Resident Notice & Advisory
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
Please be advised that the Town of Petrolia is aware of a methane flare that is visible at the former Petrolia Landfill site located at site 4052 Oil Heritage Road, Petrolia.
This poses no risk to residents, and although it may appear that the flame is close to the ground and a potential hazard, it is, in fact, placed a safe distance from the ground.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Waste Management at 519-882-4288.
PETROLIA YOUTH COMMITTEE CALLS FOR APPLICATIONS
Petrolia, ON- Acting as a sub-committee for the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, the Petrolia Youth Committee has a goal of including youth in the Town of Petrolia, and to provide experience and leadership opportunities including the following:
- To provide a platform to gain local insights into needs and resources for youth in our community of all ages; and to provide a community presence and engagement with youth through participation in local events.
- To encourage an opportunity to educate and mentor ages 12-18; and to provide opportunities outside the school board curriculum of interest to youth.
- To partner with local businesses for learning and recreation opportunities to support youth in our community.
- To provide a springboard for insight into the potential needs of youth ages in our community
- To connect and engage with local service clubs around opportunities and events they offer to youth of our community.
- To gain local involvement and interest with all members of our community.
Applications are now being accepted for participation through the Committee and are available at area schools also. Applications can be found here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfulxD2OWp0F6U67sI82J6f_K5TjYMUc8pore3aELomDhqCgg/viewform
Petrolia, ON – The Town of Petrolia, in partnership with the Township of Enniskillen are proud to confirm the receipt of both a Federal contribution in the amount of $1,347,802 from the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF) Program and funding of more than $2 million dollars from the Government of Ontario through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program’s Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund (MHIP-HEWSF).
The CHIF program was designed to increase housing supply and support community growth by investing in the water and solid waste infrastructure needed to deliver essential services.
CHIF aims to accelerate the construction and upgrading of housing-enabling drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste infrastructure, directly supporting the creation of new homes and increasing densification. This investment is part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to address the impacts of the housing crisis on communities of all sizes across Canada.
The Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund under MHIP helps municipalities develop, repair, rehabilitate and expand critical drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure. The program supports the province’s growing population by ensuring communities have the necessary water infrastructure to support the building of new homes.
The Petrolia Line capital project includes replacing the existing 200mm watermain with a 300mm watermain from the east side of Bear Creek to Oil Heritage Road, then south to Oil Heritage Road. The new watermain will extend beyond its current boundary to the future development entrance on Oil Heritage Road. This critical infrastructure upgrade will unlock more than 1,000 new homes, representing a 40% increase in Petrolia’s housing supply.
The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada said, “Through the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund, our government is helping communities like Petrolia and Enniskillen build the critical infrastructure needed to unlock more housing. Reliable water and wastewater systems are the foundation of sustainable growth, and this investment will support over a thousand new homes for local families. By working together with our provincial and municipal partners, we’re ensuring that communities across Ontario have the tools they need to grow and thrive.”
“Investing in local infrastructure is part of our government’s plan to protect Ontario, strengthen the economy and create more jobs,” said Ontario’s Acting Minister of Infrastructure, Todd McCarthy. “The Watermain Upsizing on Petrolia Line project is part of our government’s $4 billion investment in critical infrastructure that will make new housing possible. For the Town of Petrolia and the Township of Enniskillen, this project will help enable more than 1,000 new homes.”
Deputy Mayor Joel Field said, “I am so pleased to see this project moving forward with the support of the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario. I would like to extend our thanks to MP Marilyn Gladu and MPP Bob Bailey for their continued advocacy, and for their unwavering support for Petrolia. The Council of the Town of Petrolia are strong advocates for working together with developers and our Federal and Provincial partners to build homes in Petrolia.”
Mayor Kevin Marriott added that, “Another excellent opportunity for our communities to work together for the betterment of all. The Council of the Township of Enniskillen are pleased to be a part of this initiative to help build more homes faster and are aligned with the provincial goalposts. We extend our thanks to both MP Marilyn Gladu and MPP Bob Bailey also, as they are both excellent supporters of our Township.”
The upsizing is expected to take 6 weeks and started in mid-September.
2025 Petrolia Community Fund – Accepting Grant Applications
Petrolia, ON – The Petrolia Community Fund is now accepting grant applications for the community betterment within the Town of Petrolia. The Petrolia Community Fund was established in 2012 and over time has been able to disburse back into the Town of Petrolia over $65 000, funds have been used in supporting youth programs, facility improvements and community projects.
Mike Barron, Executive Director (SCF) had this to say, “this is a very exciting year as the Petrolia Community Fund continues to grow, there are over $12 000 available for community grant disbursement in the Town of Petrolia.”
Grant Applications can be submitted directly to the SCF office via email office@sarniacommunityfoundation.ca and will be accepted up until Monday December 1, 2025 at 400pm. Organizations can visit the SCF website directly to fill their applications out online (www.sarniacommunityfoundation.ca). If you would like more information or have questions about the granting process, please call the SCF office at 519 332 2588.
Known as The Greatest Town on Earth, Petrolia’s unique and rich history as the cradle of the global oil industry is reflected in its countless lush green parks, grand church spires, colourful gardens, and beautiful neighbourhoods. The Town’s commitment to the preservation of its history supports a quality of life that energizes its residents and inspires its visitors. Petrolia honours its success and takes pride in its fiercely independent community spirit. The Petrolia Community Fund is one means for its citizens to continue building on that rich heritage.
The Petrolia Community Fund is in collaboration with the Sarnia Community Foundation. If anyone would like more information on the Petrolia Community Fund or would like to contribute, please contact Mike Barron at the SCF office 519 332-2588 or visit town.petrolia.on.ca/about-petrolia/community-fund.
For further information, please contact:
Mike Barron Executive Director
Sarnia Community Foundation
Phone: 519 332 2588