and advancing a more sustainable future.
As part of Ontario’s transition to a new extended producer responsibility (EPR) blue box program, the local recycling collection contractor in Petrolia is changing as of January 1, 2026. The new recycling collection contractor, Emterra, will be using recycling bins, not carts, for recycling collection in Petrolia.
As the administrator of Ontario’s common collection system, Circular Materials follows a standardized procurement process to ensure the fair, effective and efficient provision of services that meets the obligations of the province’s EPR Regulation. Communities’ bin type is determined by their local contractor, based on the contract awarded during the procurement process. Several assessment factors are considered during the procurement process to ensure service delivery meets the needs of residents, the community, and regulatory requirements. Regardless of bin type or collection method, residents can be assured that their efforts to recycle matter and that all post-collection recycling facilities follow standardized sorting processes that align with regulatory performance requirements and result in positive environmental outcomes.
What should I do with my old cart?
The Town of Petrolia is working directly with Waste Management (WM), the Town’s previous recycling collection contractor, to identify a solution for the old recycling carts. More information will be provided by the Town and/or WM, and any inquiries regarding the old recycling carts can be directed to the Town of Petrolia.
Who do I contact for recycling questions?
Please contact Emterra:
• Phone: 1-888-597-1541
• Email: customercareont@emterra.ca
What if I bought my own blue box? Can I set it out for collection?
• Yes, you may use your own blue box for recycling collection.
How should I set out my recycling boxes for collection?
• Remember to separate your recyclables from your garbage and organic waste.
• Place containers clean, dry and loose in your bin.
• Place your recycling boxes on a flat surface that is clear of obstacles to ensure a safe collection.
Key Takeaways
- All users are to continue to use their Waste Management Recycling Bins (with the yellow lid) until December 31, 2025.
- Starting January 1, 2026, Emterra will begin collection using the new blue bins.
- All residential properties including single dwelling units, multi-dwelling units, apartment buildings, and apartments in downtown Petrolia will be moving to the Enterra Blue Boxes.
- All commercial properties will remain with the Waste Management bins with the yellow lids for recycling.
- Residential users should expect that the two new 80L blue bins from Emterra, will be delivered in November.
- Residential users should expect an update regarding the date of collection of the yellow lid Waste Management bins as we have the information.
Questions should be directed to –
Emterra at 1-888-597-1541
e-mail customercareont@emterra.ca
